Hi All,
Very interesting thread. The determination of actual values for multi-feature systems is not currently well defined in the standards (but we are working on it). Different approaches have been used in industry, particularly when CMM's are involved. There are a lot of techniques being used that do not necessarily achieve the optimal result.
Because only datum feature A is referenced in the FCF, the DRF is not constrained in rotation about the Z axis and in translation in the X and Y directions. In the language of Y14.5.1M-1994, there are multiple "candidate DRF's", and for each one we can calculate actual Position values for each hole in the pattern. The sets of values that SeasonLee calculated are candidate actual values, for different candidate DRF's. Each set is valid, and equally correct. So the actual Position value for any given hole in the pattern depends on which DRF was used. For example, Hole 1 has a Position value of 0 in one DRF and 2.828 in the other. Many people find this concept counter-intuitive, but it represents reality. The Position requirement is like a template, that controls the relative position of the holes.
But what if we want there to be only one answer? As Paul illustrated in his presentation, rotation and translation can be optimized to achieve the best result. So we must define what we mean by "best". The optimization approach that I believe makes the most sense for conformance assessment could be described as "make the worst point in the system as good as possible". This is a generalization of how actual values work for single-feature characteristics like Flatness. We try to get all of the points on the feature (extremities and all) to fit into the smallest zone, as opposed to getting the most points within tolerance or near nominal.
The optimal candidate DRF for SeasonLee's example is the one that makes all 4 holes in the pattern conform to the smallest possible Position tolerance. To achieve this, we must make the worst axis endpoint(s) as good as possible. Using the terminology from Paul's presentation, this equates to maximizing the minimum residual tolerance.
Evan Janeshewski
Axymetrix Quality Engineering Inc.