02_parameters

Using Parameters : 

The following slides discuss how to add parameters to your component to make it more flexible. This example will use a parameter to adjust the length and width of a conveyor. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

Parameters are variables that you can control on the level of the individual component. They add a lot of flexibility to specific components. On the Create Tab – use the Parameter sub-tab to make a Real Parameter. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

The dialog to the left allows you to define the specifics for the Real Parameter you are creating. Use the names and settings shown and then click the Close button. Remember the name ConvLength, we will be using it later. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

Repeat the process to create a second Parameter called ConvWidth. Notice the default value of 300. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

To use the Parameters that were just created we need to create a Transform. Transforms are used to translate, rotate, or scale primitives in the Geometry of a component. Go to the Geometry sub-tab and select Transform from the pull down shown here. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

In this case, we are going to use a Transform to scale the length of the conveyor based on the value of the parameter. In the equation shown above the “S” stands for scale and the “x” stand for the direction we are scaling. Other valid expressions are Tx, Ty, Tz for Translating, and Rx, Ry, Rz for Rotating. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

We are going to use the Parameter to multiply the size of the Block using the scale function. For this to work properly, the block needs to be 1 mm in length. Double-click on the block in the Geometry tab and change its length to 1. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

Once the Block is the proper size in the X direction, we need to place it “inside” the transform. This is done by dragging the Block with the LMB and dropping it on the transform as shown here. It will appear below the transform once the LMB is released. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

Since the Block in now inside the transform, we can go to the Param Tab and change the ConvLength parameter. We should see a corresponding change in the length of our conveyor. Note: the frame we created will not move yet. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

To make the width parameter driven, change the width of the block to 1 and update the transform formula as shown. Individual portions of the transform are separated by a period as shown here. If any piece of the formula is incorrect, it will not function. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

So far we have adjusted the size of the block with Parameters. We still need to adjust the position of the frames based on parameters. The first step is to set the values of their translations to zero. Set the X, Y, and Z values for the Start frame to zero using the Translate function. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

In order to place the Start frame in the proper place, we need to create another transform that is half of the width parameter and a constant height since this is not a parameter. Drag the frame inside this transform and it should go to the top center at the start of the conveyor. Using Parameters

Using Parameters : 

Repeat the process for the End frame using the equation shown above. Remember to zero out the translations for the End frame using the translate function. Now when you change the length and width parameters, the frames should move accordingly. Save the Component using the File pull down. Using Parameters