Placing Connection Points Using the Advanced Method

The advanced method is an alternative method that lets you place connection points using multiple constraints. When making connections, devices or components are connected by mechanical constraints via the geometrical elements selected.

You can position connection points using the advanced method.

Note: You cannot place segment position point using this method.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Open any document containing a device in which you want to place a connection point or cavity.

All Connection Points Except Segment Connection Points

You can place all connection points using multiple constraints.

  1. Click a connection point command.

  2. In the dialog box that opens, select Advanced.



  3. Select a geometrical element to represent the connection point. You can, for example, select a pocket, a pad, a face, etc.

    This element lets you visualize the connection point in the geometry area and facilitates its identification while you work.

    In the example below, a face was selected.



  4. Define one or more constraints depending on the degree of freedom desired.

    Valid geometry used to define the three degrees of freedom offered is:

    Constraining geometry   Valid geometry
    Contact (obligatory) Surface or point
    Coincidence (optional) Surface, line or axis
    Orientation (optional) Surface, line or axis

    Note: Orientation is used to constrain the rotation i.e. the third degree of freedom.

    The type of constraint obtained depends on the geometrical elements selected for mating connection points.

    For example, you obtain a contact constraint only if, for mating connection points, the degree of freedom is defined by two surfaces in both cases. If a point is selected, the constraint will be a coincidence constraint.

      Surface Point Line
    Surface Contact Coincidence Coincidence
    Point Coincidence Coincidence Coincidence
    Line Coincidence Coincidence Coincidence

  5. Click OK when done

Segment Connection Points

You can define segment connection points using the advanced method and set multiple constraints.

  1. Click Define Segment Connection Points.

  2. In the dialog box that opens, select Advanced.



  3. Select a geometrical element to represent the connection point. You can, for example, select a pocket, a pad, a face, etc. This element lets you visualize the connection point in the geometry area and facilitates its identification while you work.

  4. Set a Point constraint: select a point. This point will possibly be used to identify the end of a segment.

  5. Set a Tangency constraint: select a plane or an axis. This plane or axis will possibly be used to orientate the segment.

  6. Click OK when done.