Features for a good CAD library

VEX V5 General Discussion
#1

Hello VEX Forumers,

I am currently trying to create a VEX solidworks library which is up to date with the new components, along with some features like configurable metals etc. What are some good features that can be added to create a good CAD library?

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#2

You might start by updating my CAD library which you’ll find here:. http://www.technology-education-resources.com/22514.html

There’s a circular feature in each square hole to allow concentric mates. Also, on grabcad.com there’s a V5 clawbot with the SolidWorks conversions of the V5 components.

For a handy addition, you could create 35 configurations of each metal piece, something I’ve thought about, but never executed.

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#3

So I currently do have a configurable metal setup which I found on youtube. However, I’m struggling on how to create circular sketches for each configuration since 35 different settings will require 210 different sketches (6 sides for each length)

#4

If you do one circular sketch in a square hole on one side of the piece you are working on, you can use rectangular pattern to mirror the circular sketch onto the rest of the holes, which saves a lot of time. Hope this isn’t out of context.

#5

You definitely want to study up on pattern generation, including sketch-driven patterns, and pattern-driven patterns.

As for the 35 different length configurations, I would suggest starting with a complete 35 long part, insert a cut with a plane, then configure the dimension that positions the cutting plane.

#6

You could also make 1 35-long piece with circular mates, and then make copies of that file and extrude each new copy to size. This is faster than making new sketches and patterns for each piece but it’s still quite tedious.

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#7

I’m now thinking doing the circles for configurable metal through a linear sketch pattern - the instances will change according to each configurations, but I am still figuring out how to do that. I’ll also think of adding weights to each components

#8

In this post is a cool idea adding a circular feature to each square hole: it’s kind of like how shafts have a cylindrical (rather than filleted) corners: CAD use for IQ The advantage of this method is fewer surfaces to regenerate. Rather than creating the square holes and patterning them, then creating the circular feature and patterning that as well, it does it all in one. Also, a single circular feature regenerates faster than four fillets of the current part.

Regarding the linear patterns, there is an option of specifying “up to reference” instead of “spacing and instances.” This allows the pattern to simply fill the part regardless of the size.

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#9

I like this idea. It might be easier than you think. Just parametrize your extrusion length and rectangular pattern quantities.

#10

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