JST
Alibre Super User
Yep, that type constraint is what I want. Call it "approximate", or "proximity" ("proximal"?), or whatever...... One where if it falls in the "window" it is considered to be able to be aligned.
I think it may be most similar to the "tangent inside" constraint, and that actually might be able to be used.
As I think about it, a possible workaround is to put a pin of the desired size into the hole. Then constrain the pin using a tangent inside. Constrain the other part to the pin using the same condition.
Theoretically, the two can be satisfied at once. I do not know if Alibre WILL do that, it can be fussy and petulantly ask for clarification, wanting you to move the parts closer to the desired alignment.
Also, that may not allow the part to be parallel to another part, even if the alignment could work, because with the tangent inside, the holes and pin HAVE TO touch. With a true "proximal constraint", the pin could be anywhere within the area, even if the surfaces do not touch or align, and the hole centers can be anywhere within a range around true coincidence.
I think it may be most similar to the "tangent inside" constraint, and that actually might be able to be used.
As I think about it, a possible workaround is to put a pin of the desired size into the hole. Then constrain the pin using a tangent inside. Constrain the other part to the pin using the same condition.
Theoretically, the two can be satisfied at once. I do not know if Alibre WILL do that, it can be fussy and petulantly ask for clarification, wanting you to move the parts closer to the desired alignment.
Also, that may not allow the part to be parallel to another part, even if the alignment could work, because with the tangent inside, the holes and pin HAVE TO touch. With a true "proximal constraint", the pin could be anywhere within the area, even if the surfaces do not touch or align, and the hole centers can be anywhere within a range around true coincidence.