How to create a dynamic spring
- Thread starter MainJet
- Start date
Lew_Merrick
Guest
Not really as that would require a dynamically linked reference Plane set to control the Helix definition. What I do is to create Configurations for Free Length, Initial Compressed Length, Fully Compressed Length, and at least one Intermediately Compressed Length. It is then only an "issue" to activate the correct Configuration within the Assembly. [Not, mind you, that this has not neen part of my List of Requested Improvements for quite a while.]
Lew_Merrick
Guest
Have you noticed my Spring Design "resource?" There's one for coil compression springs and another for hairpin double torsion springs. Both meet SAE and DoD requirements.
Thanks for the above.
Lew, where is the Spring design resource ?
I usually draw it myself but it is always good get something which is easier
The issue I had was to bend the spring inside the the assembly to ensure enough clearance.
Bugger all wall thickness to work with so the more I can leave in the better
Lew, where is the Spring design resource ?
I usually draw it myself but it is always good get something which is easier
The issue I had was to bend the spring inside the the assembly to ensure enough clearance.
Bugger all wall thickness to work with so the more I can leave in the better
A dynamic spring is out of my price range. But if anybody would like a pretty quick and dirty spring creator, I made this.
Find a spring on MSC or equivalent.
Open sample spring.
Set as read only. So Save As (SPRING PART #)
Open equation editor
Fill in the "A" lines (Spring OD, Wire Dia, Solid Spring Height, Desired Height for assembly)
Does fine for 95% of everything I need, Inserts a reference plane at base and desired height for easy mating.
Find a spring on MSC or equivalent.
Open sample spring.
Set as read only. So Save As (SPRING PART #)
Open equation editor
Fill in the "A" lines (Spring OD, Wire Dia, Solid Spring Height, Desired Height for assembly)
Does fine for 95% of everything I need, Inserts a reference plane at base and desired height for easy mating.
Lew_Merrick
Guest
In essence what you would need is a Constraint with a variable range of values that allows the Helix Feature to vary based on some other Component's position. Give us that ability (angular as well as linear) and quite a few things become bettter with the Constraint system!
Seems both simpler and more complex than that. You would need the centerline (axis) of your helix to be a variable spline. Then you would need to constrain each end of the spline to mate to the center point of the spring pocket I would think.
Lew_Merrick
Guest
B -- My point is that Variable (within limits) Constraints are a needed improvement. Applying it to a Spiral Feature should be fairly obvious. Making that Variable Constraint driven Component as something driven by a Constrained Relationship should be equally obvious.
HaroldL
Alibre Super User
Maybe there's something in this old tutorial that will help -- or maybe not.
Lew_Merrick
Guest
Harold -- One problem associated with using S[line Entities to approximate a Compression Spring is that a spring's mean diameter increases as it is compressed. Thus, one needs to know the amount of compression to know how the mean diameter is affected. If you look at my "Coil Compression Springs Library Rev New.7z" entry under Resources you will see that being accounted for through Configurations.
idslk
Alibre Super User
Hello colleagues,
here only a little thing for your ideas...
springmove.zip is a very little video
Spring_Move.AD_PRT is a little spring
and here is the little script for the "move" (should be also in the partfile)
It dynamically edits the length(D4) of the spring (it does not do any FEA)
The variable "springtravel" is to control how much the spring will be compressed and released.
It could be made more comfortable, shiny and professional but it's only to start thinking about it...
Regards
Stefan
here only a little thing for your ideas...
springmove.zip is a very little video
Spring_Move.AD_PRT is a little spring
and here is the little script for the "move" (should be also in the partfile)
Code:
Win = Windows()
WT = 'IDSLK'
ScriptName = 'Springmove'
springtravel = 20
CP = CurrentPart()
for i in range(len(CP.Parameters)):
if CP.Parameters[i].Name == 'D4':
M = i
Posi_x = CP.Parameters[M].Value
for r in range(springtravel):
Posi_x = Posi_x - 1
CP.Parameters[M].Value = Posi_x
for r in range(springtravel):
Posi_x = Posi_x + 1
CP.Parameters[M].Value = Posi_x
print 'done'The variable "springtravel" is to control how much the spring will be compressed and released.
It could be made more comfortable, shiny and professional but it's only to start thinking about it...
Regards
Stefan
Brings back memories https://www.alibreforum.com/forum/index.php?threads/springs-in-motion.5469/
https://www.alibreforum.com/forum/index.php?threads/springs-in-motion.5469/Hello Stefan,
I really look forward to trying your solution later. I was sad when we lost Motion too. Still, there's always this: https://www.alibreforum.com/forum/index.php?threads/inherent-kinematic-ability.1431/#post-7076
I really look forward to trying your solution later. I was sad when we lost Motion too. Still, there's always this: https://www.alibreforum.com/forum/index.php?threads/inherent-kinematic-ability.1431/#post-7076