Flexible Components

8/12/2019 Flexible Components

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An Open and Shut Case

for Flexible ComponentsMichael MongilioJHU Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD

Swales Aerospace, Beltsville, MD


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What Are Flexible Components?

In the Physical World: An item whose shape is non- rigid. Its shape can be

changed as it is used in an assembly by bending,twisting, stretching, hinged movement, etc.

In the Pro/ENGINEER World: A component in an assembly whose representation has

been changed compared to its stand aloneconfiguration without creating a new model name orinstance. The variation only exists in the context of theassembly in which it has been changed.


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The Need for Flexible Components

There are many occasions when a componentneeds to be added to an assembly but it wontlook like its standalone representation.

A spring In the assembly, it may be extended,compressed, or twisted

An electronic component In the assembly, its leadsmay be bent or trimmed

A Hinge Sub-assembly In the assembly, the hingemay be in any position from opened to closed.


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Other Examples

Compression of a Rivet

Compression of a Gasket or Other Elastomers

Ropes, Straps, Hoist CablesCovers, Safe Pins Removed at Assembly

Flex Circuits Printed Wiring


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Family Table Instance Method

Each Variation could be created as a newinstance on a family table+ Instance Shows Correct Configuration of Design

+ Can be Automatically Substituted for Generic in Assembly

Variation restricted to discrete dimensional values Each variation (instance) is a new part number, giving

incorrect Bill of Materials information Variation can only be created at the sub-assembly in

which the component is a direct member.


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Flexible Component Method

Define Component Flexibility+ Variation is Created Only at the Assembly Where it is

Needed.

+ Variation can be discrete values or measurement ofassembly condition

+ Variation does not create a new part number. Bill ofMaterials reports correctly

+ Variation can transcend the assembly hierarchy.Flexibility can be defined on a component multiplelevels deep with out affecting the in-between sub-assemblies.


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Part Flexibility

Defining Flexibility On the Fly Select the component to be made flexible

(model tree or graphics window)

Right click > Make Flexible


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Part Flexibility Dimensional VariationSelect Dimension to Vary and New Value


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Part Flexibility Dimensional VariationModel regenerates to new dimensionName in Model Tree is Unaffected


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Part Flexibility Dimensional VariationName and Quantity on Parts List is Correct


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Dimensional Variation - MeasuredThe Dimensional Variation Desired May Not be a FixedValue

When Establishing Variability, the Dimensional VariationMay Be Determined by a Measurement Distance Curve Length Angle Area

Diameter


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Dimensional Variation - Measured

Spring Adjusts to Measured Distance


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Dimensional Variation - Measured

Spring Height Adjusts Automatically When GapHeight Increases


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(Make the Original Model Correctly)

As a Spring Elongates, the Coils Should Stretch.


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Associated Parameter

Allows Varied Item Dimension to be Controlledby a Relation or a Family Table Add Column for Assoc Param


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Associated ParameterSpecify a Name for the Associated Parameter

The Parameter is Accessed from the Relations Menu orthe Family Table Menu as a Component Parameter


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Part Flexibility Feature Variation

Example: Capacitors with different leadconfigurations


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All Lead Configurations are Modeled in Part


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Select Features TabSuppress or Resume Appropriate Features


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Part Flexibility All Options

Dimensions

Features

Geom. TolsParameters

Surf Finish


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Assembly Flexibility

In Addition to the Varied Items of Part Flexibility, Assembly Flexibility Can Suppress or ResumeComponents

Varied Items can be Selected from the AssemblyItself or from any Sub-Assembly Component atany Sub-Assembly Level


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Dimensional Modification to Sub-Assembly


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Dimensional Modification

This Hinge Angle Set to45Original Hinge

Assembly

This Hinge RemainsUnchanged


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Set Second Hinge to Measure First Hinge Angle


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Where to Establish Flexibility

ARRAY-HINGE Flexible in SOLAR-ARRAY Sub-assemblyBoth Arrays are Deployed at SPACECRAFT Assembly


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Multi-Assembly Level Flexibility

SOLAR-ARRAY Sub-Assembly Flexible at SPACECRAFT Assembly


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Select Dimensions from Lower Level Sub-Assembly ARRAY-HINGE


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One SOLAR-ARRAY Deploys while Other Canbe Shown Stowed

This Sub-Assemblyand Componentsare Flexible

This Sub-Assemblyis Not


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(How Would It be Done with a Family Table?)

Create a Family Table of the HINGE-ASSEM withThree Instances for 0 , 45 and 180

Create a Family Table of the SOLAR-ARRAY Sub- Assembly with an Open and Closed Instance. Add

Each HINGE-ASSEM and Substitute with the Appropriate Instance

Create a Family Table of the SPACECRAFT Assembly with an Open and Closed Instance. AddEach SOLAR-ARRAY and Substitute with the

Appropriate InstanceBut what if I want to show partial deployment withother angles?


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Setting Up Flexibility

Flexibility Can be Pre-Defined in a ModelBy Pre-Defining the Flexibility, the Variable Items areStored in a Dialog Box for Easy Access

Other Users Will Not Have to Hunt Through theModel to Establish its Flexibility

When Making the Component Flexible, the SameDialog Box Appears, but the Varied Items are Already

Populated Additional Items that Werent Pre -Defined Can Still be Added


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Setting Up Flexibility

With the Model Active Edit > Setup > Flexibility

Add the items (dimensions,features, etc.) which can bevaried.

Flexible Components

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