Feature Pattern Data

This function can be used to define a linear or polar feature pattern. Define the feature pattern properties in the dialog box.

Dialog Box Options

Linear

Defines the feature pattern as linear. Click the Linear button. You can define a linear feature pattern on a part for example in either one direction or in both the longitudinal and latitudinal direction. For a linear feature pattern, define the number of features, either the length (width) or the distance and the feature pattern angle among other things with which the features will be set.

Position

Select from the drop-down menu where to locate the pattern.

Symmetric

Select the check box Symmetric if you want to create a symmetrical feature pattern. Locate the feature to the symmetry center and then create a pattern from the feature.

Polar

Defines the feature pattern as polar. Click the Polar button. For a polar feature pattern, define the number of features, the angle between features and the radius among other things with which the features will be set.

Direction

Select the pattern’s direction from the drop-down menu.

No rotation

An asymmetric feature will be rotated in a polar feature pattern. You can prevent rotation of a feature by selecting the No rotation check box.

Number

Defines the number of features to be added to the part. The parent feature, based on which the feature pattern is created, is counted as one of the features in the feature pattern.

Formula

Defines the feature pattern property, for example amount, length, width variable.

Length

Defines the length value (L) in the longitudinal direction at which the features will be set at equal distances. The direction of the positive X axis determines the longitudinal direction on the part (default). To check the directions of the axes, press the K button in the sketching mode to make the cursor a coordinate cursor. You can make the check after confirming the feature pattern properties. If necessary, you can rotate the feature pattern.

Define a linear pattern to length’s direction: 6 pieces of components, the length is 120.

Define a polar feature pattern on the cylinder face in the length direction: two features, length 100 (delta between features). Volumes on the circle total of eight, 8.

Width

Defines the width value (W) in the latitudinal direction at which the features will be set at equal distances. The direction of the positive Y axis determines the latitudinal direction on the part (default).

• Define a linear pattern to length’s direction: 3 pieces of components, the length is 40.

Define a linear feature pattern in both the longitudinal and latitudinal directions (angle = 90 degrees).

Scale

Defines the distance (D) left between the features in either the longitudinal or latitudinal direction. Define a linear pattern to length’s direction: 2 pieces of components, the length is 120.

Radius

Defines the radius value for a polar feature pattern. If no radius value is entered, the program will use the default radius value (R=100).

The center point of the feature pattern sketch has been made coincident with the origin of the sketching coordinate system. In addition, the center point of the parent feature (A) is coincident with the origin of the sketch. Thus, the parent feature will also be moved along with the feature pattern when you change the radius value.

Angle: Linear Feature Pattern

Defines the angle of a linear feature pattern. The angle of a symmetric feature pattern is 90 degrees, but you can also define another value.

• The feature pattern angle value is defined as 80 degrees when editing the feature group. Please note that the longitudinal direction of the feature pattern sketch has been made parallel with the edge of the face using a geometric constraint.

• When the Parallel constraint has been defined for the latitudinal direction, the feature pattern will be set as follows:

Angle: Polar Feature Pattern

Defines the angles at which the features will be set at equal distances. The features will be set clockwise in relation to the parent feature.

Define the angle value as 180 degrees and the number of features as five.

Deleted

Defines the features to be deleted from a feature pattern. The position of the features is given as the XY coordinates, entered in parentheses. A period (.) is used to separate the X and Y coordinates. In the Deleted field, you can enter several features to be deleted one after another, for example, (1.1)(1.3). The parent feature is (1.1). You can define the features to be deleted when creating the feature pattern or when editing it.

After deleting features by using the Delete function, the coordinates of the deleted features will be displayed in the Deleted field when you select the feature pattern for editing. You can edit the data by adding or deleting coordinates.

Edit the feature pattern by deleting the following features: (1.1)(2.3)(3.1)(4.3)(5.1)(6.3).

In a polar feature pattern, the parent feature will have the coordinates (1.1). The numbering continues clockwise: (2.1)(3.1), etc.

Pattern Location

Defines the insertion plane of a feature pattern. Select one of the following in the list:

• Default Plane - The parent feature's insertion plane.
• Face - Select a face from the model to determine the insertion plane.
• Line - Select a line from the model to determine the insertion direction and the position of the connection point for the sketch from the line. The selected line will be perpendicular to the insertion plane.
• 3 Point Plane - Select the origin, a point defining the direction of the X axis and a point defining the direction of the plane.

When inserting a feature pattern for a face, line or three-point plane, the sketch guiding the pattern is inserted into a plane. You can change the plane by selecting it from the feature tree and selecting the Relocate function.