iLogic Code for Creating Min/Max Design Limits in Autodesk Inventor – 2

I left off in the last iLogic code post with the code that limits the Shaker Table’s apron  to a minimum of two inches. Today’s post will cover the apron’s maximum width code as well as the min/max for the thickness.

But first, I promised to show how to make the model semi-transparent. It is not at all necessary to do so, but I like to use the technique when adding and testing iLogic code so that I can get an x-ray view as to what is going on in my model. I have posted the How-To under the title iLogic Code Writing and Testing in a Semi-Transparent Model

Now, back to writing iLogic code. The maximum apron width code is shown below. The formula I came up with makes sure you can make the apron as wide as you want without blowing things up in the model. The parameters used within the formula (mostly the Taper_Min_Height and the Taper_Reveal) can be tweaked as well to create whatever look or other outcome you may desire.

 

 

I will likely create a drop-down list of standard widths later in this series of tutorials –with the ability to override same and add any width within the min/max we are now setting up. But for now, we’ll stick to the script. The code below sets the minimum thickness of the aprons. I did not use a ‘hard’ number such a ½” just in case the leg were to be sized really small. I have no idea why one would do so, but we are all about setting reasonable limits, not limiting future design possibilities.

 

 

I will likely create a drop-dow n list of standard widths later in this series of tutorials –with the ability to override and add any width within the min/max we are now setting up.

 

 

The last chunk of iLogic code will control the apron’s maximum thickness. Again, it uses a formula instead of a hard number to allow for more design possibilities down the road.

 

 

All of the above may be tweaked later on as I have only a vague plan as to the direction of this tutorial –but that will create an opportunity to demonstrate how to modify existing models with iLogic code.  

 

Now that the apron has its min/max code in place, the last thing to do is test it. Open the Form 1  form and play around with the numbers, you should not be able to adjust it beyond the design limits you just created. You should get an error message explaining any entries that are beyond the min/max set in the iLogic code, then the model will resize to the limit. You can also comment out the message boxes and have the code just do its work –which is just fine in a one-man shop setup.

 

Just by setting the apron’s width to 99” (which snapped back to the min of 16” at this overall height), I notice that the table starts to look a lot like an old-fashioned dough table, and it wouldn’t’t be very hard to create that option –or to add drawers to create a dresser. One model can be configured to represent numerous items –maybe we will go down that road later if there is enough interest.

 

 

Next, I probably should write the iLogic code that controls the overall min/max for the entire piece…….. where things go from there is anyone’s guess. Have a great new year!

 

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