Using the Path command bar

The Path command bar options are used to define a Path relationship between a follower and a path. For more information, see About the Path relationship.

The following image shows the Path relationships using the horizontal toolbar form of the user interface. The features displayed for the vertical docking window interface form are similar. You can change the version that is displayed using the Command User Interface options on the Helpers tab in the QY CAD Options dialog box. For more information, see Helpers tab (QY CAD Options dialog box).

The Path command bar:

has the same features as the Assemble command bar:

when a Path relationship type is selected. For more information, see Assemble command bar.

The Path command bar is displayed when you select the Home tab→Assemble group→Path command. The Assemble command bar for a Path relationship is displayed when a new part is dragged into the assembly workspace from the Parts Library and the Path relationship type is selected.

The command bars have the following options:

Command Bar Icon

The icon displayed is determined by how the command was accessed. The Path icon is displayed if the Path command is selected from the ribbon (Home tab→Assemble group→Path ) when defining or modifying a relationship for parts that are already in the assembly workspace. The Assemble icon is displayed after dragging a new part into the assembly workspace and a Path relationship type is selected.

For more information, see Apply a path relationship.

Occurrence Properties

Select this option to open the Occurrence Properties dialog box. For more information, see the Occurrence Properties command. This option is only available after you select a part.

Construction Display

When visible, this option opens the Construction Display dialog box that is used to show or hide the selected reference elements for the part. If they are valid, the visible reference elements (the ones that have been turned on) can then be selected to form the Path relationship. The reference items include:

• show/hide coordinate systems

• show/hide reference planes

• show/hide sketches

• show/hide references axes

• show/hide construction surfaces

• show/hide construction curves

• use designed or simplified part

Relationship List

On the Path command bar, the relationship identifier for the next relationship is displayed. This is for reference only and cannot be changed. On the Assemble command bar the relationship identifier for the next relationship to be formed is also displayed but any previously defined relationships are displayed in the list and can be selected. This allows previously defined relationships to be modified directly from the Assemble command bar

Relationship Type

On the Path command bar, this option is locked and cannot be changed. On the Assemble command bar the type of relation to be formed can be selected from the list. Changing the relationship type from Path to some other relationship type also changes the options that appear on the command bar.

Command Bar Options

Opens the Assemble command bar Options dialog box.

Placement Part

Specifies which part is to be positioned in the assembly. This button is active when adding a relationship to a part that already exists in the assembly, or when placing a subassembly. This button is inactive when placing a new part in an assembly as the new part that is dragged into the assembly workspace is automatically selected as the placement part. Generally this is the Follower part.

Placement Element

Specifies which element is to be used on the part being positioned in the assembly. Generally this is the Follower contact point, or surface.

Target Part

Specifies the target part to be used to form the relationship. Generally this is the Path part.

Target Part Element

Specifies the target element to be used to form the relationship. Generally this is the Path face or edge.

OK

Orients the part in the assembly using the relationship that has just been defined.

Accept (✔)

Accepts the selection. This option is active during the Placement Part Element and Target Part Element steps.

Deselect (X)

Cancels the selection. This option is active during the Placement Part Element and Target Part Element steps.

Offset Type

Select the type of offset to apply to the relationship.

Float

Select a Float offset to allow the relationship freedom of movement along the identified path. This enables you to use the Drag Component command to move the follower along the path assuming that there are no other relationships that constrain the movement.

Fixed

Select this option to fix the follower at a defined point on the path. You would select this option to enable the relationship to be used to create a Variable Table Motor. The variable associated with this relationship can be incremented to create an animation. When you select the Fixed option and accept the selections, the Offset Value field, Flip button, and Origin Point options are displayed to further define the relationship.

Offset Value

You use this box to enter the distance from the Origin Point to the relationship components. This box only applies to fixed offset relationships.

Flip

You can use this option to flip the direction of the Offset Value from the Origin Point. This option only applies to fixed offset relationships. This option is available when editing a Path relationship.

Origin Point

You use this option to identify the point along the path to serve as the origin for the offset. The offset value is the distance from this point. The direction of offset is determined by the Flip button. This option only applies to fixed offset relationships.

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