Apply a path relationship


The following procedures describe how to use the Path command (Home tab→Assemble group→Path) to define how one part moves relative to another part along a defined path. For more information, see About the Path relationship.

Insert a new part

  1. To place a new part into the assembly, drag a placement part from the Parts Library into the assembly workspace.

    The system automatically opens the Assemble command and the associated Assemble command bar, and highlights the placement part. Most often it takes more than a single relationship to fully assert a Path/Follower relationship with the Path relationship being the last relationship to be applied (similar to a Mate relationship).

  2. On the Assemble command bar, select the Path option from the Relationship Types list .

    For more information, see Using the Path command bar.

  3. On the highlighted part being placed, select the follower, edge, edge chain or point.

  4. Select the edge chain to use as the path. The path geometry can be defined using sketch geometry, edges, edge chains, 3D curve geometry, or geometric key points.

  5. From the Offset Type list, choose one of the following:

    • Float—Select a Float offset to allow the relationship freedom of movement along the identified path. This also 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 the Fixed offset to fix the follower at a defined point on the path. Also 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 box, Flip button, and Origin Point options are displayed to further define the relationship.

  6. Click Accept (✔), right-click, or press Enter to accept the selection. Choose Deselect (X) to cancel the selection.

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

    For a Float relationship you are done.

  7. If you selected the Fixed option, enter how far you want to offset the follower component from the Origin point, and then select the Origin Point. Use the Flip button to identify the direction of the offset.

  8. To complete the action, press OK.

    The Assemble command bar remains open to apply the next relationship. To apply another relationship, continue with Create additional relationships.

  9. To close the Assemble command and the Assemble command bar, press the Esc key.

Tip:

Select the Flip command to have the follower maintain a tangential relationship on the opposite side of the defined path surface after the relationship has been applied.

Create additional relationships

  1. To create another Path relationship between two parts, you can do either of the following:

    • To create a relationship using the Assemble command bar, the Assemble command bar must be open. If not open, select the Assemble command (Home tab→Assemble group→Assemble). On the Assemble command bar, select the Path icon from the Relationship Types list.

    • To create a relationship using the Path command bar, the Path command bar must be open. If not open, select the Path command (Home tab→Assemble group→Path) .

    The actions that can be performed are the same for each option. However, after the Path command bar is opened, only a Path relationship can be applied. The relationship type cannot be changed. For more information, see Using the Path command bar.

  2. Select the relationship parts and features as described previously.

  3. To complete the action, press OK.

  4. To close the command and the command bar, press the Esc key.

Using the Cam command bar About the Path relationship

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