Getting Started Tutorials - MechDesigner > The User Interface > 5: MotionDesigner: Link a Motion to a Part

MotionDesigner: Link a Motion to a Motion-Part or Motion-Point

Terminology :

Terms	Description and definition.
Function-Block :	Function-Blocks (FBs) have input-connectors and output-connectors to connect wires. Motion-values 'flow' along the wires between each FB. Different types of FB have different functions. Also, FBs have parameters to modify the input-to-output motion relationship.
Motion FB :	A Function-Block. You can use its dialog-box to select a Motion from one of those motions you have designed in MotionDesigner. The motion-values at the input-connector to a Motion FB are equivalent to the X-axis values of the Motion you select. The motion-values at its output-connector are equivalent to the Y-axis values of the same Motion.
Motion-Part :	A derived-name for a Part that we plan to move with a motion.
Motion-Dimension FB :	A FB to identify a Motion-Part. The motion-values at its input-connector will move the Motion-Part with the motion that we plan for it with other Function-Blocks.

Use MotionDesigner to add, name and design motions. The name of the motion is in its Motion name-tab.

To Link a Motion to a Motion-Part

Assume that you have a Motion-Part in the model, such as a Rocker or a Slider.

STEP 1: Add the Motion FB to the graphic-area

1.Click Kinematic FB toolbar > Motion FB

2.Click in the graphic-area

The Motion FB is now in the graphic-area.

STEP 2: Open the Motion FB dialog-box

1.Double-click a Motion FB in the graphic-area or Assembly-Tree

- or -

1.See How to Open a Dialog-Box

The Motion FB dialog-box is now open.

STEP 3: Edit the Motion FB dialog-box

Use the Motion FB dialog-box to select a motion that is in MotionDesigner.

Motion Parameters Select Motion:

1.Click the down-arrow at the right of the Select Motion list box, to show the list of motions that are the Motion name-tabs.

2.Click the motion name that you want to link to the Motion FB.

Output Option

◉Reset output : Default.

◉Accumulate output : Select when the motion is a progressive motion (e.g.: indexing).

Output Data Type

◉Motion : Default.

◉Linear or Rotary : Select when the Motion applies to a Motion-Path FB, or Math FB.

Click to close the Motion FB dialog-Box.

STEP 4: Connect wires to the input-connector and from the output-connector.

1.Connect a wire to the input-connector of the Motion FB

Usually, (but not always), connect a wire from the output of a Linear-Motion FB or a Gearing FB to the input-connector of the Motion FB.

When you cycle the model, the motion-values at its input-connector are the X-axis motion-values of the Motion you select in STEP 3.

2.Connect a wire from the output-connector of the Motion FB

You can connect many wires from the output-connector Function-Blocks.

Usually (not always), connect a wire to the input of a Gearing FB, or a Motion-Dimension FB or a Motion-Path FB

When you cycle the model, the motion-values at the output-connector are the Y-axis motion-values of the Motion you select in STEP 3.

General Notes:

Note 1:

MotionDesigner : Tutorials

Click here for the MotionDesigner Getting-Started-Tutorials.

Note 2:

To Dock and Float MotionDesigner:

Click Visibility toolbar > Dock and Float MotionDesigner.

Note 3:

You do NOT need to save motions.

We save motions automatically when you save the MechDesigner model.

However, you CAN save all of the motions to one file with:

•Motion: File toolbar > Save As

or, save individual motions with

•Motion: File toolbar > Save Active Motion.

Note: 4:

To use MotionDesigner, you may need to click in its application window to make it active.

Note: 5:

Use MotionDesigner to design motions for Motion-Parts and Motion-Points in kinematic-chains.