MechDesigner Reference & User Interface > 2.2 Mechanism-Editor: > Force elements

Why Configure Power Source?

There is one Power-Source for each degree-of-freedom in a kinematic-chain.

In the default case, we locate for you the Power-Source for a degree-of-freedom at the Joint whose position and motion are defined by a Motion-Dimension FB. The Power-Source may need to be moved to a different joint or element.

You use the Configure Power-Source interface to specify which element is the Power-Source for each degree-of-freedom in a kinematic-chain.

These elements can be a Power-Source: Joints (as Motors), 2D-Cams, Springs, and pulleys.

To identify the Power-Source

In the default case, there is a Power-Source at a joint whose motion is identified by a Motion-Dimension FB.

A Motor-Symbol represents a Power-Source at a Joint.

To see the Motor-Symbol, enable:

•Force toolbar > Force Vectors: Display

•Forces toolbar > Force Vectors: Calculate

To open the Configure Power-Source dialog

There are four(4) methods to open the Configure Power-Source dialog.

Method 1

Double-Click the Motor-Symbol

If you can see a Motor-Symbol

1.Double-click the Motor Symbol.

The Configure Power Source dialog is now open.

METHOD 2

1.Click the Kinematics-Tree in the Element-Explorer

2.Click the Kinematic-Chain for which you want to identify the Power-Source.

The Kinematic-Chain should be Blue.

3.Click Force toolbar > Configure Power Source icon.

The Configure Power Source dialog is now open.

Configure Power Source from Kinematics-Tree

METHOD 3 (<<< see image above )

In the Kinematics-Tree:

1.Click the Kinematics-Tree in the Element-Explorer

2.Click the Kinematic-Chain

The Kinematic-Chain label in the Kinematics-Tree should be Blue.

3.Right-click the Kinematic-Chain in the Kinematics-Tree

4.Click Configure Power Source in the shortcut menu

The Configure Power Source dialog is now open.

METHOD 4

1.Click the Kinematics-Tree in the Element-Explorer

2.Click the Kinematic-Chain

3.Press the ALT+P keyboard shortcut

The Configure Power Source dialog is now open.

See Configure Power Source dialog.