Term :

Definition

Sketch-Path :

an open or closed chain of sketch-elements that you join end to end with merged-points.

Sketch-Loop :

a closed chain of sketch-elements that you join end to end with merged-points.

Merged-Points :

a Point* - usually the start-Point and/or end-Point of from two sketch-elements that you merge to one Point.

Branch-Point :

three, or more, Points that you merge to one Point.

Figure of Eight :

sketch-elements, in one chain of sketch-elements, cross over each other.

Zero-Thickness :

sketch-elements, in one chain of sketch-elements, touch each other - typically with a Tangent Constraint.

* start-Point or end-Point of a sketch-element

To review example sketch-loops.

To review examples that are not sketch-loops.

Note:

You do not need to add Constraints to construct a sketch-loop, but it is generally good practice.

In the examples below, where you see one Point* at the ends of two sketch-elements, you should assume that the Points* are merged and not coincident.

* start-Point and/or end-Point.

1: A Circle

The simplest sketch-loop.

There one Circle

Frequently used for a Follower-Roller.

See Also: Follower Shapes

2: Lines

General polygon. There are five Lines and five Points.

If you add five Lines, but do not Merge-Points, there is a total of 10 Points.

3: Lines and Arcs

General shape.

As above, but there are 3 Lines and 1 Arc.

4: Arcs

General shape.

As above, but there are three Arcs.

1: Figure-of-Eight

Sketch-elements in one chain of sketch-elements cross each other.

This is NOT a sketch-loop.

It is a closed sketch-path.

2: Branch Point

Three Points merge at one Point*.

This is NOT a sketch-loop.

3: Zero-Thickness

A sketch-element in one chain of sketch-elements touches a different sketch-element - typically with a Tangent Constraint.

This is NOT a sketch-loop.

4: Sketch-Path

The sketch-elements do not all join end to end.