Parametric Modeling

Presentation Overview
Types of computer design parameters
Review of geometric constraints
Parametric constraints
Creation of parametric equations that
maintain geometric proportions
Parameters
3D CAD programs use parameters to
define a model of a design solution
A parameter is a property of a system
whose value determines how the system
will behave
Types of Parameters
3D CAD programs typically have three
types of user-defined parameters:
Geometric Constraints (review)
Parametric Constraints
Assembly Constraints (discussed later)
Review of Geometric Constraints
Non-numerical geometric relationships
that the user assigns to sketched
elements.
Examples
Making two lines parallel
Making two arcs concentric
Making a line horizontal

Review of Geometric Constraints
Perpendicular, Parallel, Tangent, Coincident, Concentric, Collinear
Horizontal, Vertical, Equal, Fix, Symmetric
Parametric Constraints
Are used to control the size and location of
geometry
May take the form of simple numeric
values such as 2 inches or 25 degrees
May take the form of abstract algebraic
formulas such as (d2*d0)/d5
Parametric Constraints
Can be tied to
spreadsheets that
allow for more
complex
mathematical
formulas
Parametric Equations
Algebraic equations that use variables can
be substituted for individual numeric
values

The resulting dimensional value may
change, but the formula will remain
constant

d7 = ((d2*d0)/d5)+2 in.
Symbols: + - * /
add subtract multiply divide
Parametric Equations
Scenario: A childs
proportions are
similar to those of
an adult
A chair could be
dimensioned so
that changing the
seat height
uniformly scales all
other chair features
Each dimension is given a designation, starting with d0.
Parametric Equations
d1
d0
All location and size dimensions are given
designations. Geometric constraints, such
as the perpendicular and parallel edges,
do not have designations.
Parametric Equations
Extrusion and taper angle values are also
given designations
Parametric Equations
Parametric Equations
Problem
The Overall Plate Depth (d0) and the Overall
Plate Width (d1) must maintain a constant
ratio
If the plate were scaled up or down, the
overall dimensions would remain proportional
to each other.

Parametric Equations
If the Overall Plate Depth and Overall
Plate Width must maintain a constant
ratio, then the current dimensional values
can be used to establish the ratio
5 in.
Parametric Equations
If the Overall Plate Depth and Overall
Plate Width must maintain a constant
ratio, then the current dimensional values
can be used to establish the ratio
5 : 3 or 5/3 or 1.66667
3 : 5 or 3/5 or .6
Note: unit-less values
5 in.
Parametric Equations
If dimension d0 is the only linear
dimension that will have a numeric value,
then it must be used to develop an
equation that will maintain proportionality
5 in.
d1 = d0 in.*(5/3) d1 = d0 in./(3/5)
or
5 in. = 3 in. x 1.66667 5 in. = 3 in. .6
Parametric Equations
Both equations work, so either may be
used in the CAD program as a parametric
equation for dimension d1 to maintain
proportionality
5 in.
d1 = d0 in.*(5/3) d1 = d0 in./(3/5)
or
5 in. = 3 in. x 1.66667 5 in. = 3 in. .6
Parametric Equations
Each parametric equation must tie back
directly (e.g., d0/2) or indirectly (e.g., d1*.8
= (d0*(5/3))*.8) to a dimension that has a
true value. In this case dimension d0 has a
true value of 3 in.
Parametric Equations in Inventor
Dimension parameters are named in
sequential order beginning with d0.
The first dimension you place will be
labeled d0, the next d1, and so on.

Parametric Equations in Inventor
You may type equations into the
dimension dialog box (instead of a
number)

Parametric Equations in Inventor
You may assign the parameter name to
any dimension

Parametric Equations in Inventor
You may change the
display mode of
dimensions by right
clicking
Choose Name as
the dimension display
in order to display the
parameter names
instead of the numeric
value

Parametric Equations in Inventor
The parameter table displays parameter
names, units, equations, and numeric
values of dimensions.
Access to the parameter table is provided
under the Manage tab.
Parametric Equations in Inventor
You may revise parameter names and
equations and add comments within the
parameter table
The dimensions will automatically update
when you depress Done