Constraint Enhancements

New Solutions for Constraining 2 Axes

The Place Constraint dialog box provides 3 new solutions for constraining 2 axes.

Use the new options Opposed and Aligned to control the direction of an axis when creating a mate constraint between 2 axes. These options make it easier for you to get the axes positioned the way you want.

The example below displays the center axis of the first selected component, and the center axis of the second selected component. With Opposed selected, the direction of the axis of the first selected component is reversed. With Aligned selected, the direction of the axis of the first selected component is maintained.

An Inventor® Ideas submission

For more information, see To Place Mate or Flush Constraints in Assemblies.

New Option to Lock Rotation with Insert Constraint

Use the new option, Lock Rotation, to lock the rotational degrees of freedom on a component when placing an insert constraint. This option prevents the part from rotating.

A lock icon displays in the graphics window when placing an Insert constraint with Lock Rotation selected. By default, the lock icon no longer displays after closing the Place Constraint dialog box. To view the lock icon in the graphics window after closing the dialog box, click Assemble Relationships panel Show. Once displayed, you can right-click the icon, and access options for suppressing, and other edit operations.

Once Lock Rotation applied, the Insert constraint displays with a locked icon in the browser.

Note: Lock Rotation is not available when creating an iMate definition. Lock Rotation is only available when creating an Insert constraint or editing an iMate result.

An Inventor® Ideas submission

For more information, see To Place Insert Constraints in Assemblies.

Angular Constraint Enhancements

Previously, a Directed and Undirected Angle constraint flipped when a related component's position changed. Now, the Directed and Undirected Angle setting within a angular constraint persists when creating a new angle constraint or making edits to the existing constraint.

An Inventor® Ideas submission

For more information on angle constraints, see To Place Angle Constraints in Assemblies.