Positioning parts on Curved Patterns

going_along

I want to position non-symmetrical shaped clip pieces along a curved path. My problem is how to position the starting piece, define the spacing and number of repeats.

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/6069e5a4726e63081ef00469/w/8b6ef67f37ebad3e6132cc4d/e/7a2cc0167be4c45d62a6c39b

In my test example I created a simple box at the centre of my curve and repeated it along a curved path. Central positioning makes it straightforward to achieve initial alignment. As you can see the pattern is extended for the full length of the path, so I need to start at one end not the middle. If I start at the end what is the best way of achieving initial alignment (on the curve) and how do I prevent the last piece from over-running the end as I find that the pattern tends to exceed the curve length by one unit.

Or is there a much better way altogether?

My thanks.

mahir

In this particular example, your curve is just an arc. So you'd be better off using a circular pattern. The spacing can be controlled directly, or by setting the total angle and number of instances.

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/902bd73c14b958f73261b56b/w/61d56750bb20e1a2d2282f61/e/c8491bed2e2457268ee8bd85

mahir

In this particular example, your curve is just an arc. So you'd be better off using a circular pattern. The spacing can be controlled directly, or by setting the total angle and number of instances.

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/902bd73c14b958f73261b56b/w/61d56750bb20e1a2d2282f61/e/c8491bed2e2457268ee8bd85

going_along

Thanks mahir, you provided a solution for the example I gave, but though it is not an issue for me right now it would be good to know how to achieve what I needed for a curved pattern. I probably need to spend more time experimenting.

mahir

In general, you would just need to tweak the position of your seed part relative to the end points of your curve.