Allow selecting patterned part as merge scope in intersection

alnis

Currently, when using a pattern such as a linear pattern or circular pattern, it is possible to have the pattern add to the part being patterned. It would be useful in some cases to have this work with the "Intersect" option, too, since its behavior is not consistent with the "Add" option at the moment. Here's a simple example (link to document:https://cad.onshape.com/documents/0433b25fe5828cf767f0e8a6/w/33bb48c463a06e5a017cc7da/e/bec19ea901e71bc449c7a58c):

Using the "Add" type with the part selected as the merge scope, everything works as expected:


However, using the "Intersect" type with Part 1 selected as the merge scope, the feature fails and does not work how you would expect coming from the "Add" option:


Here is the expected result for the second input if the "Intersect" option were to behave the same as the "Add" option (the circular pattern produces new parts, and the boolean intersects them):


I know this has somewhat limited use cases, but it simplifies modeling geometric/mathematical shapes a bit, and I can also see how it would be useful for mechanical products. My guess is that it wouldn't be too difficult to implement since the "New" option plus an "Intersect" boolean already provides the desired outcome. This would help to increase the consistency and simplicity of the default Onshape feature set so that the sub-options work in the same way. Maybe it would be a good, small "first fix/improvement" for a new employee on the team?

Thank you for your consideration!

lougallo

@alnis_smidchens boolean is done with part bodies not features in this case.  Best to have the pattern make NEW bodies then use intersect.

john_mcclary

Could you add intersect to your own custom feature,? should be able to copy the circle pattern feature and add the boolean at the end. @alnis_smidchens

alnis

It's definitely easy to just use a second boolean feature with the new bodies created, I just figured the behavior would be more consistent with the "Intersect" option if it behaved more like the "Add" option.

john_mcclary

I agree, especially to make it parametric when make the pattern count a configured variable 

EvanReese

i'm into this. I guess I haven't hit on this case yet, but Alins' example is how I'd expect it to work.

lana

We've confused you by calling two different options Intersection.  Boolean Intersection means set intersection of all the tools, but Intersection in Boolean post processing step ( Extrude, Revolve etc. ) actually means subtract complement (a cookie-cutter) . Pattern follows the same pattern, picking up the seed as a tool.  https://cad.onshape.com/documents/8434d15472b877db22b62950/w/c754d86f540241d8a1293f8e/e/f4deece7fbf6d31b39e81ff0
Sorry about confusion. 

alnis

Ah, that makes a lot more sense now. Thanks for the example! Please don't apologize, it was a PICNIC (Problem In Chair, Not In Computer); I should have played around with the circular pattern more before making an IR