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INTRODUCTION

Introduced as a new feature in R11, Frame Generator is an automation tool designed to simplify the

creation of structural frameworks in Autodesk Inventor. Based on the time-tested and reliableDerived Part functionality, Frame Generator allows the control of a frame assemblys layout through

the manipulation of a single master part file. As such, Frame Generator is another tool in Inventorsincreasingly comprehensive arsenal of adaptive technologies.

Figure 1 Frame Generator Truss Assembly and Skeleton

ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN INVENTOR: A QUICK REVIEW

Autodesk Inventor offers a number of tools for centralizing control of a project:

Part Adaptivity: Part configuration is controlled using 3D constraints in the Assembly. Skeletal Modeling: Assembly and part configuration are controlled using a master part file via

Inventors derived part functionality.

Frame Generator: Skeletal modeling techniques with automation routines and profile librariesadded to simplify the process.

Spreadsheet-Driven Projects: Part/Assembly configuration is controlled externally by linkingparameters to an MS Excel spreadsheet.

Note that these various technologies are not mutually exclusive, and may often be combined in waysthat accentuate the strengths of each technique.

We can see that Frame Generator is a skeletal modeling tool at its core. Although Frame Generatorsimplifies many of the more complex processes inherent to the skeletal modeling technique, it is stillnecessary to have a comprehensive understanding of skeletal modeling in order to reap the maximum

benefits from Frame Generator.

SKELETAL MODELING BASICS

Skeletal modeling begins with a part file containing geometry which represents an entire assembly.The various objects in the skeleton file that represent the assemblys individual parts are created in

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their correct relationship to each other, and constraint relationships are established so that the entireassembly behaves as expected during updates. This master file is then inserted into other part files

using the derived part tool. The parts geometry is created by extruding the derived sketch objects.When the assembly is created, the parts can simply be grounded in place because their relationships

are managed by the skeleton file.

A) The Skeleton File:

The skeleton file is the master

file that drives all the parts inthe skeletal assembly.

Sketches and other objects are

created in the skeleton torepresent the various parts in

their proper relationships. Thelayout of the assembly is

driven by specific designpriorities rather than

necessarily following either a

top down or bottom upstrategy. This simply means

that the most important and driving design parameters are represented first, and dependant

parameters are added according to order of importance until the layout is complete.

Skeleton files often contain only a few simple sketches. However, more complex skeletons may

contain many sketches, as well as work geometry, surfaces and even solids. Any geometric object in

a part fileand parameters as well--may be used as referenced objects in a skeletal assembly. Thisextreme versatility makes the concept of the skeletal master very powerful. However, it does mean

that careful management is needed to keep the master file manageable as complexity increases.For working with Frame Generator, the skeleton file is somewhat simplified, because it is not

necessary to create any profiles for extrusion. This means that a Frame Generator skeleton istypically comprised of a series or paths, similar to what would be used with the Sweep command.

B) The derived relationship:

Once the master file is created, that file is derived into the individual part files, where the geometry

can be extruded to form the part. In a skeletal assembly, every part is often derived from the same

skeleton. The derived part feature allows control of various elements of the process, allowing acomplex master file to be simplified in each part file so that just the essential elements must be dealt

with.

The derived part functionality is the backbone of the entire skeletal modeling concept, and as such, isalso the backbone of Frame Generator. This is fortunate, as derived part functionality is a very

mature, stable and long-standing feature in Inventor. With Frame Generator, the derived part

process is managed automatically, and is largely transparent to the user.

C) Assembling the skeletal assembly:

Because all the parts in a skeletal assembly are derived from a common master, they all sharecommon reference points in their origin geometry. This means that a skeletal assembly need not be

Figure 2 - Platform Skeleton, Note Browser Names

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assembled using assembly constraints in the conventional manner. Many skeletal assemblies have noassembly constraints at all; the parts are simply grounded in place. They keep their proper

relationships because they are modeled in position according to the skeleton file rather than each

being modeled independently.

In Frame Generator, the parts are placed and grounded automatically. No assembly constraints areused, and the user need not bother with part placement at all.

SKELETAL MODELING THE FRAME GENERATOR WAY

This section briefly lists the steps in creating a Frame Generator project. Compare the procedures

below to the steps listed in the previous section to gain a deeper understanding of the similarities anddifferences between conventional skeletal modeling and Frame Generator modeling.

A) The Frame Generator Skeleton:

As with any skeletal project, a Frame Generator frame begins with a skeleton file. Careful planningduring the initial stages of laying out this master file is essential to a stable and predictable Frame

Generator assembly. As noted above, the technique of laying out a Frame Generator skeleton is very

similar to any other skeletal master. The process is normally simplified somewhat because it is notnecessary to create part profiles.

C) The Frame Generator Assembly:

Once the skeleton file has been created, it is inserted as the first part into an empty assembly. The

creation and placement of parts occurs concurrently, with much of the work handled automatically bythe Frame Generator tools:

A part file that is used as a skeleton file in a Frame Generator assembly is automaticallytagged as a reference file in the BOM so it will not appear in the parts list.

Parts are created in-place within the assembly (this differs from the conventional skeletal

modeling procedure, where parts are typically created

individually, and placed manually). The derived part functionality is handled by Frame

Generator. The designer need not invoke the derived

part tool, or even leave the assembly environment. A sub-directory is created in the folder that contains the

assembly file. All individual part files for the frame are

automatically named and placed in this folder. The user

is given the opportunity to change the name andlocation of the part files if desired.

D) End Treatments:

When structural members are created in Frame Generator, they areautomatically extruded according to the paths, or simply between

two picked end points in the master file. Their ends must besubsequently treated to mate them correctly to joining members.Frame Generator offers an array of end treatment tools for mating

steel members.THE FRAME GENERATOR

PANEL BARFigure 3 - FrameGenerator Panel Bar

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E) Component Editing:

After the structural members are created it is sometimes necessary to change their configuration insome way. Frame Generator tools are provided for editing the members. Both the end treatment

and the overall size and orientation or the frame member can be edited.

F) Query Tools:

A set of query tools are provided for gathering general information on a frame member, and also for

running beam/column calculations on the various members.

The completed Frame Generator frame will consist of an assembly or series ofassemblies that can be used as the basis of a complete project. Adaptivity is

maintained to the skeleton file, allowing updates to the master to cascade

through the project, updating each frame member as needed.

A SURVEY OF FRAME GENERATOR FUNCTIONALITY

The Frame Generator tools are not invoked until the skeleton file has been

created, and placed within an assembly. At that point, the assembly browsercan be changed to show the Frame Generator palate.

A) Adding Frame Members

Frame members are added to the assembly via the Insert Frame Members tool, and using thegeometry from the skeleton file to dictate component placement. Frame Generators Insert dialog

box offers a number of options for controlling the profile, orientation and general configuration of thenew frame member(s).

Figure 4 - The Frame Generator Frame Member Dialog

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From the Frame Member section, the following choices can be made:

1. Governing standard for the profile.

2. Profile Type. Common steel types are represented.3. Size of the profile. Industry-standard steel sizes are available.

4. Material style, selected from Inventors material style list.5. Color Style.

As with any Inventor part, the material and color styles can also be modified after the frame members

are placed. Placement of the new member can be made in one of two ways:

6. By Edge. Any straight, continuous line from the skeleton may be selected.7. By End Point. Any two points or corners may be selected, and the new member will be placed

between them. This method allows one member at a time to be placed.

Orientation of the new member can be controlled in a variety of ways:

8. Insert Point. This will determine the profiles attitude to the path.

9. Offset. Both vertical and horizontal offset may be altered to position the new member away from

the path.10. Mirror Component. This is useful when placing asymmetrical profiles such as C-channels.

11. Rotation. The profile may be rotated as required to align the member correctly.

12. Prompt for File Name. When this box is checked, a dialog box comes up when the new membersare created. Default file names are generated, and may be changed if desired. When the box is un-

checked, the file is automatically created using the default file name.

A skeleton path may be used more than once. For instance, a hand rail kick-panel might

follow the same path as a supporting channel. The kick panel would be created using offsetvalues to place it correctly.

As long as the orientation and configuration are the same, multiple members can be placed at

once by choosing more than one path from the skeleton. If members are placed using the

point method, they must be placed one at a time.

B) Adding End Treatments

Five end treatment tools are available for trimming, notching and extending the ends of FrameGenerator members. The tools are used singly for simple joints, or may be combined for more

complex connections.

Trim to Frame Members. This tool will modify two joining frame members at

once, creating an overlapping butt-joint.

Notch Frame Members. One member will be notched to fit the profile of theframe member it joins. Useful for welded C and W-beam joints.

Lengthen Frame Member. Simply adds additional length to a member beyondthe path of the skeleton. Using a negative value will shorten the member.

Material may be added to one or both ends. Miter Corners. This tool will create a miter on the ends of two frame members

on a plane bisecting the angle between them. The path of the member dictates

the resolution of the miter. Trim and Extend to Face. Adjusts the end of any frame member to a non-

parallel face. Multiple members can be treated at once.

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More points on end treatments:

Care is required when end-treating

complex frame joints to avoid cyclic

dependencies among the framemembers. The Trim and Extend to Face

tool is particularly susceptible to this ifused too many times on one joint.

Consider using the Trim to FrameMember tool instead.

When creating complex joints, the orderof application of the various end

treatments can influence the success of

the joint. For instance, a mitered cornershould be placed before other end

treatments in the same joint. Members need not be touching for end

treatments base on faces to besuccessful.

C) Frame Member Editing Tools

Two tools are available for editing frame members after they are created and end-treated.

Change Frame Members. This tool takes the user back to the Frame Member dialogthat was used to create the frame member. All parameters with the exception of

the Standard and Type can be modified to update the part. Rebuild to Original. This tool removes all end treatments from selected frame

members, allowing the end treatments to be re-applied in a different fashion.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CREATING SKELETON FILES

Remember that skeleton files are not restricted to sketch geometry. Solids, surfaces, work

geometry and even components derived from another assembly can be used to create askeleton file.

3D sketches are often particularly useful in reducing the work associated with creating

skeleton files. Once the basic overall geometry of the frame is established, a single 3D sketchmight hold dozens of secondary paths, created as 3D lines without the need to place individualsketches on various planes.

Remember to observe the correct path orientation for members that you are planning on

mitering. Add any desired global parameters to the skeleton file. Check the Export Parameter option in

the Parameter dialog box to make the parameter available in all parts and assemblies thatreference the skeleton by linking to that file in the parameter dialog.

For ease in navigating the skeleton files various sketches and features, give them uniquenames in the browser. These names will carry through to the dependant parts, making it

much easier to quickly find a needed feature.

Figure 5 - Various End Treatmentsfor a Truss

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TIPS AND TRICKS FOR WORKING WITH FRAME GENERATOR FRAMES

Conventional Inventor part features such as holes, chamfers and extrusions can be added to

any Frame Generator member after they are created. Frame Generator skeletons can be used to create regular part as well as Frame Generator

members. Normal skeletal techniques are used to create a derived part from the skeleton file. A skeleton file may be used as the basis for more than one assembly. This is useful when a

frame has more than one weldments or frame, and motion studies are required. Each sub-frame can be created from the same skeleton, with their relationship to each other correctly

defined.

Figure 6 - A Multi-Level Tower Frame

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Figure 7 - ANSI Database Tables

Figure 8 - ANSI_L_EQUAL Table

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Figure 9 - Editing the Localization.xml File

B) Adding a New Shape to the Frame Generator Database

1. Create a new directory in the Profilesystems folder named the same as your profile family

name (e.g. CustomTube). This is the PROFILE STANDARD.2. Create a new IPT in the folder. In the IPT you should create3 sketches

a. AFG_Detailed

b. AFG_Medium

c. AFG_Simplified

3. In each sketch, create the desired geometry. The Detailed sketch should contain the actuallyprofile geometry. The Simplified sketch should only contain a bounding box shape of the profile.

The Medium sketch should contain a modified bounding box shape (bounding shape without

fillets etc.) Be sure that at a minimum that each sketch contains dimension named GEO_H andGEO_B (height and base).

4. Make a copy of the ANSI database and delete all tables except for one profile table (e.g.

ANSI_ASIC_FLAT) and the Profiles table.5. Rename the ANSI_ASCI_FLAT table to whatever name you want (e.g. SQ_TUBE). This is thePROFILE_ YPE.

PROFILE STANDARD CustomTube

PROFILE TABLE SQ_TUBE

6. Open the Profiles table and delete all but one row. Edit the row pointing to the new TemplateIPT file and new Profile table. Edit the other columns as you see fit. A few things to note about

this table:a. TemplateFilename: The IPT file you created in step 2.b. DisplayName: What the FG displays in the dialogue box (pulldown B)

c. ProfileTable: Tell the FG what table to use for this STANDARD

d. ProfileType: This MUST be set to CUSTOMe. Units: Set to in, cm, mm etc

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7. Rename the profile table to what you set it in step 6c (e.g. SQ_TUBE). Delete the existingdata and entre your data as required. A few notes about the columns:

a. Code: This will be the Internal Name in the Localization.xml file

b. Designation: What will be used as the base file name of the membersc. Article: This will be used as the Stock Number as well as in pulldown C

d. RID: The record entry, must be a unique integere. MAS: No idea, still trying to figure that one out

f. GEO_B: The value of this parameterg. GEO_H: The value of this parameter

h. Note that you may continue to add additional parameters as required

Figure 10 - The Frame Generator Dialogue

8. Now open the Localization.xml file and copy a ProfileStandard branch and all subbranches. Paste it into the file.

9. Edit the data you copied as follows:

a. Profile Standard Internal Name = PROFILE STANDARD (CustomTube)b. Profile Standard Display Name: What is displayed in pulldown A (Standard)

c. ProfileType Internal Name = PROFILE TABLE (SQ_Tube)

d. ProfileType Display Name: What is displayed in pulldown B (Type)e. Designation InternalName: Same as what is in the CODE columnf. Designation CommaVersion: What is displayed in pulldown C (Size) if using

the comma as designator system (European)

g. Designation PeriodVersion: What is displayed in pulldown C (Size) if using thecomma as designator system (US)

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Figure 11 - Editing the Localization.xml file

In the R11 ProfileSystems folder there is a folder named Custom. It has a custom profile

template and access table already filled out. Its good practice to see if you can add thisinto the Localization.xml file without errors.

CLOSING NOTES

Be sure to stop by www.mcadforums.com to get any updates we might make to thisdocument. Also be sure to check out www.autodesk.com/auonline for a video session ofthis class.

Thank you for your time and happy modeling!

Sean & Walt