Use function parameters an equations in data tables [long]

Hi all

I'm quite new to SW and I used a bit Inventor in the past.

I'm designing a little series of product I would like to be parametric.
The idea is to have all the model quotes on the edge of a finger and be
able to change it dynamically from an excel file (the data table).

Obviously I'll use the Configuration to design my different "sizes".

Now the biggest problem I encounter is that seems that Solid Works only
allow to use into the data tables quotes belonging to a sketch but it
seems not possible to use a quote defined into a feature.

An example is a series of holes on a flange: I need to be able to decide
how many holes have to be done but due to the fact I can't "see" the
number of holes defined into the feature (I use a repetition of a single
hole) i can't handle that easily.

Ok, I've done this by preparing many different function with all the
quantity of holes I need and I activate, from the excel file, just the
one I need for each size but:

1. This is not so "clean" and logical from my point of view (it sound
like a walk around, not a real method)
2. There are situation I can't sort it out in this way, for example
situation where I would like to automatically select the number of holes
(I know I can do that using conditional function in excel but... again a
walk around... and if the numbers of holes is not into the one I prepared??)

Another thing I can't understand how (and if it is possible) to be
exposed into an excel sheet are the equations: it would be very useful
to be able to define the value of a variable from the outside (the excel
file) but again seems I can simply suppress or not the value of an
equation (I didn't understood also the use of suppressing an equation
that will do nothing if I do not use it.. or no?).

Latest, the equation seems not to be possible to be used inside the
features. Mean if I want to make an extrusion long N mm and I have this
N defined into an Equation I didn't find a way to make the feature "see"
that Equation.

Ok, That's all, I hope someone of you already sorted out this problem or
simply know how to do that. I've to say that the equation management
into SW leaved me a bit surprised: when I used Inventor I simply used to
write into the quote field the sign "=" and then recall directly the
quotes or the equation I wanted... and if I'm not wrong there was no
difference between the quotes into the sketches or into the functions.

Many thanks to anyone can help me in sort this problem out.

Sergio

 

Making a test with a part withot configurations I saw the parameters of
the features selectable: I tried and it works.
Seems that any feature have a standard D1 ; D2 etc parameter for each
quote used... now the problem is to understand which are the relevant
quotes but with some test should be possible to sort it out.

Dunno if it's possible to rename these quotes, I suppose no. However I
rechecked the SW online help and I didn't found reference to this... if
someone know where to look...

 

I presume by "quotes" that you are referring to dimensions - you can rename
any dimension through its property box. Do a right-click on the dim, select
Properties, and then call it whatever you want in the Name box.

WT

 

Wayne Tiffany ha scritto:

Hi Wayne,

yes I was referring to dimensions (sorry for my english but not the
one you have on a sketch but the one you have "inside" the features.
Meaning when you make an extrusion starting from a surface for a certain
deep you give the dimension of it directly inside the extrusion wizard.
This is the kind of dimension I was referring to

Sergio