Joint command in autodesk Inventor 2014

The Joint command is a simple way to position components and describe motion. Creating a joint fully defines the component location and motion in one step. End, mid, and center points are used to associatively position components. The geometry you select determines the default joint type, or you can specify a joint type.

The following describes the joint types and how they operate while positioning a component:

 Rigid

Removes all degrees of freedom (DOF). Welded and bolted connections are examples of a rigid joint.

 Rotational

Specify one rotational DOF. Hinges and rotating levers are examples of a rotational joint.

 Slider

Specify one translational DOF. A slide block moving along a track is an example of a slider joint.

 Cylindrical

Specify one translational and one rotational DOF. A shaft in a tube is an example of a cylindrical joint.

 Planar

Specify two translational and one rotational DOF perpendicular to the linear. To place a component on a planar face, use this joint type. The component can slide or rotate on the plane.

 Ball

Specify three rotational DOF. A ball and socket are an example of a ball joint.

Note:

• With the addition of the joint command, both constraints and joints are now described as relationships.
• In the browser, the Constraints folder is renamed to Relationships, and displays in both the Assembly View and the Modeling View.
• You can use joints with constraints to position components and describe motion.

For more information, check out the new Place and connect parts interactive tutorial or click here.

Inventor joints are automatically converted to simulation joints when you enter the Dynamic Simulation environment. The converted connections are listed as standard joints in the simulation environment browser. The following are the automatic conversions:

Inventor joint	Joint in Dynamic Simulation
Rigid	Welding
Rotational	Revolution
Slider	Prismatic
Cylindrical	Cylindrical
Planar	Planar
Ball	Spherical

You can edit the joints that are created automatically in Dynamic Simulation using the context menu in the browser.

Joints locked in the Assembly environment are also locked in Dynamic Simulation. To unlock a joint, right-click and clear the selection for Lock dof.

Posted in: autodesk inventor, inventor 2014, joint, what new