Ssrug 2
Ssrug 2
Ssrug 2
Preface
Getting Started
Basic Tasks
Advanced Tasks
Customizing
Workbench
Description
Glossary
Index
The System Space Reservation workbench is loaded, and an empty CATProduct document is opened.
Set Working Units
This task describes how to set working units.
2.
Select the Item Reservation button. .
3. Select Equipment Reservation as the type of reservation.
4. To define the size of the reservation, key in these values:
X Length 20 ft
Y Length 15 ft
Height 10 ft
5. Click anywhere in area to define a location for the equipment reservation.
6. Zoom the window in to get a closer view of your equipment reservation.
7. To see the newly created equipment reservation in the specifications tree, click
on the plus sign (+) next to the network name. The illustration below shows the
specifications tree and the newly created equipment reservation.
Basic Tasks
The basic tasks for laying out a design using the System Space Reservation
workbench are listed below.
Using Basic Layout Tools
The following procedures describe the basic tools available in the System Space
Reservation product for general layout functions.
Changing the Current Axis
This task shows you how to change the current axis. By default, the current axis
is located on the active area or item reservation. If neither an area nor an item
reservation is active, the current axis is located on the parent area for the active
element.
The current axis is the reference point by which elements are routed and placed.
It is also the reference point from which an element's position is determined (as
displayed in the X,Y,Z fields on the Definition dialog box for an element).
1. Do either of the following to change the current axis:
Place your cursor on the Change Current Axis icon and drag it
to the element you want to use as a reference.
Click the Change Current Axis icon and then select the element
you want to use as a reference.
The axis is displayed on the element.
Making an Element Active
This task shows you how to make an element in a drawing active. An element is
active when it is highlighted in blue in the specifications tree, as shown below.
You make an element active for various reasons. One reason is to create
another element as a child of the active element. Any new element you create
will become a child of the active element.
2. Select the icon for the type of alignment you want to perform:
Click any button in one of the tool bars to exit the alignment
command. If you want to continue with the alignment command
using the same reference plane then select another element in the
model.
Using Item Reservations
The following procedures describe how to use item reservations.
Creating an Item Reservation
This task shows you how to create an item reservation.
1.
Select the Item Reservation button .
The Item Reservation dialog box is displayed.
4.
Specify the visual mode for the item reservation:
Box
Axis
5. Specify the location for the item reservation.
Moving an Item Reservation
This task shows you how to move an item reservation.
4.
Drag the item reservation to a new location.
5.
2. Click Edit in the menu bar and then on the line that corresponds to the item
reservation you want to rotate, e.g. "item reservation2.1 object." This displays
the Definition dialog box. (You can also enter Cntrl-Enter to display the dialog
box.)
distance. Click on the Offset Plane button and then on the resource on
which you want to place the temporary reference. This will place a blue square
on the resource.
2.
4. Place the mouse pointer on the arrow. This displays the distance from the blue
square to a white square that is displayed. The distance is displayed in
multiples of the figure you entered in the steps input box. You can now move
the resource to place it a precise distance from the temporary reference plane.
Click and drag the tip of the arrow to do this (do not drag the base of the arrow
for this function).
Rotate resource using the definition
panel
This task shows you how to rotate a catalog resource by entering into the
definition panel the number of degrees that you want it to rotate on its vertical
axis..
1. Click on the resource..
2. Click Edit-Definition in the menu bar. This displays the Definition panel. (You
can also enter Cntrl-Enter to display the panel.)
3. When you are done, reset the compass by dragging it to the axis.
If you drag a resource onto the area, and the mouse pointer is over an item
reservation, then the resource becomes a child of the item reservation.
Using Path Reservations
2.
Select the Path Reservation icon .
The Routing dialog box is displayed.
4.
Define the routing mode for the path reservation:
Point-to-point
Orthogonal
5. To define Section parameters, do the following:
a. Select the Section type icon.
The Section dialog box is displayed.
No Section
Rectangular
Set Point:
Height
Width
Display:
No section
True Size
Flat
Circular
Set Point
Diameter
Display
No section
True Size
Click on the Close Loop symbol that shows at the beginning of the
run if you want to create a closed loop run. In a closed loop run the ends of
the run are joined.
Routing From the End of a Path
Reservation, Boundary, or Run
This task explains how to route from the end of a path reservation, boundary, or
run.
If you route an element with the same type and parameter values as the "source"
element (i.e., the element from which the path reservation is routed), you can
specify whether the new element you route is a continuation of the source
element or a separate element. If you want to use the "Continue" option, be sure
that the parent for the source element is active before you begin.
1
Select the Path Reservation icon .
The Routing dialog box is displayed.
2.
Define the routing parameters.
See Creating a Path Reservation on an Area.
3. Place the mouse pointer at the end of the routable from which you want to
route. An arrow will display to show the centerline and the support line as
you move the pointer up and down the end of the routable. Select the center
or support line and begin routing.
Continue Routing
If the "source" element (i.e., the element from which the path reservation
branches) is moved or resized, the path reservation is adjusted accordingly.
1.
Select the Path Reservation icon
The Routing dialog box is displayed.
2. Define the parameters for the path reservation.
See Creating a Path Reservation on an Area.
3. Select the element from which you want to route the path reservation.
For a contour, select the edge.
For an equipment, select an alignment vector.
For path reservations, boundaries, and runs that are displayed with a
section, base your selection on the "cues" that are displayed as you
move the cursor over the element:
A dashed line is displayed when your cursor is over the
center of a section.
A solid line is displayed when the cursor is over the
support line (defined by the set point of the section).
If you want to create a path reservation that "branches" from the end of a path
reservation, boundary, or run, see Routing From the End of a Path Reservation,
Boundary, or Run.
Routing Using the Compass Base
Plane
This task shows you how to use the compass to define the plane on which you
are routing.
This feature allows you to place the compass base on a plane and route on that
plane.
1. Drag the compass and place it on the surface on which you want to route. In
the illustration below it is one face of an item reservation and you will place a
path reservation on it.
2.
Click the Path Reservation button and do your routing on the surface.
Double-click to end. The path reservation is created.
You can route on any plane on which the compass base can be placed. But you
will not be able to route on any surface. You cannot route on the surface of other
routables. If you need to route on the surface of a routable then you need to
employ free space routing. After you place the compass base on the plane, you
can route anywhere in your window and you will be routing on the same plane as
the compass base. The illustrations below show one type of free space routing,
in which you:
Create a boundary and place the compass on a plane.
Hide the boundary.
Route a path reservation.
Show the boundary again with the path reservation on the compass base
plane.
The last illustration below is a top view showing the path reservation and
compass base on the same plane.
Route a run within a pathway
This task shows you how to route a run within a pathway.
1.
With your pathway model open, click on the Route thru a Pathway button.
2. In the Section dialog box that shows select the type of run, the set point and other options.
3. Click on the pathway in which you want to route your run. This displays set points on the pathway. Select a position for the run by clicking on
one of the points, e.g. if you select top center the run will align to the top center of the pathway. You can click Apply in the Run dialog box to
see how the run looks and to try different positions. Click OK when you are finished.
Routing from an item reservation
This task shows you how to route from an item reservation.
1.
Click the Run button.
2. Click on the face of the item reservation from which you want to route.
3. Begin routing.
The point on the item reservation face from which the run will start depends on
the set point of the run. In the illustration above the set point is set at Center
Center. If the set point was set at Bottom Center the run would have started at
the bottom center edge of the item reservation. To change the set point, click on
the Section Type button in the Run dialog box and select a set point from
the drop down list in the Section dialog box that displays.
Modifying Path Reservations
The following items describe how to modify path reservations.
Changing a Section
This task explains how to change parameters that control how the section of an
element is displayed.
1. Place your cursor over the element and click the right mouse button.
2. From the pull-down menu, select the element you want to modify and select
Definition.
The Definition dialog box is displayed.
3.
Select the Section option.
The Section dialog box is displayed.
4.
Select No Section or Rectangular Section.
If you select Rectangular Section, you can define or change
these parameters:
Set Point
Height
Width
Display
5. Click OK on the Section dialog box and OK on the Definition box to complete
the change.
Changing the Angle of a Segment
This task shows you how to change the angle of a path reservation, boundary, or
run segment.
1. Place your cursor over the element and click the right mouse button.
2. From the pull-down menu, select the element you want to modify and select
the Definition option.
The Definition dialog box is displayed.
3. Place the cursor over the support line for that element and click the right
mouse button.
4. Select Definition from the pop-menu.
The Segment Definition dialog box is displayed.
5. Specify a new value for the Turn Angle.
A line is displayed in the drawing to show the new position for the segment.
6. Click OK on the Segment Definition dialog box.
7. Click OK on the Definition dialog box to complete the change.
Moving Nodes
This task shows you how to move the nodes on a path reservation, boundary, or run. In the example
below a node will be moved in a pipe run.
1. Place your mouse pointer over the element and click the right mouse button.
2. From the menu that displays, select the element you want to modify, in this case pipe run.1
object, and select the Definition option. This brings up the Definition dialog box, and symbols
are displayed on the pipe run to show the location of nodes: asterisks represent non-connected
nodes, and Os (circles) represent connected nodes.
a. Right-click the node symbol and select Definition from the pop-up menu.
The Node Definition dialog box is displayed.
To move the node using the cursor, place the cursor over the node symbol and drag it to a
A node will move parallel to the compass base plane, which is normally XY. To move a node
vertical to the base, change the compass base to the XZ plane.
Create a closed loop run
This task shows you how to modify an existing run in order to create a closed
loop run. In a closed loop run the ends of the run are joined. There are two ways
of turning an existing run into a closed loop run. Both are explained below.
1.
Click on the Run button and continue routing from the end of the run.
2.
Click the Continue Routing button in the Run dialog box.
3. Click on the other end of the run when finished. The ends of the run will join
and form a loop.
4. In the second method, right-click on the run and, in the drop down box that
appears, click on the line that describes the run, in this case Run.1 Object.
5. Another drop down box will display. Click on Close Route.
6. The two ends of the run will join. An open end run and closed loop run are
shown below.
Open a closed run
This task shows you how to open a closed run.
2. Click the right mouse button on the node where you want the run to be opened. This will display a
drop down box.
A network is a mechanism for organizing and grouping pathways. You can create
networks (such as a Walkway Net) under a distribution system, and then create
pathways under each of them.
A distribution system is a mechanism for organizing and grouping networks. You
can create networks (such as a Walkway Net) under a distribution system, and
then create pathways under each of them. A distribution system and network will
only display in the specifications tree because they are organizational elements.
A pathway will also display in your viewer.
1.
Click on the Reservations Network button. The Reservations
Network Creation dialog box is displayed.
2. Click on the down arrow and make a selection in the pull-down menu if you
want to designate your network as being of a certain type, i.e. walkway.
3. Click OK.
Saving a Distribution System or
Network as a separate document
This task shows you how to create a distribution system or network as a separate
document..
This function is needed if you want to work separately on a component of a larger
project. If you save the distribution system or network as a separate document
you can open it without having to open the entire project. At the same time it
remains part of the larger project.
1. When creating a new Distribution System or Reservations Network check the
Create new document option.
2. Enter a file name in the box that displays and click OK. The new document
appears in the specifications tree as a child of whichever element you created
it under.
The icon that shows in the specifications tree next to a system or network
created as a separate document is different from that which is not created in a
separate document. In the illustration below WasteWater is created as a
separate document, Piping System is not.
3. When you save the project a dialog box will ask if you want to proceed with
other document save operations. Click OK.
Modifying Routables
The following procedures describe how to modify routables.
Positioning a Branch
This task shows you how to position a branch routable precisely. . . . .
This function allows you to use the Offset Plane feature to position the
Branch at a precise point along the support or center line of the Main. In the
illustration below the branch path reservation will be placed in the center. A
branch is also referred to as the Slave Connector, and the routable of which it is
a branch termed a Master Connector.
The two routables must be connected for the function to work.
1. Select the Main routable and click the Offset Plane button. The Main will
display nodes at the beginnings and ends of segments and a square (section
detail) in the center of segments.
2. Move the mouse pointer to the Main Routable - a white square shows. Snap
the white offset plane square to any of the nodes or section detail squares and
click the left mouse button. A blue square will appear. See Using Offset
Planes for more information.
3. Click the right mouse button on the Branch. In the menu that displays, select
the line that corresponds to the Branch element, in this case path
reservation2 object, then click Definition in the pop-up menu. This
displays the Definition dialog box.
4. Click and drag the support line toward the blue square. A label will display the
distance. Release the button when it reads 0 ft and click OK on the Definition
dialog box. The Branch path reservation will assume the new position.
To place a routable at a precise distance from an end or a node, snap the offset
plane to that node or end. Then enter the distance in the step input box.
Follow the steps above to move the Branch and click OK on the
Definition dialog box when the required distance is reached.
Connecting Routables
This task shows you how to connect a routable to another routable. Routables
are path reservation, space reservation, boundary, or run.
There are two kinds of connection: branch and end-to-end. In a branch
connection the end of one element connects to the middle of another. In an
end-to-end connection two ends connect to each other. In the examples below
path reservations A and B will be connected to each other, first as a branch and
then as an end-to-end connection.
When you connect two elements one becomes the Slave while the other
becomes the Master. In the example above, if you make the one on the right the
Slave and the one on the left the Master, then, after you connect them, the Slave
will follow the Master to maintain the connection if you move the Master.
1. Place the mouse pointer over the element you want to designate the Slave
and click the right mouse button.
2. From the pull-down menu that displays, select the element you want to
modify, in this case Path Reservation, and select the Connect Routes
option. (You can also click Edit and then the element, in this case Path
Reservation, and select Connect Routes.)
3. Select the Master Connector. To select, move your mouse pointer over the
path reservation you wish to designate the Master and click on either the
support or center line connector. See Information below.
When you move the mouse pointer over the path reservation you will see two
lines alternatively, as you move the pointer from bottom to top. The solid line is
the support line connector, and the dashed line is the center line connector
(illustrated below). The second path reservation will connect to whichever line
you select. Select the line by clicking.
4. Select which end of the Slave you want to connect to the Master. The Slave
will connect with the Master after you click.
The two elements will connect at the point where the two support or center lines
would intersect. If you want to change the position then see Moving Nodes.
5. To make an end-to-end connection replace Step 3 above with the following:
Select the Master Connector. To select, move your mouse pointer over the
path reservation you wish to designate the Master and click on the arrow that
displays at whichever end you want to connect. As you move the pointer up
and down the arrow will move, depending on whether the pointer is over the
support or center line connector, as explained above.
Disconnecting Routables
This task shows you how to disconnect a routable that is connected to another
routable. Routables are path reservation, space reservation, boundary or run.
1. If it is a branch connection then select the Slave element, in this case a
path reservation. If it is an end-to-end connection then you can select either
Master or Slave.
2. Click the right mouse button on the element you selected. From the
pull-down menu that shows, select the element you want to modify, in this
case path reservation, and select the Definition option. The Definition
dialog box is displayed, and an O (circle) node symbol is displayed on the
path reservation where it is connected to the other element. In the
illustration below the mouse pointer is pointing to it.
4. Click OK on the Definition dialog box. The two elements are disconnected.
Break Run at a Branch
This task shows you how to break a run at a branch.
There may be times when you want to move all the segments of a connection at
the same time. Breaking runs at branch intersections is one way. When you
break runs at branch intersections you create what is called a star connection. In
this type of connection (recognizable by a square or diamond-shaped symbol), all
the segments joined at a connection will move if you move the connection. In a
master-slave connection, the slave will maintain a connection with the master if
you move the master.
The illustrations below show 1) a run with a star connection; 2) the star
connection is moved by dragging with the mouse; and 3) all nodes connected to
the star connection move to the new star connection location in order to maintain
that connection.
1.
Click on the Star Connection button.
2. Click on the routable, system or network you want to convert to star
The following procedures describe the tools available in System Space Reservation for
advanced layout functions.
Using Offset Planes
This task shows you how to define a plane to use as a temporary reference for positioning
other elements.
1.
Select the Offset Plane icon .
2. Define the reference plane by doing the following:
a. Place your cursor over a geometric element that defines the plane (e.g., a
construction plane, boundary, area contour, item reservation).
As you move the cursor, a small white rectangle is displayed to show the
selectable planes, as shown below.
If you do not see the white rectangle, zoom out from the drawing. The white rectangle
cannot be displayed if the element under your cursor is displayed too small.
b. Click to select the plane.
The white rectangle changes to a blue rectangle, and remains displayed on
the reference element, as shown below.
The reference plane can now be used as a reference to position other
elements.
Mirroring Elements
This task shows you how to move one or more elements to the opposite side of a selected plane, as a
mirror image. It also shows how to copy one or more elements to the opposite side.
1.
Select the element(s) you want to move. (You can also select after Step 2.)
2.
Click the Mirror icon .
3. The Reference panel will display if you already have a reference plane defined (by having used the
offset plane command).
Click the New Reference Plane button and follow Step 4 if you want to define a new reference plane.
Follow Step 4B if you want to use the existing reference plane.
The Reference panel will not display if you do not have a reference plane already defined.
4. Define a reference plane across which to mirror the element by doing the following:
. Place your cursor over a geometric element that defines the plane (e.g., a construction plane,
boundary, area contour, item reservation).
As you move the cursor, a small white rectangle is displayed to show the selectable
planes, as shown below.
If you do not see the white rectangle, zoom out from the drawing. The white rectangle cannot be
displayed if the element under your cursor is displayed too small.
b. Click to select the plane.
The selected elements are mirrored to the other side of the plane, as shown below.
5. To Mirror and Copy the elements, follow the steps outlined above and then click the Mirror and Copy
icon . The selected elements will be copied to the other side of the plane. In the illustration
above, the selected elements will stay where they are and two similar elements will be added to the
other side of the plane.
Rearranging Elements in the Specification
Tree
This task shows you how to transfer elements in your layout from one level of the
specification tree to another.
1.
Make the appropriate element active.
You must make active an element that is at least one level higher than both the source
element (i.e., the one that is being transferred) and the target element.
For example, in order to transfer ArrBox5, ArrBox6, ArrBox7, ArrBox 8, and ArrBox9 to
ArrArea3, shown below, ArrArea1 or Product1 must be active.
You can move catalog resources as well as the following elements: item
reservation, area, space reservation, run reservation, path reservation and
boundary reservation.
1. Select the resources or elements you want to move. You can do this by
placing the mouse pointer on each one and clicking the left button while
holding down the Ctrl key. Another way is to hold down the left mouse
button and drag the mouse pointer. Place the rectangle that shows around the
elements you want to select. There are other selection methods also.
2. Drag any of the elements or resources and all selected elements and
resources will move. You can drag an element or resource by placing the
mouse pointer on the dot that shows in the center of selected elements or
resources, holding down the left mouse button and moving the pointer to
where you want to place the selected elements.
Changing the Properties of Multiple Elements
This task shows you how to change the properties of several elements at the same time.
The elements whose properties can be changed are: item reservation, space reservation, area, run reservation,
path reservation and boundary reservation.
1. Select the elements whose properties you want to change. You can do this by placing the mouse pointer on
each one and clicking the left button while holding down the Ctrl key. Another way is to hold down the left
mouse button and drag the mouse pointer. Place the rectangle that shows around the elements you want to
select. There are other selection methods also. See Infrastructure.
2. From the pull-down menu, select the area object and select the Space
Inclusion option.
The Inclusion dialog box is displayed.
You can select entries in the report to highlight the corresponding element in the
drawing.
Distributing Elements
This task shows you how to distribute elements within parameters that you define.
2.
Select the Distribute icon .
3. Define a reference plane for the distribution by doing the following:
a. Place your cursor over a geometric element that defines the plane (e.g., a
construction plane, boundary, area contour, item reservation).
As you move the cursor, a small white rectangle is displayed to show the selectable
planes, as shown below. A line perpendicular to the rectangle shows the direction in
which the distribution would be performed.
If you do not see the white rectangle, zoom out from the drawing. The white rectangle cannot be
displayed if the element under your cursor is displayed too small.
1.
Click the Path Reservation icon .
The Routing dialog box is displayed.
2.
Click the Slope icon .
3.
Key in a value for the slope and press Enter.
4. Click in the drawing to define routing points, changing the slope as needed.
5. Double-click the last point to stop routing.
Routing Path Reservations in Any
Direction
This task shows you how to route a path reservation in any direction.
1.
Click the Path Reservation icon .
The Routing dialog box is displayed, and crosshairs track the movement of
your cursor in the drawing.
2.
Click the Directional icon .
The compass is displayed in the drawing.
3. Define the first point to begin routing.
If the first point is a free point, the default direction for routing is along the X axis.
If the first point is the end point of a line, the default direction is along that line.
1. Import the model which contains the spline into the Systems Routing
workbench.
2.
Click on the Route from Spline button.
3. Select type of run and enter other options. Note: The SAG option is used to
define the maximum distance a segment can be from the spline. The run that
is created consists of straight segments, as you can see in the illustration
below. The smaller the SAG number entered, the closer the run will resemble
the spline. But this will also cause more segments to be created.
4. Click on the spline. The run is created.
Fixing broken routables
This task shows you how to fix - or rejoin - routables in which segments have become separated. In the illustration below the dotted line -
the broken routable indicator - shows that a run has become separated at that point.
You can re-join the run in one of several ways, depending on the nature of the break and your requirements. The methods are as follows:
1. Bring up the Definition dialog box for the run, then place the mouse pointer over the broken routable indicator and click the right
mouse button. This will display a pop-up menu. Click Create Segment.
2. Bring up the Definition dialog box, then drag one of the segment handles to re-join the run.
3. Bring up the Definition dialog box. An arrow will display at each end of the broken routable indicator. Drag one of the arrows (depending
on circumstances) to re-join the run. In the illustration below, one segment of the run has been moved to connect to the portion of the
run still connected to the pump.
4. In certain cases you will see the Auto Route option beneath the Create Segment option in the pop-up menu (See Step 1). This
happens when a segment connecting two parallel routables (which are on different X-Y planes) is broken.
Select Auto Route. The Auto Route dialog box will display.
Click on the Toggle button. Options for re-joining the run will be shown as a dotted line.
Click OK to make your selection.
Customizing
This section describes the ways in which you can customize the System Space
Reservation workbench.
Customizing the Dictionary of Types
This section explains how to customize the list of types that are displayed when you
create any of these elements:
Areas
Routing elements
Item reservations
Distribution systems
Network reservations
Grids
A basic dictionary of these element types is provided with the product. You can add
entries to or delete entries from the basic dictionary, or you can replace it entirely. The
example and procedure below provide details.
Customizing the Dictionary of Types:
Example
The capability for customizing the Dictionary of Types is available only on the
Windows NT platform.
To customize the dictionary of element types provided with the Plant Layout
product, you need to run two scripts:
PSLNomenAccessFeat.CATScript reads the existing dictionary and writes it to
a preformatted Microsoft* Excel file.
PSLNomenBuildFeat.CATScript takes a properly formatted Excel file and
generates a new dictionary.
The example below illustrates how the type Work Cell is added to the list of
types available when you create an area.
Customizing the Dictionary of Types:
Procedure
This task explains how to customize the list of types that are displayed when you
create any of these elements:
Areas
Routing elements
Item reservations
Distribution systems
Network reservations
Grids
The capability for customizing the Dictionary of Types is available only on the
Windows NT platform.
To accomplish this procedure, you must have installed Microsoft Excel 97 or later
version. You should be familiar with the basic editing features of Excel, as well as
with the file navigation and file editing capabilities of your system.
1. Copy the following files from \intel_a\code\command to a drive or directory
for which you have read and write permissions:
PSLNomenAccessFeat.CATScript
PSLNomenBuildFeat.CATScript
PSLNomenAccessFeatTemplate.xls
2. Start CATIA.
3. From the menu bar, select Tools -> Macro -> Macros.
4. Select Macro In: External File.
5. Select the Select button, and use the Windows dialog box to navigate to the
appropriate file.
6. Select the file PSLNomenAccessFeat.CATScript and select OK.
7. Edit PSLNomenAccessFeat.CATScript as follows:
Define the path strEXCELTemplateFileName to point to the
directory to which you copied the files in step 1.
If you are working on a large project then turning off the display of some objects in the specifications tree may
reduce visual "clutter" in the tree. Turning off an object in the tree does not remove it from your design or layout. In
the first example below, the tree shows the object "Equipment Reservation.1." In the second example it has been
removed from the tree but continues to show in the layout.
Changes made in the specifications tree remain effective until you change them again.
1. Click Tools-Options in the menu bar.
2. In the Options dialog box that displays, select Product in the left column, then scroll through the tabs and click
on Plant Layout. This displays a list of seven objects, two of which, by default, are not checked (Contours and
Construction Planes).
3. Uncheck the objects you do not want displayed in the specifications tree.
4. Check the objects you want to display in the tree.
5. Click OK.
6. Refresh the specifications tree by expanding it again.
Creating a Catalog
The following three tasks are required for creating a catalog that can be used to place
parts in the System Space Reservation product.
Creating Parts
This task explains how to create parts for the Systems Routing Product.
You may also add two other reserved parameters to your part as User
attributes.
CATRouPartNumber -- a string parameter. This parameter will contain
the part's part number.
CATRouSize -- a string parameter. This parameter will contain a
character string representing the nominal size of the part. It can be
used instead of CATRouOutsideDiameter/Height/Width.
All of these parameters do not need to exist on every part. Define only those
parameters that apply to the part you are creating. For example, to create a
straight cylindrical part, you would define only the CATRouOutsideDiameter
and CATRouFaceToFaceLength parameters. Optionally you can define
CATRouSize instead ofCATRouOutsideDiameter.
In addition to the reserved parameters, you may define other parameters on
the part. These parameters must also be included in the design table if these
parameters have different values for different sizes when the part is placed..
3.
Save the part as a CATPart document.
There are three types of connector data: Face data, Alignment data and
Orientation data.
Face data is generally defined using a face of the part, such as the circular face
at the end of a pipe. Alignment data is generally defined using a line, such as a
no-shown line along the centerline of a pipe. The actual connection point location
is the intersection between the face plane and the alignment line. They do not
have to actually intersect – the system will find the intersection location between
the infinite line and the infinite plane. The face does not have to be the actual
diameter face or width-height face. Orientation data is generally defined using the
xy plane, or another plane or face in the part, to define an "up" direction.
Face Connector Data. To define the directional planar location for each
connection face of the part. If the part is stretchable, two connection face
definitions will be used to define the extremity locations of the part. For routing
from the part, a connection face (along with the corresponding intersecting
alignment line) will be used to define the start point of the run.
You should select one of the faces in the part to define a face connection. Select
a face that faces outward from the part, in the direction of routing or other
attached parts. You must define a face for each connection end of your part.
The pre-defined names for face connector data include the following:
CATRouFace – for the first or only connection face of a part.
CATRouFace1 (same as CATRouFace) – for the first connection face of a part.
CATRouFace2 – for the second connection face of a part.
CATRouFace3 – for the third connection face of a part.
CATRouFace4 … 5 … 6 … etc.
CATRouHole
CATRouHole1
CATRouHole2 … 3 … 4 … etc.
Hole connections are a unique type of face connection. Whereas a pipe or tube
may stretch to a face connection, a pipe or tube may pass through a hole
connection. This is useful for placing such parts as tubing clamps along a run
without cutting a tube.
Alignment Connector Data. To define the alignment at each of the face
connections of this part. For placement of an attached part or routing from the
end of a part, this data will define the alignment.
You will generally select a line for the alignment connector data, which may likely
be no-shown. But you may also select a cylinder, and its implied centerline will
become your alignment data.
Each part connection face does not necessarily need its own alignment line. A
pipe and a valve might have one alignment definition, but an elbow would need
two alignment definitions. A tee needs two alignment definitions, but could have
three. A cross with four connection ends needs at least three alignment
definitions. When the number of alignment definitions is less than the number of
connection ends, it must be only one less, and alignment1 corresponds with
face1 and face2, and alignment2 corresponds with face3.
The pre-defined names for alignment include the following:
CATRouAlignment – for the first or only alignment line of a part.
CATRouAlignment1 (same as CATRouAlignment) – for the first alignment line.
CATRouAlignment2 – for the second alignment line of a part.
CATRouAlignment3 … 4 … etc.
Other pre-defined names for alignment include the following:
CATRouTop – for top-center
CATRouCenter – for center (same as CATRouAlignment) (center is default
alignment)
CATRouBottom – for bottom-center
CATRouLeft – for left-center
CATRouRight – for right-center
CATRouTopLeft
CATRouTopRight
CATRouBottomLeft
CATRouBottomRight
including …1, …2, …3, …4, etc
Orientation Connector Data. To define the orientation/clocking of a part when
placed on a run. Many parts direction, such as horizontal trays and power & free
conveyors, require a well-defined "up". Round ducts and pipes do not require a
well-defined "up" direction, they can rotate. Rectangular ducts do not have a
strict "up" direction, but do have four usual orientations corresponding to each of
the four sides. Tubing elbows can flip upside down in order to swap end1 and
end2, since they often have different end styles.
Generally, parts are built in such a way that the Z direction is up. If this is the
case, then generally the XY plane can be used to define the orientation. The
orientation plane and the face plane should not be parallel. For a particular
connection end, you should not define an alignment going up in the Z direction
and an orientation plane pointing up in the Z direction.
Rarely will an "Orientation2" be needed. Some tubing clamps use an orientation2
because they have one alignment along the tube alignment and another
alignment going up through the bolt hole (for stacking). Tray vertical elbows and
vertical tees also need an orientation2.
3. Add keywords to your pages. In the System Space Reservation workbench you have a choice of two keywords to select from: PlacementType
and LoadType. These are further explained below. Assigning keywords is optional. To assign a keyword, select the page, click on the Create
Keyword button, and enter your options. Enter one of the two supported keywords in the Name field, and select a type from the drop down
list under Type.
4.
Add a part definition to the page. Select the page and click the Create Description button to bring up the Description
Definition dialog box. Click the Keyword tab, select the Name line and enter the part name in the Value field. The part name will be
displayed in the right column.
5. Assign keyword values to the part definition, in the Description Definition dialog box. Keywords have certain values (listed below) which
help you place the part. You do this by clicking the Keyword tab, selecting the LoadType (or other keyword) line, and entering the value in the
Value field.The part names, keywords and values will display in the right column, as illustrated below.
6. Link your part to an actual CATPart or CATProduct document. You do this also in the Description Definition dialog box by clicking the
Reference tab and then the Select Document button. This will bring up the SelectFile dialog box.
Keywords Explained
System Space Reservation supports two types of keywords: PlacementType and LoadType.
The PlacementType keyword will aid the user during parts placement – an elbow cannot be placed along a run segment, and a pipe cannot be
placed at a run corner node. These restrictions can be defined using the PlacementType keyword.
For some types of pages you will want to add a string keyword called "LoadType". The LoadType keyword allows you to specify whether or not a
parameter value of a part can be modified after placement. The two types of LoadType are: NewReference (the default: part parameters can be
modified after placement), and SameReference (for fixed-size, part parameters cannot be modified after placement).
The values defined for PlacementType are as follows:
FreeSpaceOnly Place in free space.
Equipment Place in free space.
Stretchable Pipes, tubes, ducts, ladders, etc.
Bendable Pipe with bends, tube with bends.
InLine Valves, flanges, dampers, etc.
Turn Elbows, turns, etc.
Branch Tees, crosses, lateral tees, switches, etc.
BranchComplex Wyes, forks, etc. (at least 3 alignments)
BranchMultiElevation Transfers, multi-level tees, etc.
Reducer Reducers, transitions, etc.
Terminus Caps, end plates, vents, etc.
Offset Offsets, oggees, etc.
Support Piping supports, tubing clamps, etc.
If you do not specify PlacementType, the default placement type is "place anywhere" – in free space, along a run, at a run node, or at the end of a
run. If you do not specify LoadType, the default load type is "NewReference".
Making a Catalog Accessible
This task explains how to specify the location of a catalog so that it can be
accessed from the Systems Routing product in order to place parts.
1. From the menu bar, select Tools -> Search Order.
The Search Order dialog box is displayed.
2. Specify a search order that points to the directory in which the catalog is
located.
For specific instructions about how to specify a search order, see the CATIA
Version 5 Infrastructure User's Guide (Workbench Description -> Menu Bar
-> Tools -> Creating a Document Search Order).
Workbench Description
The CATIA System Space Reservation workbench includes the following toolbars:
Catalog Browser
Activate parent
Activate area
Glossary
C
chamfer A cut through the thickness of the feature at an angle, giving a sloping
edge.
child A status defining the genealogical relationship between a feature or
element and another feature or element. For instance, a pad is the child
of a sketch. See also parent.
constraint A geometric or dimension relation between two elements.
D
draft angle A feature provided with a face with an angle and a pulling direction.
distribution
A mechanism for organizing and grouping networks and pathways.
system
F
feature A component of a part. For instance, shafts, fillets and drafts are features.
fillet A curved surface of a constant or variable radius that is tangent to, and
that joins
two surfaces. Together, these three surfaces form either an inside corner
or an
outside corner.
G
groove A feature corresponding to a cut in the shape of a revolved feature.
H
hole A feature corresponding to an opening through a feature. Holes can be
simple, tapered, counterbored, countersunk, or counterdrilled.
M
mirror A feature created by duplicating an initial feature. The duplication is
defined by symmetry.
N
Symbols that mark the end of segments in routables. They can be used to
node
move or manipulate segments.
P
pad A feature created by extruding a profile.
parent A status defining the genealogical relationship between a feature or
element and another feature or element. For instance, a pad is the parent
of a draft.
part A 3D entity obtained by combining different features.
part body A component of a part made of one or several features.
pattern A set of similar features repeated in the same feature or part.
pocket A feature corresponding to an opening through a feature. The shape of
the opening corresponds to the extrusion of a profile.
profile An open or closed shape including arcs and lines created by the profile
command in the Sketcher workbench.
R
reorder An operation consisting in reorganizing the order of creation of the
features.
rib A feature obtained by sweeping a profile along a center curve.
S
scaling An operation that resizes features to a percentage of their initial sizes.
set point The alignment point for a boundary or path reservation for which a section
is defined. The set point determines, for example, whether the routing line
drawn for a boundary represents the bottom left, bottom right, or bottom
center of the boundary. There are three possible set points for a boundary
and nine possible set points for a path reservation.
shaft A revolved feature
shell A hollowed out feature
sketch A set of geometric elements created in the Sketcher workbench. For
instance, a sketch may include a profile, construction lines and points.
slot A feature consisting of a passage through a part obtained by sweeping a
profile along a center curve.
split A feature created by cutting a part or feature into another part or feature
using a plane or face.
stiffener A feature used for reinforcing a feature or part.
T
turn angle The angle formed between two imaginary lines
that are perpendicular to adjacent segments.
B
branch
positioning
breaking run at
C
current axis
changing
D
dictionary of types
customizing
E
elements
changing properties
making active
moving multiple
equipment reservation, create
G
grid
using
I
inclusion report
item reservation
creating
moving
resizing
rotating
M
mirroring elements
N
network
creating
saving in separate document
nodes
moving
O
offset planes
P
path reservations
creating
branching
routing from the end
R
resource
measuring distance between
placing
placing on different plane
rotate with definition panel
routables
connecting
disconnecting
routing
at a slope
at an offset of a routable
in any direction
with the compass base plane
within a pathway
S
section
changing
segment
changing angle
specifications tree
rearranging elements
star connection
convert to master-slave
step grid
using
T
toolbars
System Space Reservation
General Design
General Environment