Using Relations based on Publications at the Product Level   

This scenario explains how to use relations based on publications at the product level. The scenario described below is divided into the following steps:
  • Add a parameter to the KwrScrew.CATPart called Screw_Volume, add a formula to calculate the volume of the screw and publish the Screw_Volume parameter.
  • Add a parameter to the KwrScrew1.CATPart called Screw_Volume, add a formula to calculate the volume of the screw and publish the Screw_Volume parameter.
  • Create a CATProduct file called Bolt and import the KwrScrew.CATPart
  • Import KwrNut.CATPart.
  • In the context of the Bolt product, create a formula calculating the bolt volume based on the screw and the nut publications.

  • In the context of the bolt, replace KwrScrew.CATPart with KwrScrew1.CATPart. The volume is recomputed.
Before you start, make sure that the Keep link with selected object check box is selected (Tools>Options>Infrastructure>Part Infrastructure>General).
Note that this function can be used with:
  • Design Tables
  • Formulas
  • Rules and Checks
  • Set of Equations
  • The optimization

  1. Open the KwrNewScrew.CATPart document.

  1. Add a Volume parameter to the part.

    • Click the icon. The Formula Editor opens. From the New parameter of type scrolling list, select Real and click New parameter of type. 

    • In the Edit name or value of the current parameter field, enter the name of the parameter: Screw_Volume. Click Apply and click Add Formula. The Formula Editor opens.

    • Enter the following formula by using the Dictionary: Screw_Volume=smartVolume(PartBody\Pad.1)+smartVolume(PartBody\Pad.2 ). Click OK three times.

  2. Publish the Screw_Volume parameter.

    To do so, select Tools>Publication and click the Screw_Volume parameter under the Parameters node in the specification tree. Click OK. The published parameter appears in the specifications tree below the Publication node. Save your file and close it.

  3. Open the KwrNewScrew1.CATPart and repeat the steps listed above (steps 1 to 3 included). The part is identical to the one below. Save your file and close it.

  1. Create a CATProduct file named KwrBolt.CATProduct. 

  2. Click the Root product and select Insert>Existing Component.... The File selection box is displayed. Select the KwrNewScrew.CATPart file and click Open. The screw is imported.

  3. Select Insert>Existing Component..., select the KwrNewnut.CATPart file and click Open. The nut part is inserted.

  1. Add a Bolt_Volume parameter to the product to compute the volume of the bolt.

    • Click the Root product and click the icon. The Formula Editor opens. From the New parameter of type scrolling list, select Real and click New parameter of type. 

    • In the Edit name or value of the current parameter field, enter the name of the parameter: Bolt_Volume. Click Apply and click Add Formula. The Formula Editor opens.

    • Enter the following formula by using the Dictionary and by clicking the published parameters in the specification tree: Bolt_Volume=`..!screw.2!Screw_Volume` +`..!Nut!Nut_Volume`. Click OK, and OK. The Bolt volume is displayed

  1. Replace the screw to compute a new volume: Double-click, then right-click the Screw.2 component in the specification tree and select Components>Replace Component.... The File Selection window opens. Select the KwrNewScrew1.CATPart file and click Open.

When the part is replaced, the relation continues to point to the former parameter. But when the relation is edited, it will try to find a parameter with the same name in the model. Thus an error is displayed. To be able to support product replacement, its recommended that the relations defined between Product and its parts must be based on publications.
When using the Replace command, there will not be any warning displayed about impacts on Formula created in a Product, unless it is based on Publications.
 

  1. Click Yes and OK in the Impacts on Replace window. The new screw is inserted and the bolt volume is updated.