Variable Spring Length in an Assembly

I have been following a number of SolidWorks users, both in this forum and others, with variable spring lengths when added to assemblies. In this regard, I have been unable to completely resolve my problem with "auto sizing" when a spring is added into an assembly and then mated.

For example, using a simplistic model similar to Gupta's example for a nut mated on a bolt, separated by a spring, I have the latter element which correctly stretches or compresses off a variable length central axis. I also have a threaded nut which spins up and down the threaded shaft of the bolt. In the assembly, then are mated and still exhibit their repective characteristics: variable spring length, threaded motion on a shaft.

Without the usage of equations or animation, I am lead to believe that it is possible to screw on the threaded nut which in turn varies the length of the compressed spring. Some of these approaches have been with "dynamic planes", 'handles", or other devices which permit a simplistic interface with the components in assembly. Unfortunately I have been unable to make this work.

There must be a relatively easy and straight forward way to dynamically mate the free end of the spring to the face of the nut such that torquing the nut would result in a variable spring lenght. Has anyone done it before? Is there something I am missing out of the model?

For convenience, the Spring, Nut, Bolt and assembly are in the ZIP file below.

Attachments:

Spring.zip, 5.1 MB

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Permalink Reply by Deepak Gupta on August 4, 2010 at 8:09pm

Did you looked at this : How to Animate a spring/

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Permalink Reply by John zhao on August 5, 2010 at 3:36pm

Hi Deepap Gupta

I have a project need to do torque test and flow test. It is a pneumatic actuator with 4 cylinder, it can be either double acting or spring return. the model was done by other people of the company. I will sent you the assembly and hope you can tell me where I need modify and how to do the test. my e-mail at work is jzhao@ballvalve.com

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Deepak Gupta on August 6, 2010 at 6:38am

John, I'll have a look at files and let you know. Please make sure you have added all the required part files along with assembly.

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Permalink Reply by John zhao on August 6, 2010 at 4:27pm

Hi Deepap Gupta

I zip a assembly file to you. What I want you to help me to figure it out how to
1: animate the movement of all cylinders to their directions when shaft and gear rotate
2 real motion study to get toque on the shaft when add 80 psi air pressure on the pistons
3. how long it will takes from o degree to 90 degree of rotating when the given toque add on the piston
4 actually I try to use flow animation to test dymatic pressure change during the processm, but I was told that current flow animation is not able to do the moving parts. please let me know if you have any idea.

thx

Deepak Gupta said:

John, I'll have a look at files and let you know. Please make sure you have added all the required part files along with assembly.

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Permalink Reply by Alexander Sebok on August 6, 2010 at 7:49pm

it is made in COSMOmotion no ?

Deepak Gupta said:

Did you looked at this : How to Animate a spring/

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Permalink Reply by Deepak Gupta on August 6, 2010 at 9:20pm

No, this is only a basic motion study.

Alexander Sebok said:

it is made in COSMOmotion no ?

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Permalink Reply by Alexander Sebok on August 7, 2010 at 5:36am

thanks for answering,im new here,new kid on the block :)
i gonna design and animate a motorcycle(+engine) for me master degree.
and den make some basic and advanced tutorials
so its enough to simulate the engine motion in basic motion?
i don't believe,i think it necessary to use min. physical sim. ore Cosmos motion no?

Deepak Gupta said:

No, this is only a basic motion study.

Alexander Sebok said:
it is made in COSMOmotion no ?

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Permalink Reply by Deepak Gupta on August 7, 2010 at 12:31pm

Depends on what exactly you want to present.

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Permalink Reply by Alexander Sebok on August 7, 2010 at 5:02pm

everything:) how a 4 stroke engine works (piston,belts,springs,gears)

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Permalink Reply by Deepak Gupta on August 8, 2010 at 2:54am

So you just looking towards motion only and not in real how 4 stroke engine works. I mean with the effect of gas. Then you can use animator to achieve that.

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Permalink Reply by Alexander Sebok on August 8, 2010 at 4:45pm

so like in this video: http://www.webs1.uidaho.edu/mindworks/past_projects.htm hoglet video
i need only assembly motion?i tried animate the spring in engine but its not working.