Functionless Parts Placement

 

This task shows you how to place a functionless part. This process allows you to filter (or search) a catalog for parts that meet the criteria that you specify. You are presented with a list of parts that meet these criteria so that you can select the part you want to place.

This type of parts placement is known as "functionless" parts placement because these parts do not have a function as defined in the feature dictionary. Instead of opening a class browser, you open the catalog browser. 

See also Placing Equipment.

You need to change a setting to be able to use functionless parts placement. Click Tools - Options, select Equipment and Systems and the Design Criteria tab, and check the option Part Placement Without Function.

You must also enter the appropriate value for the Function Driven flag in the project resource management file.

See also Detecting Clash in Parts Placement

1.

Click the Place Equipment button . The Resource Placement dialog box displays. 

Select the mode by clicking one of the buttons.

Place on Object to place on another object, such as an item reservation or equipment. Connectors do not display when you select this mode.

Place on Connector to place a part on a connector. You would use this, for instance, when placing a nozzle on a part connector. Connectors can be seen when you select this mode.

Place on Active Axis Plane. This will place the part on the same plane as the axis that is active. You could use this with a local axis, for instance.

Place on Compass Plane. This mode allows you to place a part on the compass plane. It becomes active when you move the compass and place it on a surface.

Place on Surface lets you place a part on a surface, such as a ship's deck. You will first need to position the white reference square that appears when you click this button.

Open Catalog Browser lets you open the browser to select a part.

The Filter Definition button lets you override values and specification, explained in Step 2 below.

The last four buttons, Edit Part Parameters, Move, Flip & Adjust, let you perform tasks already explained in this manual. They become active when they can be used.

2. To filter for parts click the Filter Definition button to display the Filter Definition dialog box. Select the property whose value you want to change, then select the new value from the drop down box in the Value field. This new value will appear in the Filter Value column. The values in the Filter Value column will be used when searching for parts in the catalog. You can also clear the override value by clicking on the Clear Value button.

3. Move your pointer to the location where you want to place the part and click. The Catalog Browser displays.

4. Expand the tree if you need to and select the part you want to place by double clicking. The part is placed.

 

You can choose to display or hide a "preview" of the part you are placing. To do this click on Tools - Options and select Equipment & Systems and the General tab. Check or uncheck the box Display image while placing catalog object in 3D viewer to obtain the effect you want.

By default, when you click (in free space) to place a part the center of that part will be placed at that location. The center is determined by the application by drawing a box around the part and selecting the center of the base of the box. You can also choose to place the origin of the part at the point where you click. To do this click on Tools - Options and select Equipment & Systems and the General tab. Check the box Place at component's origin when placing in free space.