Apply smart pattern

For creating a basic pattern in IronCAD, often the Triball is used:

1. Select the item you want to use in a driven pattern.
2. Activate the Triball (hotkey ‘Q’).
3. Use a right mouse drag on one of the outer handles in the direction the pattern has to be created.
4. Choose ‘Create Linear Pattern’
5. Enter the values as desired or, even better, simply click OK and let the values be driven by the name of the pattern, see below.

As mentioned the values to be used creating the pattern are extracted from the patterns name. This name starts with an underscore ‘_’ and a link to a property of the base object, like the height of a front panel (in this case ‘_L’). This property can refer to every sizebox value of the panel, so length ‘_L’, width ‘_W’ or height ‘_H’. Usually the property corresponds to the direction of the pattern.

To clarify this, see this example of system holes in the side panel of a cabinet. It will show more variables that are explained below.

The name of the used pattern is: _L/100/64/100
Looking at the pattern step by step will show 4 parameters, divided by a slash ‘/’:

Summarizing the four parameters to enter are:

• Direction value (to extract the correct length for calculation)
• Starting distance
• Minimum center distance between objects
• End distance

As mentioned the first parameter of a pattern name refers to the object hierarchically above the object in the pattern. This can be an IntelliShape in the same part, or another part in the same assembly, see examples below.

Pattern within one part

System holes in a side panel exist within one part, including the panel (an IntelliShape) and the hole(s) (also an IntelliShape). Using _L at the beginning of the name lets the pattern refer to the L-value of the shape ‘above’ the hole, so that’s the IntelliShape called Panel.

Pattern within an assembly

Since hinges are separate parts, using them in a Smart Pattern the first parameter refers to another part, often the door panel. For example the position (and quantity) of the hinges is linked to the height of the door panel an both parts are grouped in an assembly. The object to refer to must be hierarchically above the position of the pattern and on top of the list in the assembly. Note that the assembly may contain other parts, like a door handle and buffers.

The center distance, or so called system distance between objects is used for calculating the quantity of hinges and their position.
The type of distance can be controlled by the mathematical symbols <, > and =. For example:

The preferred type of center distance to be used when no mathematical symbol is added to the value can be set in the Settings menu (on the Options ribbon bar).  Look for Default Smart Pattern operator and adjust it as required (by default “<“).

When using a fixed distance (symbol =), the end distance of the pattern will be variable and will become a distance between the minimum of the given end distance and the given fixed distance. According to the mentioned sample above the distance of the last hinge to the end of the front panel will be between 350mm and 260mm (350-90).

Below three examples of the difference in result when using the center distance with a specific symbol.

• Left: _H/20/>25/20 (Or simply _H/20/25/20 when “> ” is set as default)
• Center: _H/20/<25/20
• Right: _H/20/25/20

With this option a fixed quantity for objects can be set. The items will be equally distributed between the start and end distace entered. For example used for door buffers or holes at the end of a tube (‘#2’ in these cases).

• Sample _L/32/#2/32 (Left image)
• Sample _H/25/#2/25 (Right image)

When items (or only one item) has to be positioned based on a center point, character “C” can be used. Technically Para-Flex suppresses the first (main) item and creates the the quantity as calculated minus 1 (resulting in omitting the last item), all based on the full length of the L, W or H value.

Example 1: Quantity and position of shelves is related to the height of the cabinet. The total height of the side panel is used to calculate the numbers and position  of the shelves (evenly distributed), while at the first and last position, no shelves but a bottom or deck should be placed. Using the character “C” after the desired quantity value will create the right placement.

• Sample _L/0/#4C/0

Example 2: Place a handle horizontally centered on the front of a drawer. To place only one handle the middle position of the pattern string should be “#1” in stead of a center distance. When using “#1C” Para-Flex creates one item positioned in the center of the total length of the L, W or H value.

• Sample _W/0/#1C/0

In some situations it’s necessary to omit the last item of a pattern. For example in case of legs under a cabinet. The width of the bottom is used for the calculation to distribute the legs, but the leg on the last position has to be placed mirrored. That way the last standard position should be omitted by the pattern, and this item has to be placed manually.

To use this option enter character “M” directly after the center distance. This way Para-Flex creates the the quantity as calculated minus 1 (resulting in omitting the last item).

• Sample _L/32/=350M/32

For fixing one item on a certain distance from the end, character E can be used.
Both the first or last parameter of the pattern name can be used to set the end distance. Just create a pattern in the desired direction from the starting point of the base item. Rebuild the pattern name as desired and use E as value of the middle parameter.

Example 1: Set the position of a door handle fixed to 50mm till the right end of the panel, regarding sizebox direction W.

• Sample: _W/0/E/50 (or _W/50/E/0)

Example 2: Set the position of a door handle fixed like the example above, but then 70mm regarding to the top of the door panel (sizebox direction L)

• Sample: _L/0/E/70 (or _L/70/E/0)

Notes

• Whether the first or last parameter is used, the values entered will be summed up to create one total end distance.
• The end distance is maximized at the value of the used size box parameter. For example: the maximum distance a handle can be from the top of a drawer panel, is the height (L-value) of the respective panel.

It is possible to add remarks to a pattern name without disrupting the automatic calculation. By putting text between parentheses (…) the remark is visible but does not affect the system.

Sample _L/32/=350M/32 (Frontal legs)