Constraint Mates

Use the Constraint Mates tool to connect two parts based on distance, coincidence, or tangency.

For information on how to add or edit an entity like a constraint mate, see Entity Creation.

Constraint Mate Properties

Descriptions of constraint mate properties in the Property Editor.

Table 1.
Property Name Description
General
Name Name of the entity
Variable Name The variable name, a unique identifier string of the entity
ID A unique identifying integer
Properties
Use Virtual
Type Type of constraint mate. Following properties will vary based on the type of mate chosen. Distance, Coincident, or Tangent.
Distance Shortest distance between the geometries of two parts when Type is set to Distance.
Height Height of the part's geometry. This option is geometry specific.
Symmetry
  • To make the entity symmetric about the x-z plane, set Symmetry to LEFT or RIGHT. The side on the positive y-axis is considered the RIGHT side and will act as the leader if selected. The opposite side will follow.
  • To make the entity asymmetric, set Symmetry to NONE.
For more information, see Pairs and Symmetric Modeling in Inspire Motion.
Geometry
For each geometry, select a Type and provide corresponding set of references and values
Type Common to all types Part Part on which mate is applied
Origin Origin of the geometry
Point
Sphere Radius Radius of the sphere
Line Method Method of specifying direction starting at Origin. Point or Vector
Point Point along which axis the line is oriented when Method is Point
Vector Vector along which axis of the line is oriented when Method is Vector
Cylinder Radius Radius of the cylinder
Method Point or Vector
Point Point along which axis the cylinder is oriented when Method is Point
Vector Vector along which axis of the cylinder is oriented when Method is Vector
Plane Method Point or Vector
Point Point along which axis is perpendicular to the plane when Method is Point
Vector Vector along which axis is perpendicular to the plane when Method is Vector
Cone Radius Radius of the cone at its base
Method Point or Vector
Point Point along which axis the cone is oriented when Method is Point
Vector Vector along which axis of the cone is oriented when Method is Vector
Notes and Tags
Attachment Candidate Add an attachment candidate tag. See Attachments.