Edit Pattern

Overview

Edit Pattern is a command for modifying existing Pattern and Multi Pattern components in your Inventor assembly. It allows you to update the number of instances, spacing, direction, and other pattern parameters for both single and grouped patterns, without recreating the pattern from scratch. This tool streamlines design changes and helps maintain consistency when updating repetitive features or complex pattern groups.

Edit Pattern works with both standard patterns (see Pattern) and multi patterns (see Multi Pattern). The command automatically detects the type of pattern and opens the appropriate dialog for editing.

How It Works

1. Activate Edit Pattern from the toolbar or menu.
2. Select one or more pattern components in the assembly.
3. The command checks if the selected component is a Pattern or Multi Pattern.
4. If a Multi Pattern is detected, the Multi Pattern dialog opens; if a standard Pattern is detected, the Pattern dialog opens.
5. Review and modify pattern parameters such as count, spacing, direction, pattern string, and grouping options.
6. Confirm your changes to update the pattern in the assembly.
7. If the selected component is not a pattern, a message is shown indicating it cannot be edited as a pattern.

Usage Instructions

1. Open the assembly containing the pattern you want to edit.
2. Activate the Edit Pattern command.
3. Select the pattern component(s) to edit when prompted.
4. Use the dialog box to adjust pattern parameters (see below).
5. Click OK to apply changes and update the pattern.

Dialog Box Input

Pattern Type Detection

Edit Pattern automatically detects whether the selected component is a Pattern or Multi Pattern and opens the corresponding dialog.

Pattern Dialog (Standard Pattern)

• Spaces: Number of pattern instances (integer or Inventor expression).
• Distance: Spacing between instances (single value or three-part expression).
• Direction: Axis or custom vector for pattern placement.
• Flip: Reverse pattern direction.
• Constrain to Base: Constrain all instances to the first component.
• Combine Components: Option to group components before patterning.
• Create Assembly: Place pattern in a new sub-assembly.

Multi Pattern Dialog

• Pattern String: Comma-delimited definition of spaces and distances (e.g., 5 @ 24, 2 @ 12).
• Direction: Axis or custom vector for pattern placement.
• Offset: Specify x, y, z offsets (single or three-part expressions).
• Combine Components: Option to group components before patterning.
• Create Assembly: Place pattern in a new sub-assembly.
• Constrain to Base: Constrain all instances to the first component.
• BOM Structure: Set BOM structure for new assembly.

Confirmation

Review your changes and confirm to apply the updated pattern.

Trouble Shooting

1. If the pattern does not update, check for constraints or dependencies that may block changes.
2. Ensure the selected feature or component is part of a valid pattern or multi pattern.
3. Verify that pattern parameters are within allowable ranges for your design.
4. If the dialog does not open, confirm the component is a supported pattern type.

Examples

1. Increase pattern count: Change a bolt pattern from 4 to 8 instances for a larger flange.
2. Adjust spacing: Modify the distance between duct hangers in a linear pattern.
3. Edit multi pattern: Update a group pattern string to add more components or change spacing for a complex assembly.
4. Change direction: Switch the axis of a pattern to align with a new design requirement.

Related Commands

1. Pattern
2. Multi Pattern
3. Configure Component

Assembly Tool Suites

• Configure Suite
• Construct Suite
• Create Suite
• Parametric Suite
• Part Numbering Suite
• Placement Suite
• Replace Suite
• Utility Suite