Paint the Constraint

SimWise allows you simultaneously to add coords and constraints with a feature called "Paint the Constraint". This feature can considerably shorten the time to create a complex model in which multiple coords and constraints are used. This feature is not selectable, but works behind the scenes for you.

All of the buttons contained in the red box below create a constraint. The following discussion applies to all of these constraint types.

"Paint the Constraint" Rules of Behavior

• If no body is pre-selected, and one of the buttons is clicked, then "Paint the Constraint" will allow two coords to be created "on the fly" and the contraint will be created using those coords.

• If two coords are pre-selected, and one of the buttons are clicked, the constraint is created.

  • For constraints that are not point-to-point, the "Constraint Creation Options" dialog appears, allowing the user to select from four radio joint-type alternatives.

• If two bodies are pre-selected, the constraint is created between the two mass centers of the bodies. Coords are automatically created at the mass center of each body.

• If one coord and one body are pre-selected, then the constraint is created between that coord and the mass center of the body. A coord is automatically generated at the body mass center.

• ESC is equivalent to Cancel in dialog boxes.

• Return is equivalent to OK in dialog boxes, to complete the action.

Typical use of "Paint the Constraint":

1. Click the button for the type of constraint to be created. 

2. Click on the first body’s face, edge, or vertex.
    SimWise creates coord and first constraint location.

3. Move the mouse and hover over the second body’s face, edge, or vertex. Here constraint appears drawn on the view, stretching between the first click point and the current location of the cursor.

4. Click on the second body’s face, edge, or vertex.

Constraint and required coords have been created.