Inserting an Electrical Branch Geometry and First Branch

You can insert an electrical branch geometry and define its first branch.

This scenario describes how to create an electrical branch geometry using the Electrical Branch Geometry command. You can also create this object using the Spreadsheet or Add > Content. For more information, see Creating an Electrical Branch Geometry.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin:

Insert an Electrical Branch Geometry

  1. From the Branch section of the action bar, click Electrical Branch Geometry .
    The Electrical Branch Geometry dialog box appears.
  2. In the Electrical Branch Geometry tab, define the following electrical properties:

    • Sub-type
    • Separation Code
      Note: If you specify this attribute, the new branches added under the electrical branch geometry inherit the same separation code.

      However, if you modify the separation code defined on the electrical branch geometry, the property is not updated for your branches.

      Tip: Use the Segment Separation Code resource to retrieve predefined values from Data Setup. For more information, see Electrical Physical System Design Resources.

The electrical branch geometry is inserted and the Branch Definition dialog box appears. you can specify the parameters of the first branch.

Note: The electrical branch geometry is a 3D Part (Part Number, Description, etc. defined in the 3D Part tab), that is to say an object composed of a product with a 3D Representation. Its main characteristic is to have a "Terminal node" behavior and the impossibility to delete the link between the Product and the Representation; the 3D Shape is a mandatory representation.

The electrical branch geometry will then inherit the 3D Part's properties such as deleting, duplicating, versioning, changing maturity.

A 3D Part is also seen as one object in the Save and Search in Database dialog boxes.

The next tab of the dialog box lets you manage attributes of the associated representation.

Define the Parameters of the First Branch

  1. In the Branch Definition dialog box, define the following parameters:

    • Name defines the branch name.
    • Separation code defines the separation code value for all the segments within the branch.
      Note: If the branch parameters are retrieved from the Branch Definition Table resource in which a separation code is already defined, this box is not editable.
      Tips:
    • Resource displays the unique identifier of a branch created with data resource.
    • Diameter defines the branch diameter.
    • Section defines the diameter or the section.
    • Bend Radius for Check:
      • Bend Radius defines the branch's bend radius.
      • Bend Radius Ratio defines the ratio between the diameter and the bend radius.
    • Computed Bend Radius is calculated.
    • Build Mode defines the branch's build mode (Slack, Length, Bend, Straight Bend, Cornered Polyline).

      Important: When designing a model in a large range context, it is recommended to use the Straight Bend or Cornered Polyline build modes.

    • Route Definition command: defines the branch electrical curve.
    • Segments Definition command: defines the segments of the branch.
    • External Curve sets the external curve on which the branch is to be built.

  2. Specify the diameter or the section:
    1. Enter a value in the Diameter box and have the section computed automatically. Or,
    2. Enter the Section and have the diameter computed automatically.
  3. In the Bend Radius box, enter the bend radius value.

    The bend radius is the minimum bend radius allowed for the whole segment. A bend radius at least equal to the diameter is recommended to avoid tight turns. A message appears when the bend radius is smaller than the diameter because the branch route may be unavailable.

    1. Enter a value in the Bend Radius box. Or,
    2. Select the Bend Radius Ratio check box then specify a factor, and have the bend radius computed. The factor is multiplied by the diameter to determine the minimum bend radius.

    The bend radius entered is used as an input.

    In Standard algorithm mode, you can have the system optimize the bend radius to keep the flexible curve.

    The Computed bend radius is displayed when you have routed the branch. Status lights show whether or not the computed bend radius respects the minimum bend radius entered.

  4. Select the Build Mode, for example Slack and enter a percentage. In the Build Mode list, select one of the options:
    • Slack: Segment length is the minimum length increased by a user-defined percent entered in the Slack(%) box. The Length box is unavailable.
    • Length: Segment length is defined by the user in the Length box. The Slack(%) box is unavailable.
    • Bend: Segment length corresponds to the minimum computed length between the points defining the segment route. Slack(%) and Length boxes are unavailable.
    • Straight bend: Segment length corresponds to the path defined by arcs of circles of fixed radius and straight lines going through points. You can add a tangency to each point in the Route Definition dialog box to manage the route direction of the curve. Slack(%) and Length boxes are unavailable.
    • Constrained length: this mode is available only if you have activated the FLEX algorithm via Me > Preferences > App Preferences > 3D Modeling > Electrical and Electronic Systems > Electrical 3D Design > Branch and if you have already routed the branch before. By default the original length of the branch is kept. Slack(%) and Length boxes are unavailable.
    • Cornered Polyline: Segment length corresponds to the shortest path defined by arcs of circles of fixed radius and lines. The curve does not go through the points, except if the bend radius is equal to zero. Tangency at route points is ignored. Slack(%) and Length boxes are unavailable.
      Notes:
      • If you select the following parameters in the Branch Definition dialog box:
        1. Bend Radius for check > Bend Radius: 2mm for example,
        2. Build Mode > Mode: Cornered Polyline,
        3. Click Route Definition and select the Route elements. Click OK,
        4. Click Segments Definition to choose rectangular profile type. Click OK,
        the curves of the branch have the following shape:

      • If you follow the same steps as above but you set the bend radius as 0, the branch has cornered angles because all its curves are created with zero bend radius:

      • You can transit from the Cornered Polyline to a non-cornered polyline mode (Slack, Length, Bend, Straight Bend) and vice-versa. And the branch shapes generated via Build Mode respect the respective algorithm. Note that tangency at route points is not considered in computation, hence all the tangents applied to route points, except for devices with their own tangency, will be lost and can never be retained (red arrows for Tangent / Direction selection on routed points will not be visible, except for devices and supports).
      • You can route a branch, the curve of which has a Build Mode set to Cornered Polyline.
      • When the Bend Radius is equal to zero, it is not allowed to change the Build Mode from the Cornered Polyline to a non-cornered polyline mode. A message is displayed asking you to give the Bend Radius a non-zero value before changing the Build Mode.

    At this stage, segment parameters are defined. You now route the segment to complete the definition and create the geometrical representation of the flexible curve.

    Note: Canceling the branch definition before routing creates a branch set, branch and segment in the tree; no geometry, however, is defined.

  5. Click Route Definition and route the branch.
  6. Click OK in the Route Definition dialog box when done.
  7. Click OK in the Branch Definition dialog box.
    The Electrical 3D Design app switches to the Electrical 3D Part Design app (representation context).

    An electrical branch geometry comprising one branch and one segment is created by default.

  8. Click OK in the Branch Definition dialog box when done.
    The first branch is fully defined with associated geometry and route. The flexible curve is visible in the geometry area.



    Important:
    • Double-click the branch in the tree or work area to edit it.
    • If the branch being edited contains only single route point, the Route definition dialog box will open to allow the re-definition of the branch route. It may happen, for example, after cut and paste of some dependency branches if the lost links are not manually re-created.

You are now able to route branches or modify segments.