About the Context-based Routing Assistant

The Context-based Routing Assistant helps you design a branch route based on the geometric context of your assembly.

This assistant allows you to:

  • Define a specific routing direction by selecting one of the Robot's axis as the preferred direction.
  • Position a passing point taking into account your geometry.

This page discusses:

See Also
About the Robot Orientation
Creating Branches in the Context of your Geometry

Routing in Context

When you route branches in the context of your geometry, you use geometric elements as constraining features.

The principle of this routing method is to position a passing point at the intersection between the vector of preferred routing direction set on the Robot and a geometric element.

Routing Direction

The selection of one of the three Robot's axis as the preferred routing direction is available at the top right corner of the Branch Properties panel.

Hovering over the Context-based Routing Assistant icon displays three options:

Option Description
Sets the U axis as the preferred routing direction.
Sets the V axis as the preferred routing direction.
Sets the W axis as the preferred routing direction.

By default, no direction is selected. You can click an option to define the preferred routing direction for only one action or for your entire design.

  • Click once to select a direction for one action only, and then be able to select another direction.
  • Double-click to select a direction and retain it for your entire design.
Note: It is not possible to select a preferred routing direction if the Branch Properties panel is docked or extracted.

Once an option is selected, the assistant icon is updated accordingly in the Branch Properties panel and the pointer icon is also updated. For example, If is selected:

  • The assistant icon changes to .
  • The pointer changes to .

To cancel a selection, click the same option again.

Geometric Elements

The following geometric elements are available for the routing in context:

  • Line, edge, or curve
  • Plane or planar surface
  • Point

Intersection Point

The passing point is positioned at the intersection between the vector of the routing direction and the geometrical element.

  • If the geometrical element is a line, the intersection is computed as follows:
    Preferred routing direction
    Line
    Vector of the preferred routing direction
    Projection of the line direction
    Point of intersection
  • If the geometrical element is a plane, the intersection is computed as follows:
    Preferred routing direction
    Plane
    Vector of the preferred routing direction
    Extension of the plane
    Point of intersection
  • If the geometrical element is a point, the intersection is computed as follows:
    Preferred routing direction
    Point
    Vector of the preferred routing direction
    Shortest vector between the point and the vector of the preferred routing direction
    Projection of a plane normal to the preferred routing direction
    Point of intersection
    Important: When a point is used as constraining feature, the point of intersection with the preferred routing direction is always orthogonal.

Scope

Defining a preferred routing direction and designing branches in context is pertinent when routing branches with the Robot.

Therefore, the assistant is efficient when using the following commands:

  • Manual Routing Mode : to create a new passing point before or after an existing route element.
  • Move Mode : to edit the position of an existing passing point.
  • Replace route element : to edit the composition of a branch route.
  • Network Manipulation Assistant : to perform a translation of your network and move its position.
  • Network Duplication Assistant : to copy your network and move it to another position.
  • Translate Branch : to perform a precise translation on the sections of a branch.

Visual Assistant

When you hover over a geometric element, a visual feedback is provided in the 3D area to help you position a passing point.

  • A blue bullet symbolizes the intersection point: .
  • A blue arrow symbolizes the vector of the preferred routing direction.
  • The hovered element is highlighted in blue.

Tips:
  • To highlighted the hovered element, the Preselect in Geometry View option must be selected in Me > Preferences > Common Preferences > 2D 3D View Display > Selection > Selection.
  • The blue color of the visual feedback provided by the assistant can be modified by selecting another color option in Me > Preferences > Common Preferences > 2D 3D View Display > Selection > Highlight > Selected elements and > Prehighlight > Preselected elements.

Depending on the hovered geometric element, additional visual feedback is provided to enhance the visualization of the projected intersection.

Using a Line As Constraining Feature

When you hover over a line, the line is extended with dashes to display the direction of the line.

Using a Plane As Constraining Feature

When you hover over a plane, the plane is extended.

Using a Point As Constraining Feature

When you hover over a point:

  • A dash line represents the shortest distance between the point position and the preferred routing direction vector.
  • A symbol indicates the orthogonality at the point of intersection: .