Adding a Segment Connection Point

You can add a segment connection point to a device.

Segment connection points are used to attach the end of a segment to an electrical device (except filler plugs, splices and multi insert connectors).

This task shows you how to:

See Also
About Connection Points
Placing Connection Points Using the Advanced Method

Add a Segment Connection Point

You can add a segment connection point to a device.

  1. From the Device section of the action bar, click Segment Connection Point .
  2. In the tree or in the work area, select an electrical device.

    The Segment Connection Point Definition dialog box appears.

  3. In the Name box, type a name.
  4. Select a Representation, for example a surface or a point.
  5. Place a segment connection point:
    1. Select the Standard tab.
    2. Click the icon.
      The Axis System Definition dialog box appears.

      If there is an existing representation, a right-handed axis system is positioned by default.

    3. Optional: Define an origin, and then the X, Y, and Z axes.
      For more information about defining axis systems, see Generative Shape Design User's Guide: Defining an Axis System.
    4. Click OK.

    Important: The X-axis indicates the direction of segment tangency. Make sure that the X-axis points away from the device to ensure the tangency.

    In the Segment Connection Point Definition dialog box, the name of the axis system is displayed in the Axis System box.
  6. Click OK to validate.

The segment connection point is added to the selected device and appears under the Electrical node in the tree.

If you want to create flat cables, you need to define their properties in the Segment Connection Point Definition dialog box.

Define Segment Section Parameters

Branch dimensions can be defined on a segment connection point. These dimensions are used when routing a branch on this segment connection point.

Note : In Me > Preferences > Equipment > Electrical Discipline > Electrical 3D Design > Electrical Geometry Management tab, the Automatically impose profile properties from segment connection point option must be checked.

If all the flat cable conditions are complete. For more information, see About Flat Cables, you can create a flat cable by routing the branch on the segment connection point.

Before you begin: A flat cable should always have a segment connection point containing the flat cable information, otherwise you will not be able to create a flat cable.
  1. Double-click a segment connection point in the tree.
    The Segment Connection Point Definition dialog box appears.

  2. Place the segment connection point using an axis system:
    1. Select the Standard tab.
    2. Click the icon.
      The Axis System Definition dialog box appears.

      If there is an existing representation, a right-handed axis system is positioned by default.

    3. Optional: Define an origin, and then the X, Y, and Z axes.
      For more information about defining axis systems, see Generative Shape Design User's Guide: Defining an Axis System.
    4. Click OK.
  3. Click More... to specify the segment section parameters and to define the properties of a flat cable.


    Notes:
    • To manage the orientation of the flat cables, it is recommended to use the Standard tab.
    • You can pre-define the profile of the branches that are connected to connection points which helps you confirm or correct the cavity dimensions. For this, set the Width and Thickness (or Diameter) of the segment connection point and click the geometry background to visualize the shape and dimensions (highlighted in green) on the electrical device. The preview of Diameter will only be shown if Width and Thickness are 0 or Unset and Diameter value is > 0.
  4. Edit the segment section parameters.
    • The preview of the profile is updated when you change the dimension values.
      Tip: If the Segment Connection Point Definition dialog box was closed, double-click the segment connection point in the tree to reopen this window and edit the Segment section parameters.
    • The axis system of the connector's segment connection point is already defined. For a flat cable:
      • y: corresponds to the Width of the flat cable's profile.
      • z: corresponds to the Thickness.

        For more information, see About Orientation Management.

    By default, a flat cable is rectangular, but if you choose to define the Diameter, the result looks like creating a standard branch (not flat). The Diameter is taken into account only when the Width or Thickness is unset.

  5. Click OK.
    The segment connection point contains the necessary dimensions for the flat cable creation, when you route a branch on this segment connection point.
  6. Double-click the segment connection point in the tree.
    The Segment Connection Point Definition appears.
  7. Route the flat cable on the segment connection point.