Using a Topology Map

You can generate a 2D representation of a mechanism or sub-mechanism displaying its components and their connections.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Create a mechanism representation or macro-mechanism, and define it as current.
Note: You can only generate a topology map for the current mechanism.
See Also
About Topology Maps
Creating Mechanism Representations

Display the Topology Map

  1. From the Mechanical Systems Design section of the action bar, click Topology Map .
  2. Optional: To modify the size or position of the panel, do one of the following:
    • Drag the sides of the panel to modify its height or width.
    • Drag the top of the panel to move it.
  3. Select the topology map layout.
    OptionDescription
    Reference Displays the components in levels and sublevels.

    The product connected to the most joints appears as the root node. The other components are displayed in sublevels.

    Note: The reference layout is selected by default.
    Grid Displays the components according to a matrix shape.

    The matrix shape is based on the square root value of the total number of nodes.

    Spring Groups the components together.

    Drag the components to modify the layout of the topology map.

    If you modify the current mechanism, the topology map is updated automatically and according to the selected layout.



Add Constraints

  1. Select a product or joint in the panel.
    The component is highlighted in the work area and in the tree.
  2. On the context toolbar, select the constraint to create.

    Note: The number of commands available depends on the selected component. For more information, see Engineering Connection Context Toolbars.

    The constraint appears in the topology map and in the tree.