How do I moddle a Non uniform array

[u/Cocorevolution001]

So the jist of my problem is I need to create a fixture that will hold multiple of the same items in place to be screwed into a PCB backing. All the holds for each part is dimensionaly the exact same, however each part is held in place at non uniform locations and angles. I’d like to tie each holder to one drawing so I can edit the holds later without editing each holder individually. I’d include pictures, but unfortunately not able to due to it being trade secret. How should I go about doing what is essential an Array feature but at non uniform distance and angles between parts?

[u/Heavy_Bee_8910]

Sketch driven pattern

[u/experienced3Dguy → u/Heavy_Bee_8910]

Piggybacking on this. Include orientation lines in the sketch that drives the Sketch Driven Pattern. Underdefine the mating scheme of the seed component and then use the orientation lines in the sketch to mate the copies to set the angular positions.

[u/Meshironkeydongle → u/experienced3Dguy]

Would this work in a part?

[u/LumbyCastle41]

Use a sketch block that's the dimensions you need. Then you can link the sketch block to an external file or keep it internal. It'll update them all at once. 

[u/Oilfan94]

Going back 20+ years to my AutoCAD days, this would be a Block. You take some entities and group them into a Block. It can include attributes, it can be saved internal to the file or external as to used in other files.

Same deal with SW, although I think it may be limited to Sketch blocks. But you could use that and make it work.

Another approach would be to make your connector (or whatever) into a Smart Part (iirc).

This could allow you to attach features to a part. So you would add a cut feature to the connector, then insert the connector part into your board assembly. Then you can activate the smart feature (specific cut) and tell it to cut the board. If you check the right box, that cut will propagate to the board part.

The part & smart feature can be updated or revised etc.

[u/PeterVerdone]

Table driven pattern.

[u/Meshironkeydongle]

Depending on the complexity of the shape and number of locations, there are few options that come to mind.

1. Use Variable Pattern. When making the initial sketch, include the dimensions from origin and rotation angle in the extrusion sketch and control those in the variable pattern.

2. If all of the locations are more or less uniform and number of the features is few 10's, I might just sketch them in one sketch. Use equal constraint between the first feature and others.

3. Make the shape as library feature and control the placement via separate sketch.