Flexible hose for Reuse in multiple different assemblies - solution for simple case.

If you look how to create simple flex hose so that it could be reused in multiple assemblies of different geometry – this is for you.

Please note, that proposed technique will fit only for cases when flexible hose goes port – to – port and does not have intermediate points that need to snap to geometry i.e. most simple case. It actually can have internal routing points but only so that they are defined relative to connectors and do not have to snap outside.

Solution uses existing Creo capabilities in flexible components and mechanism general connections (will work even in Wildfire), and its main purpose is to avoid standard flex hose assembly modification while stitched to yet another place. Below come pictures and explanations.

1. General view of resulting assembly with flex hose :

1. Flexibility definition inside flex pipe assembly (FLEX_PIPE_FOR_REUSE.ASM in attached example) :
   In order for assembly to be fully flexible and never modify the original one, add following features into Model Properties / Flexibility : Line stock (from assembly) and Solid Pipe (from solid pipe, if you create it). Also prepare assembly level parameter called DO_YOU_WANT_FLEXIBILITY = Yes / No*.
   
   
2. Interfaces preparation on flex pipe assembly level (can be skipped, but makes life very simple):
   1. MOUNT_CSYS_1 interface of General Connection type, Coincident, select CONNECTOR_1 mounting CSYS. Interface should be of “placing” type.
   2. MOUNT_CSYS_2 interface of General Connection type, Coincident, select CONNECTOR_2 mounting CSYS. Interface should be of “placing” type.
   3. MOUNT_HOSE_ASM - combined interface that includes both previous ones, of “user defined / placing” type
      
      
3. Other specifics in flex hose assembly (see picture below) :
   1. Both connectors should be places as fully packaged – no constraints at all. This is critical for the workflow to succeed.
   2. Fixed length can be used over the hose, if desired.
      
      
4. Upon placing flex hose assembly into top assembly, confirm “yes” to use flexibility and in flexible varied items dialogue change parameter DO_YOU_WANT_FLEXIBILITY = Yes , and then OK. Ensure that your placement shows “Interface to Geometry” and select respective 2 coordinate systems to locate flex hose assembly. Confirm placement and then regenerate – hose will update its location as required.
   
   
   
   
5. Now same hose can be placed as many times as needed to different locations, and will always adopt to each occurrence respective geometry. It can be multiplied also by Component Repeat, Copy – Paste Special (new references) and any other existing way. At any of these, original assembly is not modified. Enjoy attached movie for entire workflow.

As mentioned above, having more routing points inside flex hose assembly is possible if they are all created respective “internal references” in the same assembly.  Having external references for routing points that each time will need to snap to another outer assembly geometry is a problem and not supported in current solution.

There is a way to do so, but it is more complicated and loses the simplicity of this solution.

So this is NOT a “full blown” flexible hose solution yet.

Hope you found this useful, any related questions and comments are appreciated.

Regards

• Vlad