3.6.3.2.2. Sensors

The following example shows how to classify a sensor and check the classification in the Mechatronics Concept Designer.

[Note]Note

A current CNS classification is required. Install this in PARTadmin under Catalog update -> Online -> Select classifications.

  1. In the configurator [Configurator], select the individual part to be classified in the assembly and open it using the context menu command in PARTproject.

  2. Select the 3db file on the left under Project selection.

    -> The preview [Preview] appears on the right under Edit project.

  3. Call up the context menu command Select connection point [Choose connection point] on the feature to be classified (here a connection point).

    [Note]Note

    At sensors a connection point is used for classification (of the light ray).

    -> All existing classes are displayed below the preview.

  4. In the case of a sensor, select the class under Simulation -> Sensor -> Line.

    -> Beside the selected class the single attributes are displayed.

    In the case of a sensor, please set the following values:

    • Name: Enter a name of your choice.

    • Line Sensor Diameter: Width and height of the light beam

    • Line Sensor Length: Length of the light beam

      [Note]Note

      If only Line Sensor Length is specified, one-dimensional sensors of type "Line" are created.

      If Line Sensor Diameter is also present, this creates a three-dimensional sensor of the "box" type (NX cannot use cylindrical sensors).

    • Length axis:

      Scroll down in order to see this attribute.

      Value range: 0,1,2 (0 for X, 1 for Y and 2 for Z)

      For the classification of the light ray a connection point is used. The light ray has to be co-directional to the model's coordinate system. However, connection points have their own orientation (their own coordinate system).

      [Note]Note

      Unfortunately, PSOL and NX matrices do not conform in terms of orientation. For this reason, the sensor classification is supplemented by a direction specification as for the conveyor belts and this must be set accordingly.

      In order to detect the correct attribute value, proceed as follows:

      1. At the coordinate system of connection point, detect the color of that axis, which is co-directional to the axis of the model's coordinate system.

        -> At sensors normally this will be the blue axis.

      2. Detect, which is the blue axis in the model's coordinate system.

        -> This is the Z axis.

      3. Set the attribute value for Length axis to 2 (see help text under "Description").

    The values for 3D identification and 3D filename are set automatically. Metadata can remain empty.

  5. Save your entries in PARTproject.

  6. Export the light gate to NX by clicking on .

  7. Open the Mechatronics Concept Designer in NX under Application -> More.

  8. Open the Physics Navigator.

    -> Under Sensors and Actuators you can see the classified connection point.

  9. Click Edit in the context menu.

    -> The Collision Sensor dialog box opens.

    As you can see, Length, Width, Height and Name have been taken from the classification.