Electrical Library

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Electrical Library

Overview

Conventions What's New? Getting Started

Entering the Electrical Part Design Workbench Defining a Single Insert Connector

Defining a Cavity Connection Point

Entering Electrical Assembly Design Workbench Accessing Data Through a Catalog

Connecting Electrical Devices

Adding Electrical Behavior to Element Within the Assembly Inserting New Electrical Part

User Tasks

Using Electrical Library

Entering the Electrical Assembly Design Workbench Entering the Electrical Part Design Workbench Creating Wires

Creating Wire References Interactively Creating Wire References Using Macros Creating Wires Group References Creating Catalogs

Describing the CSV File Editing Wire Properties Defining Electrical Devices

Defining an Equipment

Defining an Electrical Connector Defining a Filler Plug

Defining a Contact Defining a Shell Defining a Back Shell

Defining a Mounting Equipment Defining Electrical Connection Points

Defining a Cavity Defining a Termination

Defining a Connector Connection Point Defining a Bundle Connection Point Defining a Cavity Connection Point Defining a Back Shell Connection Point Creating Supports

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Creating Standard Supports Creating Retainers

Creating an Adaptative Part Creating Protective Coverings Connecting/Disconnecting Devices

Connecting Electrical Devices Disconnecting Electrical Devices Working with External Systems

Selective Loading in Electrical Products

Importing Electrical External Data for 3D Implementation Selecting Systems from External Data

Reconciling External Systems and Physical data Managing Links from External Data

Removing a Link to a Device Linking Devices from External Data Replacing a Device from External Data Placing Internal Splice by Drag and Drop

Displaying Location Information from External Electrical Specification Working with Electrical Functional Definition

Placing Physical Devices from Functional Data Removing Functional Link

Adding Link to Component from Functional Data Electrical Integration Scenarios

Electrical Integration from External Data Environment Settings

Setting up the Electrical Process Interfacing Selecting Systems from External Data Placing Devices from External Data Creating the Cable Harness

Placing Internal Splices Automatic Routing

Exporting Data from CATIA

Electrical Integration from Functional Data Using Catalogs

Storing Devices

Refining the Catalog Mapping for the Device Storage Connecting Device by Drag & Drop at Placement Connecting Contacts by Drag & Drop at Placement Using Smart Placement from Catalog

Using Smart Move Editing Electrical Properties Viewing Related Objects Electrical and Knowledge

Electrical User Functions

Electrical Package in Knowledge Expert

Working with Electrical Data Using VPM Navigator ENOVIA V5 Interoperability Using VPM Navigator

Working with Electrical Data Optimal CATIA PLM Usability

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Using ENOVIA Catalog for Electrical Mapping Loading an iXF Document with VPM Navigator Workbench Description

Menu Bar Toolbars

Electrical Workbench Specification Tree Customizing

General

Electrical Library Access Electrical Mapping

Electrical Process Interfacing Electrical Data Exchange Format

Describing the iXF Electrical Schema

Considering the iXF Schema in Greater Depth Methodology

Protective Coverings of Given Length - Methodology Creating a Protective Covering of Given Length Instantiating a Protective Covering of Given Length Using Back Shells as Guiding Supports

Glossary Index

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Overview

Welcome to the Electrical Library User's Guide!

This guide is intended for users who need to become quickly familiar with the product.

This overview provides the following information:

● Electrical Library in a Nutshell ● Before Reading this Guide

● Getting the Most Out of this Guide ● Accessing Sample Documents ● Conventions Used in this Guide

Electrical Library in a Nutshell

Electrical Library is a product which provides a set of tools for defining electrical devices, placing and connecting them. It also allows the creation and management of wire and electrical device catalogs.

This product offers the following main functions:

● electrical behavior definition on parts and assemblies

● electrical semi-automatic placement (using mechanical assembly features)

● assisted device placement according to the electrical specifications coming from external, legacy or CATIA electrical specification tool

● electrical wire references generation in the catalog ● electrical properties and attributes edition

● interactive access and navigation within electrical catalogs ● electrical catalogs customizing.

As a scalable product, Electrical Wire Routing can be used in cooperation with other current or future companion products such as Electrical Wire Routing, Electrical Harness Installation, Electrical Harness Flattening and Electrical System Functional Definition.

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Before reading this guide, you should be familiar with basic Version 5 concepts such as document windows, standard and view toolbars. Therefore, we recommend that you read the Infrastructure User's Guide that describes generic capabilities common to all Version 5 products. It also describes the general layout of V5 and the interoperability between workbenches.

You may also like to read the following complementary product guides, for which the appropriate license is required:

● Electrical Wire Routing, ● Electrical Harness Installation

● Electrical System Functional Definition ● Electrical Harness Flattening.

Getting the Most Out of this Guide

To get the most out of this guide, we suggest that you start reading and performing the step-by-step Getting Started tutorial. This tutorial shows you how to define and connect electrical devices.

Once you have finished, you should move on to the User Tasks section, which deals with handling all the product functions.

The Workbench Description section, which describes the Electrical Wire Routing workbench, and the

Customizing section, which explains how to set up the options, will also certainly prove useful.

Navigating in the Split View mode is recommended. This mode offers a framed layout allowing direct access from the table of contents to the information.

Accessing Sample Documents

To perform the scenarios, sample documents are provided all along this documentation. For more information about this, refer to Accessing Sample Documents in the Infrastructure User's Guide.

Conventions Used in this Guide

To learn more about the conventions used in the documentation, refer to the Conventions section.

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Conventions

Certain conventions are used in CATIA, ENOVIA & DELMIA documentation to help you recognize and understand important concepts and specifications.

Graphic Conventions

The three categories of graphic conventions used are as follows:

● Graphic conventions structuring the tasks

● Graphic conventions indicating the configuration required ● Graphic conventions used in the table of contents

Graphic Conventions Structuring the Tasks

Graphic conventions structuring the tasks are denoted as follows:

This icon... Identifies...

estimated time to accomplish a task

a target of a task

the prerequisites

the start of the scenario

a tip a warning information basic concepts methodology reference information

information regarding settings, customization, etc.

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functionalities that are new or enhanced with this release

allows you to switch back to the full-window viewing mode

Graphic Conventions Indicating the Configuration Required

Graphic conventions indicating the configuration required are denoted as follows:

This icon... Indicates functions that are...

specific to the P1 configuration

Graphic Conventions Used in the Table of Contents

Graphic conventions used in the table of contents are denoted as follows:

This icon... Gives access to...

Site Map

Split View Mode

What's New?

Overview

Getting Started

Basic Tasks

User Tasks or Advanced Tasks

Interoperability Workbench Description Customizing Administration Tasks Reference 7

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Methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary

Index

Text Conventions

The following text conventions are used:

● The titles of CATIA, ENOVIA and DELMIA documents appear in this manner throughout the text. ● File -> New identifies the commands to be used.

● Enhancements are identified by a blue-colored background on the text.

How to Use the Mouse

The use of the mouse differs according to the type of action you need to perform.

Use this

mouse button... Whenever you read...

● Select (menus, commands, geometry in graphics area, ...)

● Click (icons, dialog box buttons, tabs, selection of a location in the document window, ...)

● Double-click ● Shift-click ● Ctrl-click

● Check (check boxes) ● Drag

● Drag and drop (icons onto objects, objects onto objects)

● Drag ● Move

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● Right-click (to select contextual menu)

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What's New?

This table identifies what new or improved capabilities have been documented in Version 5 Release 15 of the Electrical Library User's Guide.

New Functionalities

Creating Wire Groups

You can now create wire groups, i.e. electrical objects representing multiconductor cables, for example a twisted pair. You can then store them in catalogs.

Enhanced Functionalities

none

Customizing Settings

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Getting Started

Before getting into the detailed instructions for using Electrical Library Version 5, the following tutorial provides a step-by-step scenario demonstrating how to use key functionalities. You should be familiar with the basic commands common to all workbenches. These are described in the Infrastructure User's Guide.

Entering the Electrical Part Design Workbench Defining a Single Insert Connector Defining a Cavity Connection Point

Entering Electrical Assembly Design Workbench Accessing Data Through a Catalog

Connecting Electrical Devices

Adding Electrical Behavior to Element Within the Assembly Inserting New Electrical Part

All together, this task should take about 20 minutes to complete.

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Using the Electrical Part

Design Workbench

This task explains how to set up the environment to work with CATIA - Electrical Library. CATIA - Electrical Library includes two workbenches:

● the Electrical Assembly Design workbench: to work at the level of an assembly of electrical objects. ● the Electrical Part Design workbench: to add electrical behavior at the level of a part.

You will start with working in the Electrical Part Design workbench to add an electrical behavior to standard part: it becomes an electrical connector.

Open the PrtStd.CATPart document.

1. Choose the Electrical Part Design item from the Start -> Equipments & Systems menu.

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Defining a Single Insert Connector

This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part. Therefore it becomes an electrical connector.

The document is already open from the previous task.

1. Define this part as a single insert connector using this icon . You are prompted to select the part.

2. Click the part either in the specification tree or in the geometry. The Connector Definition dialog box opens:

3. Click OK to validate.

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This document now contains an electrical connector that you will insert later in the assembly.

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Defining a Cavity Connection Point

This task explains how to add a cavity connection point to the connector in order to insert it into a cavity of an equipment.

The document is still open from the previous task.

1. Define the Cavity Connection Point using this icon . You are prompted to select a device.

2. Click the part itself. The dialog box opens:

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❍ Enter CavConnectionPoint in the Name field for example. ❍ Select the back face as Representation: Face.

The representation will be the visualization of the cavity connection point. ❍ Select the Placement Constraints as follows:

the contact: Point.1

the coincidence: Face

Those selections will be used as specification to create assembly constraints during the connection of this single insert connector to a cavity.

The OK button becomes available. ❍ Press OK to validate your choice.

3. Save the document as PartStd2.CATPart for example.

This document now contains an electrical connector, with its connection point, that you will insert in the assembly.

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Entering the Electrical Assembly

Design Workbench

You will now work in the Electrical Assembly Design workbench.

CATIA V5 is launched. A CATProduct document is displayed.

1. Choose the Electrical Assembly Design item from the Start -> Equipments & Systems menu.

The Electrical Assembly Design workbench is displayed and ready to use.

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Accessing Data Through a Catalog

This task explains how to instantiate electrical devices into a CATProduct document using a catalog. The devices to be imported are:

● an equipment: EquipmentDA4

● two single connectors: SingleConnectorDF56L and SingleConnectorDF56R

1. Click the Catalog Browser icon to open the CatalogOfDevices.catalog. The dialog box opens:

If necessary, use the Open icon to browse another catalog and select the CatalogOfDevices.catalog from the samples folder. The full path is:

.../online/elbug_C2/samples/CatalogOfDevices.catalog.

2. Double-click the Electrical Devices: the folder content is displayed.

3. Double-click the Equipments: the folder content is displayed.

4. Select the EquipmentDA4, drag and drop it onto the Product1 in the specification tree. The equipment is instantiated: it is composed of three cavities.

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5. In the Electrical Devices folder, double-click Single Connectors, then

6. Select the SingleConnectorDF56L, drag and drop it onto the Product1 in the specification tree.

7. Select the SingleConnectorDF56R, drag and drop it onto the Product1 in the specification tree.

The result looks like this:

8. Close the Catalog Browser.

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Note that when you insert a device into a product, you can take advantage of CATIA - Assembly

capabilities to constrain the device within the digital mock-up, profiting therefore by the associativity. For more information, refer to Using Assembly Constraints

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Connecting Electrical Devices

This task explains how to connect the electrical devices previously instantiated.

1. Select the Connect Electrical Devices icon to connect together the two single insert connectors.

You are prompted to select a connector.

2. Select the SingleConnectorDF56R connector connection point that is represented by the front face as shown below:

You are prompted to select another connector.

3. Select the SingleConnectorDF56L connector connection point that is represented by the front face as shown below:

The connectors are connected together.

❍ an electrical connection has been created to reflect that the connectors are electrically connected

❍ using the definition of the connector connection points, mechanical constraints are created to get the correct positioning

❍ it's the first selected object that moves to the second one's location.

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The mechanical constraints are added to the specification tree:

4. Select the Connect Electrical Devices icon again to place the SingleConnectorDF56R in the first cavity of the equipment.

You are prompted to select a connector.

5. Select the SingleConnectorDF56L cavity connection point that is represented by the face as shown below:

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The DF56R connector is connected to the selected cavity of the equipment. ❍ it's the first selected object that moves to the second one's location

❍ the DF56L connector moves together with the DF56R connector owing to the mechanical constraints.

The coincidence and surface constraints are added to the specification tree:

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Adding Electrical Behavior to Element

Within the Assembly

This task explains how to instantiate a standard part into the session document then to add electrical behavior to this part within the assembly.

1. Import the element using the catalog. To do so:

❍ Click the Catalog Browser icon to open the CatalogOfDevices.catalog. The dialog box opens:

The full path is:

.../online/elbug_C2/samples/CatalogOfDevices.catalog. ❍ Double-click the Standard Parts: the folder content is displayed ❍ Double-click the Parts: the folder content is displayed

❍ Select the FillerPlugStd, drag and drop it onto the Product1 in the specification tree. The standard part is instantiated.

❍ Close the Catalog Browser. 2. Double-click to activate Product1.

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remains unchanged. This means that, only in the context of the active product, this part will be seen as an electrical component.

3. Click the Define Filler Plug icon to convert the FillerPlugStd. You are prompted to select a product.

4. Select the FillerPlugStd (FillerPlugStd.1) product. The dialog box opens:

5. Enter FillerPlugElec in the Instance name field and click OK.

Note that it is the instance of the filler plug imported in the assembly, which is modified and not the reference.

6. Click the Define Cavity Connection Point icon . You are prompted to select an electrical device.

7. Select the filler plug either in the specification tree or in the geometry. The Cavity Connection Point Definition dialog box opens:

8. Enter CaCnxPnt in the Name field.

9. Click the back face as Representation:

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10. Define the Placement Constraints as follows:

❍ Select the point as Contact:

❍ Select the back face as Coincidence:

11. Click OK to validate.

The cavity connection point (CaCnxPnt) is added to the specification tree.

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You are prompted to select an electrical connector.

13. Select the filler plug cavity connection point represented by the back face.

14. Click the bottom of the equipment middle cavity.

The filler plug is now electrically connected to the equipment and placed at the correct position thanks to the connection point definition.

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Inserting the Electrical Part Newly Defined

This task shows you how to add the previously electrified part to the product.

1. Select the Existing Component icon .

You are prompted to select the product in which you want the component to be inserted.

2. Select Product1.

The dialog box opens:

3. Select the file saved in the previous task: PrtStd2.CATPart.

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4. Click the Connect Electrical Devices icon . You are prompted to select a connector.

5. Select the new connector back face, i.e. the representation of the cavity connection point you've created,

as shown below:

6. Select the representation of the Equipment DA4 third cavity, i.e. the face as shown below:

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The connector is connected to the equipment.

It's the first selected object that moves to the second one's location.

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User Tasks

The User Tasks section explains and illustrates how to create various kinds of features. The table below lists the information you will find.

Using Electrical Library Creating Wires Defining Electrical Devices Defining Electrical Connection Points

Creating Supports Creating Protective Coverings Connecting/Disconnecting Devices

Working with External Systems

Working with Electrical Functional Definition Electrical Integration Scenarios

Using Catalogs Editing Electrical Properties

Viewing Related Objects Electrical and Knowledge

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Using Electrical Library

This task explains how to set up the environment to work with CATIA - Electrical Library. CATIA - Electrical Library includes two workbenches:

Electrical Assembly Design workbench to work at the level of an assembly of electrical objects.

Electrical Part Design workbench to add electrical behavior at the level of a part.

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Entering the Electrical Assembly

Design Workbench

The Electrical Assembly Design workbench allows you to create electrical assemblies in CATProduct documents.

CATIA V5 is launched. A CATProduct document is displayed.

1. Choose the Electrical Assembly Design item from the Start -> Equipments & Systems menu.

The Electrical Assembly Design workbench is displayed and ready to use.

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Using the Electrical Part

Design Workbench

The Electrical Part Design workbench is used to define electrical connectors or to convert standard parts into electrical devices.

CATIA V5 is launched. A CATPart document is displayed.

1. Choose the Electrical Part Design item from the Start -> Equipments & Systems menu.

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Creating Wires

Creating Wire References Interactively Creating Wire References Using Macros

Creating Wire Group References Creating Catalogs

Describing the CSV File Editing Wire Properties

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Creating Wire References

Interactively

This task explains how to create a wire reference, which can then be stored in a catalog.

Open a new product document.

1. Click the Define Wire button .

You are prompted to select the root product

2. Select Product1. The dialog box opens:

3. Fill up the wire parameters of interest:

a. enter a value in the Part Number field

b. enter a value in the Section field or

c. enter a value in the Diameter field

d. enter a value in the Bend Radius field

e. enter a string in the Color field.

❍ If you enter a value in Section, the Diameter is computed and vice-versa. ❍ According to the last parameter entered, the other one is computed using

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Remember:

● a wire reference is defined in a CATProduct document and there is only one wire per document ● the selected product must be the root product

● it must have no children.

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Creating Wire References

Using Macros

The wire reference creation will be done using a VisualBasic macro (.CATScript extension). This macro calls an Electrical Library method. This method needs two arguments:

● the catalog in which the wire references will be stored

● a neutral file in which the wire references are described (CSV file defined in Excel).

The default column separator used by Electrical Library for CSV files is the semi-colon ";".

Copy the following files in your c:\Temp from the samples folder and uncheck the Read-only attribute:

● CreateWires.CATScript ● WiresDefinition.csv ● CatalogOfWires.catalog

If you work on Unix platform, make sure you modify the paths consequently in the CreateWires.CATScript document.

The script below is given as an example of the macro:

Wire creation and storage in catalog Language="VBSCRIPT"

Sub CATMain()

'Definition of input data

'WARNING: Define the absolute path of the inputs '(csv file and catalog)

csvFile = "c:\Temp\ListOfWires.csv"

catalogfile = "c:\Temp\CatalogOfWires.catalog" 'Open Catalog

Dim Catalog As Document

Set Catalog = CATIA.Documents.Open(catalogfile) 'Get the "ElectricalLibrary" workbench

Dim Wkb As Workbench

Set Wkb = Catalog.GetWorkbench("ElectricalLibrary") 'Create the wires references and store them in the catalog Wkb.CreateWiresIntoCatalog csvFile, catalogfile

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End Sub

A CATIA session is running. In order to launch the macro:

1. Select the Tools -> Macro -> Macros... item.

2. Click the Select button and choose the CATScript file.

3. Edit it and update the csvFile and catalogfile variable with the corresponding paths, if need be.

4. Then run it!

Once the macro performed, the result looks like this:

if a mapping has been defined, the Reference tab will display this information.

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Other views are available giving more information if attributes have been defined in the catalog:

● the Reference tab displays the wire references attributes ● the Keywords tab

● the Preview tab shows the wire references with a graphical representation ● the Generative Data tab.

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Creating Wire Groups Interactively

This task explains how to create a wire group reference. A wire group is an electrical object representing a multiconductor cable, for example a twisted pair. It may contain wires and/or wire groups, themselves containing wires and/or wire groups.

Wire group reference can be created by aggregating: built-in wires or wire groups (as manufactured for example) or wire references/wire group references from catalogs.

Wire groups can be stored in catalog, using the dedicated command.

It is possible to import/export wire groups specifications from/to ECAD (using CAA API or XML files).

Open a new product document.

1. Click the Define Wire Group button . You are prompted to select the root product

3. Fill up the parameters of interest:

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b. enter a value in Type field: it can be Generic or Shielded.

■ Generic is the standard value

■ Shielded: two extremities (ElecWireGroupExtremities) are published.

This makes it possible to prepare ground connection (ground return) for further use.

c. enter a value in the SubType field, if needed

d. enter a string in the Color field, if needed

e. enter a value in the Diameter field

f. enter a value in the Wire Length Coefficient field: It's a real, greater than/equal to 1 (default value is 1)

It takes into account the wire twisting to compute the wire length: Wire Length = Wire Group Length x Wire Length Coefficient.

g. enter a value in the Bend Radius field.

You can then add wires or wire groups.

4. Click Add Wire

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b. enter a value in the Section field or

c. enter a value in the Diameter field

d. enter a value in the Bend Radius field

e. enter a string in the Color field

f. enter the Number of wires you want to create using these attributes.

❍ If you enter a value in Section, the Diameter is computed and vice-versa. ❍ According to the last parameter entered, the other one is computed using

knowledgeware.

6. Click Add Wire Group. Repeat step 3, a to g.

Creating Wire Groups From Catalogs

1. Click the Define Wire Group button .

You are prompted to select the root product

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4. Click the Catalog Browser button and open CatalogOfWires.catalog for example. The full path is: .../online/elbug_C2/samples/CatalogOfWires.catalog.

5. Double-click the Power wires: the folder content is displayed.

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The wire is added to the wire group.

This also applies to add wire group from catalog to a wire group.

7. Close the Catalog Browser.

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Remember:

● a wire group reference is defined in a CATProduct document. ● the selected product must be the root product.

● a wire group may contain other wire groups and/or wires. ● a wire group has no visualization

● a wire group only has extremities if it is shielded (those extremities will be used in further release for grounding purpose). For the time being, the ground connection will not be managed so the Shielded wire group will have the behavior as the Generic one.

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Creating Catalogs

You need to create the catalog to store components such as devices, wires or wire groups.

For more information, refer to Using Catalogs.

1. Choose the New item from the File menu.

The New dialog box opens.

2. Select the CatalogDocument type.

The Catalog workbench opens:

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4. Select the Add Family button then Chapter.1 in the specification tree.

The Families are used to classify the different types of wires such as: power, video etc. or wire groups. The Component Family Definition dialog box opens:

5. Enter Power Wires in the Name field and click OK.

The Power Wires family is added to the specification tree.

6. Select this button to create keywords then click Power Wires in the specification tree.

The Keywords allow you to display the properties of the stored components such as section, diameter, bend radius etc.

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7. Enter Section in the name field.

8. Choose the Type of your keyword for example Area.

It can be a basic type (string, real etc.) or a magnitude (length, volume, area etc.) Remember that the magnitudes are in MKS units.

9. Save the document.

At the creation of the Family, a keyword is defined by default: Name.

It corresponds to the identifier of the stored component (PartNumber).

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Describing the CSV File

To know more about Catalog, refer to Component Catalog Editor User's Guide.

1. Open the WiresDefinition.csv to see the structure of the file.

❍ The PartNumber and the Filename tags are mandatory. ❍ The PartNumber corresponds to the wire reference identifier.

❍ The Filename is the name of the document (CATProduct) containing the wire reference that will be

created.

❍ The Family tag lets you specify the family in which the wire reference will be stored. It is not

mandatory and if not defined, the wire reference created will be stored in the first family associated to the wire type according to the mapping defined in a preceding step. Don't forget to update them with a valid path!

❍ As a wire has no geometrical representation, the Icon tag allows you to associate a picture (bmp,

jpg). The smaller the picture is and the faster the load of the catalog document will be!

❍ The other tags correspond to the attributes of the wire type. ❍ The tag order does not matter.

● If the Diameter only is valuated, the Section will be computed. ● If the Section only is valuated, the Diameter will be computed. ● If both are valuated:

❍ if the values are consistent: there will be no change

❍ if the values are inconsistent: the Section will be computed from the Diameter.

The .csv file is either a text file (with columns separated by a comma or a semi-colon) or an Excel file (with cells separated by a comma or semi-colon) saved in the .csv format.

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The default column separator used by Electrical Library for csv files is the semi-colon ";".

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Editing Wire Properties

The wires contained in the catalog have properties, which can be edited.

Open the Wire01.CatProduct generated when running the macro in the previous task.

1. Right-click the PN-AMP-0012A product in the specification tree and select the Properties item.

The Properties dialog box opens:

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Defining Electrical Devices

These functionalities are available in both the Electrical Assembly and Part workbenches. They are used to add an electrical behavior to a product or a part.

As a result, the product itself, the instance or the reference will become an electrical element:

● When you open a CATPart document and you add an electrical behavior to the part, it is the reference which will be modified. If you insert this part in an assembly, all the occurrences will be modified.

● When you open a CATProduct document containing a CATPart, if you double-click to activate the product of the part or the part, and add an electrical behavior to it, the result is similar: you have modified the

reference and all the occurrences will have an electrical behavior. As a consequence, you will have to save the part.

● On the other hand, if the root product is activated and you select the product of the part, it is only this instance of the part which will become an electrical device. The reference is NOT modified.

This rule applies for all the devices.

Equipment: Click this button and select the part or product to be converted into an equipment.

Connector: Click this button and select the part or product to be converted into a connector.

Filler Plug: Click this button and select the part or product to be converted into a filler plug.

Contact: Click this button and select the part or product to be converted into a contact.

Shell: Click this button and select the part or product to be converted into a shell.

Back Shell: Click this button and select the part or product to be converted into a back shell.

Mounting Equipment: Click this button and select the part or product to be converted into a mounting equipment.

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Defining an Equipment

This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part.

An equipment is an electrical device with one or more associated components: connectors, shells,

contacts, filler plugs, placed in cavities. Let's see two different cases to illustrate:

● first, you will work with an instance of the product, i.e. only this instance will get the electrical behavior.

If you insert the part to another assembly, it remains a standard part.

● then, you'll work with the reference of the part, i.e. all the instances of the part will get the electrical behavior.

Adding the electrical behavior to an instance...

Open the BasicTasks.CATProduct document. It contains several standard parts.

1. Click the Define Equipment button . You are prompted to select a part or a product.

2. Click the EquipmentStd either in the specification tree or in the geometry. The Define Equipment Part dialog box opens:

3. Enter EquipmentElec in the Instance name field.

The specification tree is updated. The part is not modified.

The selected object is now an electrical equipment as the electrical behavior has been added to this instance.

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Adding the electrical behavior to the reference...

Open the EquipmentStdtoBeElectrified.CATPart document.

1. Click the Define Equipment button . You are prompted to select a part or a product.

2. Click the EquipmentToBeElectrified either in the specification tree or in the geometry. The Equipment Part Definition dialog box opens:

3. Change to EquipmentElec in the Part Number field.

The specification tree is updated. The part has been modified.

The selected object is now an electrical equipment as the electrical behavior has been added to this reference.

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An equipment allows bundle connection points, terminations, cavities and a cavity connection point as well as the following components connected into a cavity through a cavity connection point:

● connector shells

● single insert connectors, studs, terminal blocks, terminal strips ● contacts

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Defining an Electrical Connector

This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part to turn it into an electrical connector.

You can add an electrical behavior to an instance or a reference. Refer to Defining an Equipment.

The BasicTasks.CATProduct document is still open.

1. Click the Define Connector button . You are prompted to select a part or a product.

2. Click the ConnectorStd either in the specification tree or in the geometry. The Define Connector dialog box opens:

3. Select the desired Type of connector using the combo:

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The different types available are:

❍ Single Insert Connector: male or female connector ❍ Stud: connector receiving bundle segments

❍ External Splice: connector receiving bundle segments from different geometrical bundles ❍ Terminal Strip: connector with electrical termination strips

❍ Terminal Block: connector receiving bundle segments, each bundle segment wire being connected to a termination

❍ Internal Splice: connector used between wires belonging to the same bundle segment. An internal splice is a CATProduct document. It is only available in the context of Electrical Assembly workbench but not in Electrical Part workbench.

4. Enter ConnectorElec in the Instance name field.

5. Enter the Number of termination to be defined onto the connector.

The electrical terminations are used to connect wires, using CATIA - Electrical Wire Routing.

The specification tree is updated.

The selected object is now an electrical connector as the electrical behavior has been added.

A single insert connector allows one cavity connection point, one connector connection point, one back shell connection point, bundle connection points, terminations and cavities as well as the following components connected into a cavity through a cavity connection point:

● contacts ● filler plugs.

A stud allows one cavity connection point, bundle connection points and terminations. An external splice allows bundle connection points and terminations.

A terminal strip allows one cavity connection point, bundle connection points and terminations. A terminal block allows one cavity connection point, bundle connection points and terminations. An internal splice only allows terminations.

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Defining a Filler Plug

This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part to turn it into a filler plug. A filler plug is an electrical component used to block up an unused cavity.

1. Click the Define Filler Plug button . You are prompted to select a part or a product.

2. Click the FillerPlugStd either in the specification tree or in the geometry. The Define Filler Plug dialog box opens:

3. Enter FillerPlugElec in the Instance Name field.

The selected object is now an electrical filler plug as the electrical behavior has been added.

A filler plug only allows a cavity connection point.

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Defining a Contact

This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part to turn it into a contact.

A contact is an electrical component used within a termination and a cavity or between bundle segments. You can add an electrical behavior to an instance or a reference.

Refer to Defining an Equipment.

1. Click the Define Contact button .

You are prompted to select a part or a product.

2. Click the part or product which is to become a contact either in the specification tree or in the geometry.

The Define Contact dialog box opens:

3. Enter ContactElec in the Instance Name field.

The selected object is now an electrical contact as the electrical behavior has been added.

Note that a termination is automatically created when defining the contact.

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Defining a Shell

This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part to turn it into a shell.

A shell or connector shell is a non-electrical part which groups one or more electrical connector parts. You can add an electrical behavior to an instance or a reference.

Refer to Defining an Equipment.

1. Click the Define Shell button .

You are prompted to select a part or a product.

2. Click the part or product which is to become a shell either in the specification tree or in the geometry.

The Define Shell dialog box opens:

3. Enter ShellElec in the Instance Name field.

The selected object is now an electrical shell as the electrical behavior has been added.

A connector shell allows one cavity connection point, bundle connection points, terminations and cavities as well as the following components connected into a cavity through a cavity connection point:

● single insert connectors, studs, terminal blocks ● contacts

● filler plugs.

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Defining a Back Shell

This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part to turn it into a back shell.

The back shell is a physical component used to guide the bundle segment extremity to the single insert connector, and to protect the crimping area.

1. Click the Define Back Shell button . You are prompted to select a part or a product.

2. Click the BackshellStd either in the specification tree or in the geometry. The Back Shell dialog box opens:

3. Enter BackShellElec in the Part Number field.

4. Enter 15mm in the Extra Length field: this corresponds to the wire length necessary to connect the bundle segment to the single insert connector through the back shell.

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A back shell allows:

● one ore more cavities

● one or more back shell connection point ● one bundle connection point

as well as a single insert connector connected through the back shell connection point.

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Defining a Mounting Equipment

This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part to turn it into a mounting equipment.

A mounting equipment is a non-electrical part which groups one or more electrical connector parts placed into empty cavities.

This object is used to support the placement of all electrical devices

and to mount them together. For instance, a mounting equipment can represent a rack or

an electrical panel.

Open the Cockpit.CATPart document.

1. Click the Define Mounting Equipment button . You are prompted to select a part or a product.

2. Click the part (or product) which is to become a mounting equipment either in the specification tree or in the geometry.

The Define Mounting Equipment dialog box opens:

3. Enter MountEquipElec in the Instance Name field.

The selected object is now an electrical mounting equipment as the electrical behavior has been added. You can now add cavities and other electrical components.

A mounting equipment allows cavities, only one cavity connection point, bundle connection points, as well as the following components connected into a cavity through a cavity connection point:

● mounting equipment ● equipment

● connector shell

● single insert connector ● terminal block

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Defining Electrical Connection Points

The connection functionalities are available in both the Electrical Assembly and Part workbenches.

Cavity: Click this button and select the device where you want to define a cavity.

Termination: Click this button and select the device where you want to define a termination.

Back Shell Connection Point: Click this button and set the placement constraints for the connection point between back shells and electrical devices.

Bundle Connection Point: Click this button and set the placement constraints for the connection point between electrical devices and bundle segments (created with Electrical Harness Installation).

Connector Connection Point: Click this button and set the placement constraints for the connection point between connectors.

Cavity Connection Point: Click this button and set the placement constraints for the connection point between cavities and electrical devices.

It is possible to delete the electrical cavities, terminations and the connection points. This applies to:

● termination ● cavity

● cavity connection point ● connector connection point ● bundle connection point ● back shell connection point.

Note that when deleting these objects, the associated publications are also deleted.

But the publications of the geometries which constrain their placement are NOT automatically deleted, since they may have been created earlier, from another application.

According to your choice, you can delete them using the publication management available in the Assembly Design workbench (Tools -> Publication menu item).

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Defining a Cavity

This task explains how to define a cavity on an electrical device.

The cavity is used to specify the location of the electrical object when connecting. Cavities can be added to back shells.

This functionality allows you to ground the wire/cable shielding through a contact. Open any document containing a device where you want to place a cavity.

1. Click the Define Cavity button . The Cavity Definition dialog box opens:

2. Select the electrical device where you want the cavity to be defined.

3. Enter a value in the IdNumber field. Note that the IdNumber must be unique.

4. Select a Representation, for example a pocket, a pad, a face...

5. Optionally, place a Contact constraint, for example a surface or a point.

6. Optionally, place a Coincidence constraint, for example a surface, a line or an axis.

7. Optionally, place an Orientation constraint, for example a surface, a line or an axis. The orientation is used to constrain the rotation i.e. the third degree of liberty.

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For more information about the placement constraints, refer to Using Assembly Constraints.

A cavity is allowed on: ● mounting equipments ● equipments

● single insert connectors ● back shells.

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Defining a Termination

This task explains how to define a termination on an electrical device.

The termination is a sub-element ensuring the electrical signal conduction between any type of electrical component except the filler plug. It is indissociable from the electrical component and corresponds to a contact crimped into a cavity.

Open any document containing a device where you want to place a termination.

1. Click the Define Termination button .

2. Select the electrical device where you want the termination to be defined. The Termination Definition dialog box opens:

3. Enter a value in the IdNumber field. Note that the IdNumber must be unique.

4. Optionally select a Representation, for example a pocket, a pad, a face...

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A termination is allowed on:

● equipments ● connector shells

● single insert connectors, studs, external splices, terminal strips, terminal blocks, internal splices ● contacts.

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Defining a Connector Connection Point

This task explains how to define a connector connection point on a connector.

The connector connection point is used to specify how the mating connectors are placed when connecting.

Open any document containing a single insert connector where you want to place a connector connection point.

1. Click the Define Connector Connection Point button .

2. Select the electrical device where you want the connector connection point to be defined. The Connector Connection Point Definition dialog box opens:

3. Enter a value in the Name field.

5. Optionally, place a Contact constraint, for example a surface or a point.

6. Optionally, place a Coincidence constraint, for example a surface, a line or an axis.

7. Optionally, place an Orientation constraint, for example a surface, a line or an axis. The orientation is used to constrain the rotation i.e. the third degree of liberty.

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A connector connection point is only allowed on single insert connectors.

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Defining a Bundle Connection Point

This task explains how to define a bundle connection point on a device.

The bundle connection point is used to specify the position and the direction of the bundle segment connected to the device.

Open any document containing a device where you want to place a bundle connection point.

1. Click the Define Bundle Connection Point button .

2. Select the electrical device where you want the bundle connection point to be defined. The Bundle Connection Point Definition dialog box opens:

4. Select a Representation, for example a surface or a point...

5. Set a Point constraint: select a point.

This point will possibly be used as bundle segment extremity.

6. Set a Initial Condition constraint: select a plane or an axis.

This plane or axis will possibly be used to orientate the bundle segment.

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A bundle connection point is allowed on:

● equipments ● connector shells

● single insert connectors, studs, external splices, terminal strips, terminal blocks ● contacts

● back shells.

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Defining a Cavity Connection Point

This task explains how to define a cavity connection point on a device.

The cavity connection point is used to specify how the device is placed in the cavity when connecting.

Open any document containing a device where you want to place a cavity connection point.

1. Click the Define Cavity Connection Point button .

2. Select the electrical device where you want the cavity connection point to be defined. The Cavity Connection Point Definition dialog box opens:

5. Optionally, set a Contact constraint, for example a surface or a point.

6. Optionally, set a Coincidence constraint, for example a surface, a line or an axis.

7. Optionally, set an Orientation constraint, for example a surface, a line or an axis. The orientation is used to constrain the rotation i.e. the third degree of liberty.

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A cavity connection point is allowed on:

● single insert connectors, studs, terminal strips, terminal blocks ● filler plugs

● contacts.

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Defining a Back Shell Connection Point

This task explains how to define a back shell connection point.

The back shell connection point is used to specify how the back shell will be placed on the electrical connector.

You can now define more than one back shell connection point on the single insert connector. Open the BackShell.CATPart and run the Defining a Back Shell scenario.

1. Click the Define Back Shell Connection Point button .

2. Select the electrical device where you want the back shell connection point to be defined. The Back Shell Connection Point Definition dialog box opens:

4. Select a Representation, for example a pad, a face...

5. Optionally, set a Contact constraint, for example a surface or a point.

6. Optionally, set a Coincidence constraint, for example a surface, a line or an axis.

7. Optionally, set an Orientation constraint, for example a surface, a line or an axis. The orientation is used to constrain the rotation i.e. the third degree of liberty.

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A back shell connection point is allowed on:

● back shells

● single insert connectors.

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Creating Supports

A support is a mechanical object used to hold the bundle segments in position. There are several types of supports used to route electrical bundle segments. This functionality is available in Electrical Part Design workbench only.

Creating Standard Supports Creating Retainers Creating an Adaptative Part

Methodology: Branch point in the middle of the support/retainer

Creating a branch point in-between the entry point and the exit plane of a support is not recommended. It won't be handled by the flattening command in Electrical Harness Flattening.

Let's have a look at this scenario:

● If the support has been defined like this:

● you route a branch through this support:

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handled when flattening.

The workaround is to define the support as shown below:

● with the branch point outside the support definition area:

This will be properly handled by the flattening command in Electrical Harness Flattening.

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Creating Standard Supports

This task explains how to define a support for electrical bundle segments.

This functionality is available in Electrical Part Design workbench only.

A support is a mechanical object used to hold the bundle segments in position. Open the Support.CATPart document.

1. Click the Define Support button . You are prompted to select a part.

2. Click the Support either in the specification tree or in the geometry. The Support Definition dialog box opens:

3. Enter/change the name for the support.

4. Select the point through the support, to define the reference position of the bundle segment in the support.

Note: Using the Define Support command several times on the same support allows you to define several ways through (multi-support).

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If the point is not already defined, click the button. For more information, refer to the Point Definition.

You are prompted to select the first plane: the way in of the support.

5. Select the front face.

You are prompted to select a second plane: the way out of the support.

6. Select the opposite face.

To be selectable, it must be parallel to the first face.

7. Optionally, select a base plane to define a retainer. Refer to Creating Retainers. If nothing is selected, the support is considered as standard one.

The specification tree is updated:

Two extra planes have been defined (Plane.1 and Plane.2) and publications created.

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● When you define another way through a support (multi-support), the second plane is predefined as it is for the first way.

A first way through the support has been created:

Using the previous steps, when you select the support a second time to create the second way through:

❍ select another point

(or define one if necessary by clicking the button). ❍ the second plane is already defined.

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● Defining supports generates Publication labels: if you instantiate the support in a product environment, it can be replaced, keeping the links with the bundle segments going through the support.

● The Base Plane Definition field is used for the retainer type of support.

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Creating Retainers

This task explains how to define a retainer used to route electrical bundle segments.

A retainer is a special type of support, which is composed of a specified straight base. The bundle segment routed through this support keeps in contact with this base, whatever the bundle segment diameter is. This functionality is available in Electrical Part Design workbench only.

Open the retainer document.

1. Click the Define Support button . You are prompted to select a part.

2. Click the Support either in the specification tree or in the geometry. The Support Definition dialog box opens:

3. Enter/change the name for the support.

4. Select the point through the support, to define the reference position of the bundle segment in the support: here Point.4

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You are prompted to select the first plane: the way in of the support.

5. Select the front face:

You are prompted to select a second plane: the way out of the support.

6. Select the opposite face.

To be selectable, it must be parallel to the first face.

7. Select the base plane to complete the support definition as a retainer.

This plane is published with a dedicated name: EHISUPPORT-RefBasePlane. This allows the retainer to be recognized as such in CATIA.

The selection of the base plane is optional. If nothing is selected, the support is considered as standard one.

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Only planar surface or plane can be selected as Base Plane to avoid ambiguous positioning on curved surface.

The specification tree is updated:

The publications are created with the specific retainer parameter EHISUPPORT-RefBasePlane.

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The RetainerFormula.1 is defined as follows:

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Points are created on-the-fly to ensure that the bundle segment keeps in contact with the base plane of the support, whatever the diameter is.

This is the case when using the Add Support command and when defining the bundle segment route through a support.

A retainer can be a multi-support: two different base planes can be defined, along which bundle segments can be routed.

Refer to Routing Bundle Segments trough Retainers.

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Creating an Adaptative Part

This task explains how to define an adaptative part such as a support, using a formula.

Make sure you use Electrical Harness workbench when modifying the bundle segment routed through an adaptative support.

Using non electrical commands to modify electrical data may lead to inconsistencies in relation to the behavior implemented using electrical commands:

Editing branch points or bundle segment centerlines by double-clicking them is not the recommended method. Use the bundle segment edition command.

As well as editing, modifying, replacing directly geometrical features created automatically (splits, curves, etc.) or formulas, those modifications have to be done cautiously.

Moreover, restructuring or reordering those features may lead to unpredictable results.

Refer to Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide - User Tasks - Working with Branches - Creating/Modifying Segments within a Branch.

In visualization mode, when the part document is not loaded, an adaptative support is recognized as such if the ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS parameter is published.

To take advantage of this option, you need to publish it manually.

If this option is not selected, or if the parameter is not published, the support is not seen as adaptative. Refer to Part Design User's Guide - Advanced Tasks - Using Tools - Publishing Elements.

Open the AdaptativeClamp.CATPart document.

This document also contains three formulas that have been defined to re-compute the support geometry after routing:

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1 - The support remaining length value is set to:

20mm*(2*PI+1)-(2*PI*Radius)

2 - The inner diameter value is set to:

Radius

3 - The outer diameter value is set to:

Radius + 2mm

1. Click the Formula Editor button .

2. Select the Length type and click the New parameter of type button.

3. Enter the name for it: ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS

and a value: 18mm for example

Note: the name must strictly be ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS.

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5. Enter the formula:

PartBody\Sketch.1\Radius.50\Radius = 'ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS'

(the radius is equal to the new parameter ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS)

6. Click OK to validate the entries made in both dialog boxes.

Now, if you route a bundle segment through this support:

● A formula will automatically be generated under the root product of the document, if and only if the

ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS parameter has been detected:

Support radius = Bundle segment diameter * 0.5

● The support will exactly fit the bundle segment diameter. The formulas given above are used to re-compute

the support geometry.

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Creating Protective Coverings

This task explains how to define a protective covering for electrical bundle segments. This functionality is available in Electrical Part Design workbench only.

A protective covering is a mechanical object used to cover one or more bundle segments.

The bundle segments must be tangent at their extremities, within the same geometrical bundle. The centerline of the protective covering is a combination of the bundle segment centerlines. This functionality is only available for bundle segment with circular section.

It is possible to add supports to bundle segments inside a protective covering. Open a new CATPart document.

1. Click the Define Protective Covering button . You are prompted to select a part.

2. Click the Part1 in the specification tree.

The Protective Covering Definition dialog box opens:

3. Enter/change the name for the protective covering.

4. Select the protective covering type.

It can be Corrugated tube or Tape. When the feature is defined, the type is frozen.

Corrugated: a tube defined through an inner diameter, a thickness, a bend radius and a linear mass.

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Tape: a strip defined through a width, a thickness, a bend radius delta and a linear mass.

The inner diameter is the bundle segment diameter.

Note: The tape type is also displayed as a tube in the geometry. 5. Enter the parameter values:

For the corrugated tube:

❍ Inner diameter: when you enter a value, the section updates accordingly. ❍ Inner section: when you enter a value, the diameter updates accordingly. ❍ Thickness

❍ Bend radius: must be greater than the sum of the inner diameter plus the thickness. ❍ Linear mass

For the tape: ❍ Width ❍ Thickness

❍ Bend radius: must be greater than the sum of the inner diameter plus the thickness. ❍ Linear mass

6. Select the line type.

Line type defines the representation of the protective covering viewed in 2D when using the Electrical Harness Flattening workbench. New line types can be defined with the Tools -> Options menu.

7. The Light geometry option allows you to create the protective covering geometry according to two modes:

❍ when the option is checked, the geometry looks like a cylinder and the CATPart document created is smaller. It's the default value.

❍ when you uncheck this option the geometry looks like a tube. 8. Click OK to validate.