MechDesigner Reference & User Interface > Dialogs > Dialog: Function-Block: Force-Data

Force-Data FB

See: Add Force-Data FB , Configure Power Source

Use the Force-Data FB to measure the Force* or that acts ON a Point and Part at a Joint, a Spring, or contact between 2D-Cam and Follower, or gear-teeth in a Gear-Pair.

To use the Force-Data FB, you should also use Configure the Power Source to make sure the correct element is the power-source for each kinematic-chain in your model.

* Force or Torque

How to open a Force-Data dialog

After you add a Force-Data FB, you must open the Force-Data dialog to select Force element.

To open the Force-Data dialog:

MD-GA-Double-Click-ForceDataFB

1.Double-click the Force-Data FB in the graphics-area.

2.See How to Open a dialog

The Force-Data dialog is now open.

Force-Data dialog

Selection

STEP 1.Select a Force Element:

A Force-element is a Joint, Cam, Gear, Rack, Ball-screw or a Spring

1.Click a Force element in the graphics-area or the Assembly-Tree.

The Force element should now be in the Select Force Element box

<<< in the image: Pin-Joint is the Force element

In the box below:

A list of Available Points, each with a Point Owner

Each Available Point is a child to the Force element (see STEP 1)

STEP 2.Select a Point:

1.Click a Point in the Available-Points box

A Point should now be in the Selected Force Output Elements box at the bottom of the dialog.

The output from the Force Data FB is the Force* that ACTS ON the Point that you select as the Force element.

List of AVAILABLE-POINTS for each type of Force element

•Pin-Joint - there are 2 Available Points
Each Point that makes the Pin-Joint.

•Slide-Joint - there are 4 Available Points
Two Points on each Line that make the Slide-Joint.

•2D-Cam - there are 0 Available Points
The contact point is assumed.

•Spring FB - there are 2 Available Points
The Point that anchors each end of the Spring FB.