Slots are placed automatically in the model by the assembly connection rules. Users can modify the slot selection.
Slots are smart occurrences, so the catalog database points to the two-dimensional symbol for the slot as well as the C# rules.
Slot symbols define the shape of the slot. The inputs to the symbol include the model geometry for the penetrating profile and the penetrated object and parameter data. The output is a 2D curve adjusted to the model geometry and parameter data. By default, the slot symbol files are delivered to the [SharedContent Folder]\FTLibrary\Penetrations folder.
Edges
Slot symbols use edge names as inputs to collars and welds. Slot symbols must follow the 2D Symbols naming conventions.
Layers
The layers in the slot symbol control how the slot contour is projected through the penetrated part and how the dimensions between the two lines are applied.
Slot Contour Projection
Dimension Choices
Elements on the CrossSectionPlane layer will be cut parallel to the penetrated part. Elements on the Default layer will be cut square. Elements on the Base Plane layer will be cut parallel to the Base Plate of the slot. The Base Plane layer is only used for the bottom spline. Make the symbol elements parallel to get cross section plane adjustments.
A - CrossSectionPlane Layer
B - Default Layer
Dimensions
You control how dimensions are applied by using layers. Dimensions placed on the CrossSectionPlane layer are applied normal to the penetrating object. These dimensions must be applied to lines that are constrained to be parallel. Dimensions placed on the Default layer are applied parallel to the penetrated object. Dimensions placed on the NoShortPtAdj are not adjusted when they are applied. These dimensions are used in unusual cases when the lines are parallel but should not be adjusted.
A - Dimension along the cross-section plane.
B - Web of the penetrating profile.
C - Dimension along the penetrated plane.
D - Penetrated part.
Dimensions on the CrossSectionPlane layer use the short point. Dimensions on the Default layer use the long point.
A - Short Point
B - Long Point
The short point adjustment is calculated at the center of the thickness. This adjustment value alters the dimension that is then applied to the symbol.
A - Short Point Adjustment
B - Mounting Angle
C - Short Point
D - Thickness Centerline
E - Long Point
Use the NoShortPtAdj layer when you need the elements to be parallel, but you do not want to use the short point adjustment. For example, you would use the NoShortPtAdj layer for a clip that is parallel to the slot edge, but should maintain a 50mm clearance regardless of the projection angle of the slot through the plate.
The slot reference data is delivered by default to the FT_SRDConstDetailsSlots_Style1.xls and FT_SRDConstDetailsSlots_Style2.xls files in the [Product Folder]\ShipCatalogData\BulkLoad\DataFiles\StructDetail folder. Each worksheet in this file creates a Smart Class. Each row creates a Smart Item.
The C# rules for slots consist of the following components:
Root Selector
The SlotRootSelectorRule.cs file defines subroutine selectors in two ways.
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The root selector logic picks a sub selector based on XML. If the .xml file exists, it defines the subroutine selector from the XML.
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If the .xml file does not exist, the subroutine selector is defined from the normal selection logic.
The SlotRootSelectorRule.cs file also defines the questions.
A - Assembly Method question is pushed from the Assembly Connection rules.
B - AssyMethod Codelist limits the answer to Drop or Slide.
The root normal selector logic picks a sub selector based on the profile type, assembly method, and orientation.
Sub-Selector
The sub-selector picks a slot from the catalog based on the profile type.
Definition
The definition file creates the slot objects based on the conditions. The implementation of creating objects will be in the SlotManagedCustomAssemblyDefinition.cs file.
Parameter Rule
This file defines parameter values to apply to the symbol.
Bulkloading
The slot reference data is delivered by default to the FT_SRDConstDetailsSlots_Style1.xls and FT_SRDConstDetailsSlots_Style2.xls files in the [Product Folder]\ShipCatalogData\Bulkload\DataFiles\StructDetail folder. Each worksheet in this file creates a Smart Class. Each row creates a Smart Item.
A - Symbol Files
B - Selector Rule
C - Definition Rules
D - Parameters
Slots in the Catalog
See Also