Datasheet

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CHAPTER 1 Inventor DesIgn PhIlosoPhy
You can see four dimensions placed on the two rectangles defining the length and width
of each, along with a fifth dimension controlling the angle at which the two rectangles relate.
These dimensions are parameters, and if you were to change one of them, at any point during
the design or revision of the part, the sketch would update and adjust to the change.
Creating a Base Feature
In addition to 2D sketch parameters, you add parameters to control the 3D properties of parts as
well. This is done by using the sketch to create a feature, such as an extrusion, that gives a depth
value to the sketch. The depth dimension is a parameter as well, and it can be updated at any
time to adjust the part model as required. Figure 1.2 shows the previous sketch after it has been
given a depth using the Extrude tool.
Adding More Features
Once the part is three dimensional, more sketches can be added to one surface or another of the
3D shape, and that new sketch can be used to create some feature that further defines the form
and function of the design. The model is then enhanced with more features such as holes, fillets,
chamfers, and so on, until it is complete. Each added feature is controlled by still more param-
eters defined by you, the designer. If a change is required, you simply update the parameter and
the model updates accordingly. This type of parametric design allows you to build robust and
intelligent models very quickly and update them even faster. Figure 1.3 illustrates the typical
workflow of adding secondary features to a base feature to fully realize the part design, in this
case a simple pivot link.
Using the Part in an Assembly
Once the part model is built up from the features you create, you can use it in an assembly of
other parts created in the same manner. You can copy the part to create multiple instances of
Figure 1.2
A basic part model
created from the
sketch
Figure 1.3
Adding features to
complete the part
model
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