Hi

I'm trying to create a chain that runs between two abnormal sprockets - the sprockets aren't circular so I don't believe I can use paths. I understand this will probably be quite compute intensive and I've not been using inventor that long, but am loving what I've learnt so far!

I've created a chain in assembly by creating an inner link (including pin) and an outer link, both with imates to join them alternately into the chain.

I can create the chain fine in Assembly and it works in Dynamic Simulation when the joints are created using 'Automatically convert constraints to standard joints'. My problem is that when I switch this off I can't create the chain using manual joints. I can use the 'Convert Assembly Constraints' tool for all but the final link, at which point I get a warning about it being over-constrained by 3 DOF. The Automatic-joints version has a point-line joint for the final joint instead of a revolution joint, and also has a spatial joint. I've tried to replicate this manually but keep getting errors - can anyone help me close the loop?

Also, my next step will be to get this model working with two standard sprockets, using either 2D or 3D contact joints - I presume 2D would be quicker to model?

I've attached the two versions of the chain file if it's of use?

Thanks
Danny

AI 2009 SP2 64-bit
Win7 64-bit
nvidia 8400GS & 6GB RAM

Edited by: dcInventor1 on Nov 3, 2009 2:32 AM

Edited by: dcInventor1 on Nov 5, 2009 1:48 PM