Set up sensors to monitor selected properties of parts and assemblies and alert you when values deviate from the limits you specify.
To create a sensor:
Right-click the Sensors 
folder in the FeatureManager design tree, select Add Sensor, and set parameters in the PropertyManager.
Sensor Type
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Simulation Data |
Defines locations for measuring result quantities in simulations. For more information about using sensors in simulations, see SolidWorks Simulation Help: Simulation Data Sensors. |
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Mass Properties |
Monitors properties such as Mass, Volume, and Surface Area. |
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Dimension |
Monitors dimensions you select. |
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Interference Detection |
(Available in assemblies only.) Monitors the assembly for interferences between components you select. |
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Proximity |
(Available in assemblies only.) Monitors the assembly for interferences between a line you define and components you select. |
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Motion Data |
(Available only with the SolidWorks Motion add-in). Defines the sensor from a motion study result:
- References an existing motion study result, when you select a plot from the list.
- Creates a new plot to reference, when you select New Motion Plot from the list, and then click Continue.
You can create Motion Data sensors only if you have a motion analysis type study associated with your model.
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Motion Study |
For Motion Data sensors, specifies the Motion Analysis type study where the referenced result is defined. |
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Motion Study Result |
For Motion Data sensors, specifies the referenced result, or permits creation of a new result when you select New Motion Plot from the list, and then click Continue. |
Properties
Properties vary depending on the sensor type.
For
Mass Properties sensors:
|
Mass Properties |
Select a mass properties type:
- Mass
- Volume
- Surface Area
- Center of Mass X
- Center of Mass Y
- Center of Mass Z
|
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Entities to Monitor |
Lists the entities you want to monitor, which you select in the graphics area. Entities can include parts, solid bodies, assemblies, or components. |
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Value |
Lists the current value of the property. |
For
Dimension sensors:
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Dimension to Monitor |
Lists the entities you want to monitor, which you select in the graphics area. |
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Value |
Lists the current value of the dimension. |
For
Interference Detection sensors:
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Components to Check |
Lists the entities you want to monitor, which you select in the graphics area. Entities can include components or the entire assembly. |
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Value |
Indicates whether or not interferences are detected between the selected entities. |
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Treat coincidence as interference |
Reports coincident entities as interferences. |
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Show ignored interferences |
When selected, shows ignored interferences in gray under
Results
in the Interference Detection PropertyManager. When this option is cleared, ignored
interferences are not listed.
|
| |
Treat subassemblies as components |
When selected, subassemblies are treated as single components, so
interferences between a subassembly's components are not reported. |
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Include multibody part interferences |
Reports interferences between bodies within multibody
parts. |
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Create fasteners folder |
Segregates interferences between fasteners (such as a nut and bolt)
into a separate folder under
Results in
the Interference Detection PropertyManager. |
For Motion Data sensors:
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Units |
Indicates the units used to calculate the result values. To specify units for motion calculations, click (Status bar).
|
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Criterion |
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Model Max
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The maximum value of the result defines the sensor.
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Model Min
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The minimum value of the result defines the sensor.
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Model Average
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The average value of the result defines the sensor.
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RMS
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The root mean square value of the result defines the sensor.
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Value at a Specific Time
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The result value calculated at the time you enter defines the sensor.
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Alert
Alerts notify you immediately when the sensor value deviates from the limits you specify. When a sensor triggers an alert, the sensor is flagged in the FeatureManager design tree. Select Alert and set an operator and limits.
For sensors with numeric values, specify an operator and one or two numeric values. Operators include:
- is greater than
- is less than
- is exactly
- is not greater than
- is not less than
- is not exactly
- is between
- is not between
For
Interference Detection sensors, specify:
| is true |
Triggers an alert when interference is detected. |
| is false |
Triggers an alert when no interference is detected. |