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Connectors

A connector is a mechanism that defines how an entity (vertex, edge, face) is connected to another entity or to the ground. Using connectors simplifies modeling because, in many cases, you can simulate the desired behavior without having to create the detailed geometry or define contact conditions.

The following connectors are available:

Rigid Defines a rigid link between faces from two distinct bodies.
Spring Defines a spring that can resist tension only (cables), compression only, or tension and compression.
Pin Connects cylindrical faces of two components.
Elastic Support Defines an elastic foundation between the selected faces of a part or assembly and the ground.
Bolt Defines a bolt connector between two components or between a component and the ground.
Link Ties any two locations on the model by a rigid bar that is hinged at both ends.
Edge Weld Estimates the appropriate size of a weld needed to attach two metal components.
Spot Welds Connects two or more thin overlapping metal sheets at small areas (spots) without using any filling material.
Bearing Applies a bearing connector between a shaft and a housing component.
A bearing fixture applies the bearing support between a component and the ground.
  • In the Connectors PropertyManager, while the pushpin is active PM_pushpin_active.gif, the software groups connectors that you create into a separate folder.
  • You can edit common data for connectors of the same type. Select several connectors of the same type, right-click, and select Edit Definition. Edit the properties. When you click , the properties are applied in all of the selected connectors.

Contents

  • Summary of Connectors

  • Pin/Bolt Check box

    The Pin/Bolt Check box displays the safety status of all the pin and bolt connectors in the active document.

  • Bolt Connectors

  • Automatic Conversion of Toolbox Fasteners to Bolts [Project 18705, 18706, 18716]

    You can automatically convert Toolbox fasteners in models to Simulation bolt connectors.

  • Pin Connectors

    An assembly consists of multiple parts connected to each other with pins, bolts, screws, or springs. Examples of assemblies with pins include laptops, scissors lifts, pliers, and actuators. To model the behavior of such assemblies, traditionally, you have to create each pin geometry and apply contact conditions between the pins and their contacting faces, a computationally expensive approach.

  • Spring Connectors

    You can define a spring connector with entities (faces or edges) belonging to surfaces and sheet metal bodies. The spring connector is available for static, frequency, buckling studies, and nonlinear studies. For nonlinear studies you can define point-to-point springs.

  • Bearing Connectors Between Parts

    You define a bearing connector between split cylindrical faces of a shaft and cylindrical or spherical faces of a housing. You can use a bearing connector when the housing is not much stiffer than the shaft.

  • Edge Weld Connector

    Available in SolidWorks Simulation Professional and SolidWorks Simulation Premium.

  • Connector - Spot Welds

    A Spot Weld connects two or more thin overlapping metal sheets at small areas (spots) without using any filling material.

  • Connector - Rigid

    A Rigid connector rigidly connects faces from one solid body to faces from another solid body. The faces can only deform rigidly as a group. The distance between any two locations on the faces remains constant.

  • Connector - Link

    A Link ties any two vertices or reference points on the model by a rigid bar that is hinged at both ends. The distance between the two locations remains unchanged during deformation.

  • Connector - Elastic Support

    An Elastic Support defines an elastic foundation between the selected faces of a part or assembly and the ground. This connector resists tension and compression.



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