Examples: Using Normal to Origin Feature

The Normal-to origin feature option reorients the direction of measurement to be normal (perpendicular) to the Measure From feature of the measurement.

Example 1

In this assembly, the inside face of the bottom bracket is the Measure From feature.

Create a study to determine the distance from the Measure From feature to the inside face of the top bracket, shown by the 100 dimension.

With Normal to origin feature cleared, the evaluation dimension Y is taken along the Y axis.

With Normal to origin feature selected, the evaluation dimension N is taken normal to the origin feature.

Example 2

Using the Normal to origin feature option can result in a different worst case assembly. In the following three-part assembly, create a study to determine the maximum offset between the two end pipes along the Y axis.
The left-hand pipe is the Measure From feature.
Apply these tolerances to the coupling.
With Normal to origin feature cleared, the maximum offset between the two pipes is 7.

TolAnalyst evaluates the study along the Y axis by tipping the left pipe's outside end down, and the right pipe's outside end up.

With Normal to origin feature selected, the maximum offset between the two pipes is 9.
To achieve the results:
  • TolAnalyst rotates the measurement vector about the Z axis so that the vector is perpendicular to the axis of the left end pipe.
  • TolAnalyst tips the outside ends of both pipes down.