electrical harness installation - catia...

Electrical Harness Installation

Overview

Conventions

What's New?

Getting Started

Entering the Workbench Setting Up the Options Creating a Bundle Segment Document Creating Construction Points Defining the Segment Parameters Defining the Segment Route Adding a Branch Point

User Tasks

Entering the Workbench Creating a Geometrical Bundle

Selective Loading in Electrical Products Creating a Bundle Segment Document

Creating Construction Constraints Creating Lines Creating Planes Creating Points

Defining the Segment Parameters Defining the Segment Route

Routing Bundle Segments from Construction Points Routing Bundle Segments through Retainers Routing Bundle Segments Following a Part using the Manipulator Routing Bundle Segments Following a Part Routing Bundle Segments from an Existing Helix Detailing the Routing Options Sharp Bending Bundle Segment...

Exiting the Installation Workbench Working with Branches

Creating all the Bundle Segments in a Single Part Creating Other Segments within a Branch Removing a Branch Point Branching External Bundle Segments Using Delete Special... on Branches

Using Branchable Bundle Segments in V5R12 Onwards Creating/Using Branch Points

Adding Branch Points

Removing Branch Points Routing Bundle Segments in Support

Adding Support Removing Support

Linking/Unlinking Bundle Segments Linking Bundle Segments Unlinking Bundle Segments

Splitting Bundle Segments Splitting Branchable Bundle Segments Splitting Single Bundle Segments

Transferring Branches Split and Transfer Usage

Instantiating a Protection Adding Local Slack Working with 3D Tolerancing Using the Mechanical Modeler Integration Measuring Geometrical Bundle Inertia

Inertia Equivalents V4/V5 Electrical Data Migration

Methodology Migrating Step by Step... V4 - V5 Mapping Reference Information Frequently Asked Questions

Electrical Integration Scenarios Electrical Integration from External Data

Environment Settings Setting up the Electrical Process Interfacing Selecting Systems from External Data Placing Devices from External Data Creating the Cable Harness Placing Internal Splices Automatic Routing Exporting Data from CATIA

Electrical Integration from Functional Data Editing Electrical Properties Viewing Related Objects Electrical and Knowledge

Electrical User Functions Electrical Package in Knowledge Expert

Electrical Application Interoperability

ENOVIA V5 Interoperability Working with Electrical Data Optimal CATIA PLM Usability

Using ENOVIA Catalog for Electrical Mapping Loading an iXF Document with VPM Navigator

Workbench Description

Menu Bar Toolbars

Electrical Workbench Specification Tree

Customizing

Electrical Harness Installation Part Infrastructure Compatibility Product Structure

Methodology

Protection of Given Length Methodology Creating a Protection of Given Length Instantiating a Protection of Given Length

Flat Cable Methodology Defining a Specific Support for Flat Cable Creating the Line and Placing the Supports Creating the Flat Cable

Creating the Bundle Segments Creating the Square Shape

Extracting and Flattening the Cable Creating an Adaptative Part

Glossary

Index

Overview

Welcome to the Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide!This guide is intended for users who need to become quickly familiar with the product.

This overview provides the following information:

● Electrical Harness Installation in a Nutshell

● Before Reading this Guide

● Getting the Most Out of this Guide

● Accessing Sample Documents

● Conventions Used in this Guide

Electrical Harness Installation in a Nutshell

Electrical Harness Installation is a product dedicated to the design of physical harnesses within the context of the 3D mock-up.Users benefit from electrical designs totally integrated into the mechanical assembly.This product provides a set of objects including both mechanical and electrical properties.

Electrical Harness Installation offers the following main functions:

● the bundle segment creation in Product documents (Electrical Harness Assembly workbench)

● the geometrical bundle creation

● the bundle segments properties definition

● the creation of electrical links between bundle segments and devices

● an algorithm simulating the bundle segment shape and offering realistic bundle segment representations.

● the use of supports to constraint bundle segments.

Thanks to the integration with mechanical assemblies, electrical harnesses can be connected either to mechanical parts, or to electrical devices.Electrical Harness Installation enables users to reuse catalogs of electrical devices.

As a scalable product, Electrical Harness Installation can be used in cooperation with other current or future companion products such as Electrical Wire Routing, Electrical Library, Electrical Harness Flattening and Electrical System Functional Definition.

Before Reading this Guide

Before reading this guide, you should be familiar with basic Version 5 concepts such as document windows, standard and view toolbars. Therefore, we recommend that you read the Infrastructure User's Guide that describes generic capabilities common to all Version 5 products. It also describes the general layout of V5 and the interoperability between workbenches.

You may also like to read the following complementary product guides, for which the appropriate license is required:

● Electrical Wire Routing,

● Electrical Library

● Electrical System Functional Definition

● Electrical Harness Flattening.

Getting the Most Out of this GuideTo get the most out of this guide, we suggest that you start reading and performing the step-by-step Getting Started tutorial. This tutorial will show you how to route wires in an electrical bundle.

Once you have finished, you should move on to the User Tasks section, which deals with handling all the product functions.

The Workbench Description section, which describes the Electrical Wire Routing workbench, and the Customizing section, which explains how to set up the options, will also certainly prove useful.

Navigating in the Split View mode is recommended. This mode offers a framed layout allowing direct access from the table of contents to the information.

Accessing Sample DocumentsTo perform the scenarios, sample documents are provided all along this documentation. For more information about this, refer to Accessing Sample Documents in the Infrastructure User's Guide.

ConventionsCertain conventions are used in CATIA, ENOVIA & DELMIA documentation to help you recognize and understand important concepts and specifications.

Graphic Conventions

The three categories of graphic conventions used are as follows:

● Graphic conventions structuring the tasks

● Graphic conventions indicating the configuration required

● Graphic conventions used in the table of contents

Graphic Conventions Structuring the Tasks

Graphic conventions structuring the tasks are denoted as follows:

This icon... Identifies...

estimated time to accomplish a task

a target of a task

the prerequisites

the start of the scenario

a tip

a warning

information

basic concepts

methodology

reference information

information regarding settings, customization, etc.

the end of a task

functionalities that are new or enhanced with this release

allows you to switch back to the full-window viewing mode

Graphic Conventions Indicating the Configuration Required

Graphic conventions indicating the configuration required are denoted as follows:

This icon... Indicates functions that are...

specific to the P1 configuration



Graphic Conventions Used in the Table of Contents

Graphic conventions used in the table of contents are denoted as follows:

This icon... Gives access to...

Site Map

Split View mode

What's New?

Overview

Getting Started

Basic Tasks

User Tasks or the Advanced Tasks

Workbench Description

Customizing

Reference

Methodology

Glossary

Index

Text Conventions

The following text conventions are used:

● The titles of CATIA, ENOVIA and DELMIA documents appear in this manner throughout the text.

● File -> New identifies the commands to be used.

● Enhancements are identified by a blue-colored background on the text.

How to Use the Mouse

The use of the mouse differs according to the type of action you need to perform.

Use thismouse button... Whenever you read...

● Select (menus, commands, geometry in graphics area, ...)

● Click (icons, dialog box buttons, tabs, selection of a location in the document window, ...)

● Double-click

● Shift-click

● Ctrl-click

● Check (check boxes)

● Drag

● Drag and drop (icons onto objects, objects onto objects)

● Drag

● Move

● Right-click (to select contextual menu)

What's New?

This table identifies what new or improved capabilities have been documented in Version 5 Release 14 of the Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide.

New Functionalities

Routing bundle segments through retainersRetainers are a new type of support, which is composed of a specified straight base. The bundle segment routed through this support keeps in contact with this base, whatever the bundle segment diameter is. The retainer is also available in the Add Support command.

Splitting branchable bundle segmentsThis command allows you to split a branch, creating therefore a new one that you can then transfer in another document.

Transferring branchesThis command allows you to transfer a branch to another document. This operation may prove useful in the context of the configuration management in ENOVIA.

Using special delete command on branchesThis contextual command proposes a special behavior when deleting branches, if branch points, splices or wires are contained in the branch: The system may keep them or prompt the user for deletion according to a dedicated option.

Selective LoadingThis functionality allows you to work in light mode to design harnesses.

Enhanced Functionalities

Electrical and KnowledgeA user function and attributes on electrical objects have been added:

Selection in the specification tree during the bundle segment routingIt is now possible to select the devices in the specification tree if the selection is not ambiguous.

Using the Browse windowThe Browse window is integrated to the Protection command through the Instantiate Protection dialog box. It lets you select catalogs stored in database when working in ENOVIA context.

Customizing Settings

V4/V5 electrical migrationA dedicated option allows you to choose how to migrate the V4 BNSs:

❍ One CATPart for one V4 BNS (Bundle segments)

❍ One CATPart for all V4 BNSs of a GBN (Multi-branchable document).

The default value has been changed to Multi-branchable document.

Branch points deletionAn option allows you to launch a special behavior for the Delete Special... command available through a contextual menu.

Branch/Support LinkThis option allows you to recognize an adaptative support in visualization mode if the dedicated

parameter is published, when the part document is not loaded.

Getting Started

Before getting into detailed instructions for using Electrical Harness Installation, the following tutorial provides a step-by-step scenario demonstrating how to use key functionalities.

Before starting this scenario, you should be familiar with the basic commands common to all workbenches. These are described in the Infrastructure User's Guide.

The main tasks proposed in this section are:

Entering the WorkbenchSetting Up the Options

Creating a Bundle Segment DocumentCreating Construction Points

Defining the Segment ParametersDefining the Segment Route

Adding a Branch Point

All together, these tasks should take about 15 minutes to complete.

Entering the Workbench

This task explains how to set up the environment to work with Electrical Harness workbench.

CATIA is launched. A CATProduct document is displayed.

1. Choose the Electrical Harness Assembly item from the Start -> Equipments & Systems

menu.

The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench is displayed and ready to use.

Setting Up the Options

This task explains how to set up the options before creating the bundle segment.

1. Select the Tools -> Options command.The Options dialog box displays.

2. Choose the Equipment & Systems category in the left-hand box.

3. Click the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.

The Harness Management tab displays.

4. Check the following option:

Work with one multi-branchable per geometrical bundle

For more information, refer to Customizing for Electrical Harness Installation

5. Click OK to validate.

Creating a Bundle Segment Document

This task explains how to create the document in which the bundle segments will take place. The bundle segment belongs to a product document with electrical properties.

Open the DemoGS.CATProduct document.

1. Click the Multi-Branchable Bundle Segment button .

It is available in the Bundle Segment sub-toolbar .The multi-branchable bundle segment document is created.

The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench automatically switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.

The bundle segment document is created under the active product.

Creating Construction Points

This task shows how to define the point which will be used when routing the bundle segment.

Make sure the following option is checked to take advantage of the associativity between the construction points and the bundle segment.

● Open the Tools -> Options menu.

● Choose the Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure item.

● In the External References frame of the General tab, check the Keep link with selected object option.

1. Click the Point button .

The Point Definition dialog box opens:

2. Enter the following coordinates for the purpose of this scenario:

❍ 80mm for X

❍ -20mm for Y

❍ 0mm for Z.


The point is added to the specification tree.It looks like this:

● This point will be used to build the Flexible Curve geometrical representation.

● Any point that has been created in any other workbench can also be used this way.

Defining the Segment Parameters

This task shows you how to define the bundle segment parameters.

1. Click the Branchable Bundle Segment Definition button .

The dialog box opens:

2. Enter the diameter value.

In this scenario, enter 3 mm in the Diameter field. The Section is automatically computed.

As an alternative, you can enter the Section and the Diameter will be computed.

A message warns you that the bend radius must be at least equal to the Diameter value to ensure the correct bundle segment route computation.

3. The Bend Radius is the minimum bend radius allowed for the bundle segment.

Enter 7mm for the Bend Radius for example.

4. Select the build mode:

Choose Slack for Mode and add 10% of slack in the Slack(%) field.

Three different modes are available.❍ With the Length mode, you enter the length of the bundle segment as an input.

Note that the Slack field is then grayed out.

❍ With the Slack mode, you enter a slack percentage of your choice in order to add slack to the minimum possible length. Note that the Length field is then grayed out.

❍ With the Bend mode, the system compute the minimum length possible respecting the bundle segment.

5. Keep this dialog box open and see the next task.

Defining the Segment Route

This task shows you how to define the bundle segment route to create the Flexible Curve geometrical representation.

The Bundle Segment Definition dialog box is still open from the previous task.

1. Click the Route Definition button. It enables you to relate the objects the will be used to route the bundle

segments. Points, connectors, back shells and supports can be related.

The Bundle Segment Route Definition dialog box opens:

2. Click successively in the geometry:

CATIA finds the closest construction point according to the selection point.

❍ the connector A1:

Note that you could reverse the tangent by clicking the red arrow.

❍ the point previously created to define the bundle segment route: Point1

❍ the connector A2: the tangent is automatically created.

The Flexible Curve is edited:


The Bundle Segment Route Definition dialog box closes and the Bundle Segment Definition is displayed afresh.

Note that OK and Apply are now activated.

4. Click OK to validate the bundle segment definition.

The result looks like this:

Adding a Branch Point

This task explains how to create a branch point to connect another bundle segment.

The document is still open from the previous task.

1. Click the Add Branch Point button .

You are prompted to select a bundle segment.

2. Select the bundle segment.

The dialog box displays with a pre-selected reference point, allowing you to place the branch point on the curve:

3. Optionally, click Other Extremity to change the reference point to the bundle segment other extremity.

4. Click Length to define the distance to the reference object and enter 60mm for example.


A second bundle segment has been created at the branch point under the branchable bundle segment.


6. You can now create another bundle segment to be connected to the branch point:

To do so:

❍ Click the Branchable Bundle Segment Definition button again.

❍ Click the Route Definition button.

❍ Click successively in the geometry the connector A3 and the branch point previously created.

❍ Click Apply.


This function also allows you to manage the attributes (diameter, color, etc.) of each bundle segment. Refer to Creating Other Segments.

User Tasks

The User Tasks section explains and illustrates how to create various kinds of features.The table below lists the information you will find:

Entering the WorkbenchCreating a Geometrical Bundle

Creating a Bundle Segment DocumentExiting the Installation Workbench

Working with BranchesUsing Branchable Bundle Segments in V5R12 Onwards

Creating/Using Branch PointsRouting Bundle Segments in SupportLinking/Unlinking Bundle Segments

Splitting Bundle SegmentsTransferring Branches

Instantiating a ProtectionAdding Local Slack

Working with 3D TolerancingUsing the Mechanical Modeler Integration

Measuring Geometrical Bundle InertiaV4/V5 Electrical Data MigrationElectrical Integration Scenarios

Editing Electrical PropertiesViewing Related ObjectsElectrical and Knowledge

Entering the Workbench

This task explains how to set up the environment to work with the Electrical Harness workbench.

CATIA is launched. A CATProduct document is displayed.

1. Choose the Electrical Harness Assembly item from the Start -> Equipments & Systems

menu.

The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench is displayed and ready to use.

The Electrical Harness workbench is made up of two parts: ● the first one, Electrical Harness Assembly lets you create/handle the Product documents that will contain the

geometrical bundles and/or the bundle segments

● the second then, Electrical Harness Installation allows you to define the bundle segments in Part documents.

You can add the Electrical Harness workbench to your Favorites, using the Tools -> Customize item. For more information, refer to CATIA V5 - Infrastructure User's Guide.

Creating a Geometrical Bundle

This task shows how to create a geometrical bundle.A geometrical bundle is the representation of an assembly of wires grouped together with a common covering and connected to electrical connectors.

● It is recommended to use a geometrical bundle to represent a harness before any other action like instantiating harness connectors, adding a multi-branchable document/bundle segment or connecting devices, as it will become flexible when needed.

● Thanks to the selective loading capabilities, you can work with the cache activated.refer to Selective Loading in Electrical Products.

Open the ElectricalHarnessInstallation.CATProduct document.It contains devices to be connected within a geometrical bundle.

1. Click the Geometrical Bundle button .You are prompted to select the product you want to become the geometrical bundle.

2. Select the product of interest: Product1

The geometrical bundle is created, with electrical capabilities.

In the specification tree, the name has been modified as well as the icon.

The Tools -> Options menu lets you define if the bundle segments belong or not to a geometrical bundle.Refer to the Electrical Harness Installation Options.

Only the following can be selected to become a geometrical bundle: ● a product which is not already electrified

● a product which doesn't result from the New Part command

● a product which doesn't result from the New Component command (inline product).

Selective Loading in Electrical Products

The main objective is to enhance the scalability of CATIA Electrical tools, making it possible to design a

complete harness in context, using a light loading mode for all surrounding parts.

The principle is to only load needed data, when necessary without any explicit action from the user. The

selective loading is integrated in all Electrical tools (ELB, EHI, EWR and EHF) and save up to 60% of

memory consumption by keeping the whole mechanical context in Visualization Mode and by switching

to design mode only the used devices, supports or bundle documents when they are used.

As an example, here is the memory consumption for a simple test scenario:

To activate this functionality, you need to activate the cache in Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure:

● Choose Product Structure, the Cache Management tab then Cache Activation.

● Select Work with the cache system:

Then, when working with CATIA Electrical tools, the necessary information will be loaded automatically

by switching to design mode the selected or needed parts.

This means that you can work with all your mechanical environment kept in visualization mode.

Creating a Bundle Segment Document This task explains how to create the document in which the bundle segment takes place. The bundle segment belongs to a part document with electrical properties.

To create and route a bundle segment, you need to:

● define the construction constraints

● define the bundle segment parameters

● then define the bundle segment route.

This applies to multi-branchable and single bundle segments.Refer to Creating all the Bundle Segments in a Single CATPart for the specific properties of the multi-branchable document.

The document now contains a geometrical bundle.

1. Double-click to activate the desired product: Geometrical Bundle1

2. Click the Bundle Segment button .

The bundle segment document is created with the BundleSegment1 product including: ❍ the Bundle Segment1 part that becomes active

❍ the Flexible Curve.1 belonging to the part, which at that time, does not have any geometrical representation

The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.

The bundle segment is created under the active product.

A bundle segment can only belong to the following types of products:

● a product which has no electrical properties/behavior except for a geometrical bundle

● a product which doesn't result from the New Part command

● a product which doesn't result from the New Component command (inline product).

Creating Construction Constraints

This task shows how to define the construction constraints which will be used when routing the bundle segment to build the Flexible Curve geometrical representation.They can be:

● points

● part body (follow on part).

The construction points or parts can also be located in another part of the assembly.Make sure the following option is checked to take advantage of the associativity between the construction points or part body and the bundle segment.

1. Open the Tools -> Options menu.

2. Choose the Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure item.

3. In the External References frame of the General tab, check the Keep link with selected

object option.

Defining Construction Points



2. Select Coordinates as Point Type:

The different types of points are: ❍ Coordinates

❍ On curve

❍ On plane

❍ On surface

❍ Circle center

❍ Tangent on curve

❍ Between.

To know more about these options, refer to Creating Points.See also Creating Planes, Creating Lines.

3. Enter the respective coordinates for x, y, z.


The point is added to the specification tree.

It looks like this:

Defining Other Construction Constraints on a Part:

Open the FollowOnPart1.CATProduct document.

You cannot route branchable bundle segments on part using this method. Refer to the other method.

1. Double-click the part to activate Electrical Harness Installation.


3. Choose On surface as Point Type using the combo.

4. Select the surface where the point is to be created.

5. Optionally, select a reference point.

6. You can select an element to take its orientation as reference direction or a plane to take its

normal as reference direction.

You can also use the contextual menu to specify the X, Y, Z components of the reference

direction.

7. Enter a distance along the reference direction to display a point.

8. Click OK to create the point.

The point (identified as Point.x) is added to the specification tree.

9. Repeat these steps for the other two points.

For more information refer to Creating Points.

See also Creating Planes, Creating Lines.

At the end the document looks like this:

The construction constraints can be any structure elements (i.e. a plane structure).

Creating LinesThis task shows the various methods for creating lines:

● point to point

● point and direction

● angle or normal to curve

● tangent to curve

● normal to surface

● bisecting

It also shows you how to create a line up to an element, define the length type and automatically reselect the second point.

Open the Lines1.CATPart document.

1. Click the Line icon .

The Line Definition dialog box is displayed.

2. Use the drop-down list to choose the desired line type.

A line type will be proposed automatically in some cases depending on your first element selection.

Defining the line type

Point - Point

This command is only available with the Generative Shape Design 2 product.

● Select two points.

A line is displayed between the two points.Proposed Start and End points of the new line are shown.

● If needed, select a support surface.In this case a geodesic line is created, i.e. going from one point to the other according to the shortest distance along the surface geometry (blue line in the illustration below).If no surface is selected, the line is created between the two points based on the shortest distance.

If you select two points on closed surface (a cylinder for example), the result may be unstable. Therefore, it is advised to split the surface and only keep the part on which the geodesic line will lie.

The geodesic line is not available with the Wireframe and Surface workbench.

● Specify the Start and End points of the new line, that is the line endpoint location in relation to the

points initially selected. These Start and End points are necessarily beyond the selected points, meaning the line cannot be shorter than the distance between the initial points.

● Check the Mirrored extent option to create a line symmetrically in relation to the selected Start and End points.

The projections of the 3D point(s) must already exist on the selected support.

Point - Direction

● Select a reference Point and a Direction line.A vector parallel to the direction line is displayed at the reference point. Proposed Start and End points of the new line are shown.

● Specify the Start and End points of the new line.The corresponding line is displayed.

The projections of the 3D point(s) must already exist on the selected support.

Angle or Normal to curve

● Select a reference Curve and a Support surface containing that curve.

- If the selected curve is planar, then the Support is set to Default (Plane).

- If an explicit Support has been defined, a contextual menu is available to clear the selection.

● Select a Point on the curve.

● Enter an Angle value.

A line is displayed at the given angle with respect to the tangent to the reference curve at the selected point. These elements are displayed in the plane tangent to the surface at the selected point. You can click on the Normal to Curve button to specify an angle of 90 degrees. Proposed Start and End points of the line are shown.

● Specify the Start and End points of the new line.The corresponding line is displayed.

● Click the Repeat object after OK if you wish to create more lines with the same definition as the currently created line. In this case, the Object Repetition dialog box is displayed, and you key in the number of instances to be created before pressing OK.

As many lines as indicated in the dialog box are created, each separated from the initial line by a multiple of the angle value.

You can select the Geometry on Support check box if you want to create a geodesic line onto a support

surface.

The figure below illustrates this case.

Geometry on support option not checked Geometry on support option checked

This line type enables to edit the line's parameters. Refer to Editing Parameters to find out how to display these parameters in the 3D geometry.

Tangent to curve

● Select a reference Curve and a point or another Curve to define the tangency.

❍ if a point is selected (mono-tangent mode): a vector tangent to the curve is displayed at the selected point.

❍ If a second curve is selected (or a point in bi-tangent mode), you need to select a support plane. The line will be tangent to both curves.

- If the selected curve is a line, then the Support is set to Default (Plane).

- If an explicit Support has been defined, a contextual menu is available to clear the selection.

When several solutions are possible, you can choose one (displayed in red) directly in the geometry, or using the Next Solution button.

Line tangent to curve at a given point Line tangent to two curves● Specify Start and End points to define the new line.

The corresponding line is displayed.

Normal to surface

● Select a reference Surface and a Point.A vector normal to the surface is displayed at the reference point. Proposed Start and End points of the new line are shown.

If the point does not lie on the support surface, the minimum distance between the point and the surface is computed, and the vector normal to the surface is displayed at the resulted reference point.

● Specify Start and End points to define the new line.The corresponding line is displayed.

Bisecting

● Select two lines. Their bisecting line is the line splitting in two equals parts the angle between these two lines.

● Select a point as the starting point for the line. By default it is the intersection of the bisecting line and the first selected line.

● Select the support surface onto which the bisecting line is to be projected, if needed.

● Specify the line's length in relation to its starting point (Start and End values for each side of the line in relation to the default end points).The corresponding bisecting line, is displayed.

● You can choose between two solutions, using the Next Solution button, or directly clicking the numbered arrows in the geometry.

3. Click OK to create the line.

The line (identified as Line.xxx) is added to the specification tree.

● Regardless of the line type, Start and End values are specified by entering distance values or by

using the graphic manipulators.

● Start and End values should not be the same.

● Check the Mirrored extent option to create a line symmetrically in relation to the selected Start point. It is only available with the Length Length type.

● In most cases, you can select a support on which the line is to be created. In this case, the selected point(s) is projected onto this support.

● You can reverse the direction of the line by either clicking the displayed vector or selecting the Reverse Direction button (not available with the point-point line type).

Creating a line up to an element This capability allows you to create a line up to a point, a curve, or a surface.

● It is available with all line types, but the Tangent to curve type.

Up to a point● Select a point in the Up-to 1 and/or Up-to 2

fields.

Here is an example with the Bisecting line type, the Length Length type, and a point as Up-to 2 element.

Up to a curve● Select a curve in the Up-to 1 and/or Up-to 2

fields.

Here is an example with the Point-Point line type, the Infinite End Length type, and a curve as the Up-to 1 element.

Up to a surface● Select a surface in the Up-to 1 and/or Up-to 2

fields.

Here is an example with the Point-Direction line type, the Length Length type, and the surface as the Up-to 2 element.

● If the selected Up-to element does not intersect with the line being created, then an extrapolation is

performed. It is only possible if the element is linear and lies on the same plane as the line being created.However, no extrapolation is performed if the Up-to element is a curve or a surface.

● The Up-to 1 and Up-to 2 fields are grayed out with the Infinite Length type, the Up-to 1 field is grayed out with the Infinite Start Length type, the Up-to 2 field is grayed out with the Infinite End Length type.

● The Up-to 1 field is grayed out if the Mirrored extent option is checked.

● In the case of the Point-Point line type, Start and End values cannot be negative.

Defining the length type

● Select the Length Type: ❍ Length: the line will be defined according to the Start and End points values

❍ Infinite: the line will be infinite

❍ Infinite Start Point: the line will be infinite from the Start point

❍ Infinite End Point: the line will be infinite from the End point

By default, the Length type is selected.The Start and/or the End points values will be greyed out when one of the Infinite options is chosen.

Reselecting automatically a second pointThis capability is only available with the Point-Point line method.

1. Double-click the Line icon .

The Line dialog box is displayed.

2. Create the first point.

The Reselect Second Point at next start option appears in the Line dialog box.

3. Check it to be able to later reuse the second

point.

4. Create the second point.

5. Click OK to create the first line.

The Line dialog box opens again with the first point initialized with the second point of the first line.

6. Click OK to create the second line.

To stop the repeat action, simply uncheck the option or click Cancel in the Line dialog box.

● Parameters can be edited in the 3D geometry. For more information, refer to the Editing Parameters chapter.

● You can isolate a line in order to cut the links it has with the geometry used to create it. To do so, use the Isolate contextual menu. For more information, refer to the Isolating Features chapter.

Creating Planes

This task shows the various methods for creating planes:

● offset from a plane

● parallel through point

● angle/normal to a plane

● through three points

● through two lines

● through a point and a line

● through a planar curve

● normal to a curve

● tangent to a surface

● from its equation

● mean through points

Open the Planes1.CATPart document.

1. Click the Plane icon .

The Plane Definition dialog box appears.

2. Use the combo to choose the desired Plane type.

Once you have defined the plane, it is represented by a red square symbol, which you can move using the graphic manipulator.

Offset from plane

● Select a reference Plane then enter an Offset value.

A plane is displayed offset from the reference plane.

Use the Reverse Direction button to reverse the change the offset direction, or simply click on the arrow in the geometry.

● Click the Repeat object after OK if you wish to create

more offset planes . In this case, the Object Repetition dialog box is displayed, and you key in the number of instances to be created before pressing OK.

As many planes as indicated in the dialog box are created (including the one you were currently creating), each separated from the initial plane by a multiple of the Offset value.

Parallel through point

● Select a reference Plane and a Point.

A plane is displayed parallel to the reference plane and passing through the selected point.

Angle or normal to plane

● Select a reference Plane and a Rotation axis.This axis can be any line or an implicit element, such as a cylinder axis for example. To select the latter press and hold the Shift key while moving the pointer over the element, then click it.

● Enter an Angle value.

A plane is displayed passing through the rotation axis. It is oriented at the specified angle to the reference plane.

● Click the Repeat object after OK if you wish to create more planes at an angle from the initial plane. In this case, the Object Repetition dialog box is displayed, and you key in the number of instances to be created before pressing OK.

As many planes as indicated in the dialog box are created (including the one you were currently creating), each separated from the initial plane by a multiple of the Angle value.

Here we created five planes at an angle of 20 degrees.

This plane type enables to edit the plane's parameters. Refer to Editing Parameters to find out how to display these parameters in the 3D geometry.

Through three points

● Select three points.

The plane passing through the three points is displayed. You can move it simply by dragging it to the desired location.

Through two lines

● Select two lines.

The plane passing through the two line directions is displayed.When these two lines are not coplanar, the vector of the second line is moved to the first line location to define the plane's second direction.

Check the Forbid non coplanar lines button to specify that both lines be in the same plane.

Through point and line

● Select a Point and a Line.

The plane passing through the point and the line is displayed.

Through planar curve

● Select a planar Curve.

The plane containing the curve is displayed.

Tangent to surface

● Select a reference Surface and a Point.

A plane is displayed tangent to the surface at the specified point.

Normal to curve

● Select a reference Curve.

● You can select a Point. By default, the curve's middle point is selecte.

A plane is displayed normal to the curve at the specified point.

Mean through points

● Select three or more points to display the mean plane through these points.

It is possible to edit the plane by first selecting a point in the dialog box list then choosing an option to either:

● Remove the selected point

● Replace the selected point by another point.

Equation

● Enter the A, B, C, D components of the Ax + By + Cz = D plane equation.

Select a point to position the plane through this point, you are able to modify A, B, and C components, the D component becomes grayed.

Use the Normal to compass button to position the plane perpendicular to the compass direction.

Use the Parallel to screen button to parallel to the screen current view.

3. Click OK to create the plane.

The plane (identified as Plane.xxx) is added to the specification tree.


● You can isolate a plane in order to cut the links it has with the geometry used to create it. To do so, use the Isolate contextual menu. For more information, refer to the Isolating Features chapter.

Creating Points

This task shows the various methods for creating points: ● by coordinates

● on a curve

● on a plane

● on a surface

● at a circle/sphere center

● tangent point on a curve

● between

Open the Points3D1.CATPart document.

1. Click the Point icon .

The Point Definition dialog box appears.

2. Use the combo to choose the desired point type.

Coordinates ● Enter the X, Y, Z coordinates

in the current axis-system.

● Optionally, select a reference point.

The corresponding point is displayed.

When creating a point within a user-defined axis-system, note that the Coordinates in absolute axis-system check button is added to the dialog box, allowing you to be define, or simply find out, the point's coordinates within the document's default axis-system.If you create a point using the coordinates method and an axis system is already defined and set as current, the point's coordinates are defined according to current the axis system. As a consequence, the point's coordinates are not displayed in the specification tree.

The axis system must be different from the absolute axis.

On curve ● Select a curve

● Optionally, select a reference point.

If this point is not on the curve, it is projected onto the curve.If no point is selected, the curve's extremity is used as reference.

● Select an option point to determine whether the new point is to be created:

❍ at a given distance along the curve from the reference point

❍ a given ratio between the reference point and the curve's extremity.

● Enter the distance or ratio value.If a distance is specified, it can be:

❍ a geodesic distance: the distance is measured along the curve

❍ an Euclidean distance: the distance is measured in relation to the reference point (absolute value).

The corresponding point is displayed.

If the reference point is located at the curve's extremity, even if a ratio value is defined, the created point is always located at the end point of the curve.

You can also: ● click the Nearest extremity button to display the point at the nearest extremity of the curve.

● click the Middle Point button to display the mid-point of the curve.

Be careful that the arrow is orientated towards the inside of the curve (providing the curve is not closed) when using the Middle Point option.

● use the Reverse Direction button to display: ❍ the point on the other side of the reference point (if a point was selected originally)

❍ the point from the other extremity (if no point was selected originally).

● click the Repeat object after OK if you wish to create equidistant points on the curve, using the currently created point as the reference, as described in Creating Multiple Points in the Wireframe and Surface User's Guide.

You will also be able to create planes normal to the curve at these points, by checking the Create normal planes also button, and to create all instances in a new geometrical set by checking the Create in a new geometrical set button.If the button is not checked the instances are created in the current geometrical set .

● If the curve is infinite and no reference point is explicitly given, by default, the reference point is the projection of the model's origin

● If the curve is a closed curve, either the system detects a vertex on the curve that can be used as a reference point, or it creates an extremum point, and highlights it (you can then select another one if you wish) or the system prompts you to manually select a reference point.

Extremum points created on a closed curve are now aggregated under their parent command and put in no show in the specification tree.

On plane ● Select a plane.

● Optionally, select a point to define a reference for computing coordinates in the plane.

If no point is selected, the projection of the model's origin on the plane is taken as reference.

● Optionally, select a surface on which the point is projected normally to the plane.

If no surface is selected, the behavior is the same.

Furthermore, the reference direction (H and V vectors) is computed as follows: With N the normal to the selected plane (reference plane), H results from the vectorial product of Z and N (H = Z^N). If the norm of H is strictly positive then V results from the vectorial product of N and H (V = N^H).Otherwise, V = N^X and H = V^N.

Would the plane move, during an update for example, the reference direction would then be projected on the plane.

● Click in the plane to display a point.

On surface ● Select the surface where the

point is to be created.

● Optionally, select a reference point. By default, the surface's middle point is taken as reference.

● You can select an element to take its orientation as reference direction or a plane to take its normal as reference direction.You can also use the contextual menu to specify the X, Y, Z components of the reference direction.

● Enter a distance along the reference direction to display a point.

Circle/Sphere center ● Select a circle, circular arc,

or ellipse, or

● Select a sphere or a portion of sphere.

A point is displayed at the center of the selected element.

Tangent on curve ● Select a planar curve and a

direction line.

A point is displayed at each tangent.

The Multi-Result Management dialog box is displayed because several points are generated.

● Click YES: you can then select a reference element, to which only the closest point is created.

● Click NO: all the points are created.

For further information, refer to the Managing Multi-Result Operations chapter.

Between● Select any two points.

● Enter the ratio, that is the percentage of the distance from the first selected point, at which the new point is to be.You can also click Middle Point button to create a point at the exact midpoint (ratio = 0.5).

Be careful that the arrow is orientated towards the inside of the curve (providing the curve is not closed) when using the Middle Point option.

● Use the Reverse direction button to measure the ratio from the second selected point.

If the ratio value is greater than 1, the point is located on the virtual line beyond the selected points.

3. Click OK to create the point.

The point (identified as Point.xxx) is added to the specification tree.


● You can isolate a point in order to cut the links it has with the geometry used to create it. To do so, use the Isolate contextual menu. For more information, refer to the Isolating Features chapter.

Defining the Segment Parameters

This task shows you how to define the bundle segment parameters.This applies to multi-branchable and single bundle segments.

The bundle segment to be defined is activated in the specification tree.You have switched to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench (Part context).

1. Click the Multi-Branchable Document button

or the Bundle Segment button .


Note that the dialog box is slightly different if you define single bundle segment parameters:❍ the dialog box title is Bundle Segment Definition,

❍ the Bundle Segment Definition button does not exist.

2. Enter a value in the Diameter field. The Section is automatically computed.

As an alternative, you can enter the Section, the Diameter will be computed.

A message warns you that the bend radius must be at least equal to the Diameter value to insure the correct bundle segment route computation.

3. Enter a value for the Bend Radius.

The Bend Radius is the minimum bend radius allowed for the bundle segment.

As an alternative, you can select the Bend Radius Ratio option and set the ratio: the Bend

Radius is automatically computed.

4. Select the Mode: for example Slack and give a percentage of slack.

The different options are: ❍ Slack:

the bundle segment length is increased by the percentage indicated in the Slack(%) field. The Length field is disabled.

❍ Length:the bundle segment length is indicated in the Length field. The Slack(%) field is disabled.

❍ Bend:the bundle segment length corresponds to the minimum distance between the points defining its route. The Slack(%) and Length fields are disabled.

At this stage, the bundle segment parameters are defined.

You now need to route the bundle segment to be able to complete the definition: through this

operation, you will create the geometrical representation of the Flexible Curve.

Note that OK and Apply are deactivated.

5. See the next task which explains how to route the bundle segment according to the geometrical

constraints.

● The Bend Radius value must be at least equal to the Diameter value to ensure the correct bundle segment route computation.

● When you create a bundle segment on a part (keeping associativity between the bundle segment and the surface):

❍ the Bundle Segment on Surface option is activated and lets you change the side on which the bundle segment will be created.To do so, click the Reverse button.

❍ the bend radius and the build mode parameters (Mode, Slack(%) and Length) are not taken into account. These parameters are disabled.

❍ the local slack management is not taken into account either. This command is disabled.

● When you create a bundle segment on a part surface, the slack management either is not taken into account.

Defining the Segment Route

This section explains the different ways you can route branches and/or bundle segment:

● using points, devices and supports

● through a retainer

● following a part/surface (first method using a manipulator)

● following a part (second method keeping associativity with the part)

● from an existing helix

Refer to Detailing the routing options... to know all about the More >> button.

In case of computation error, see Sharp bending bundle segment computation error.

The Tools -> Options menu lets you define if the bundle segments belong or not to a geometrical bundle. Refer to the Electrical Harness Installation Options.

Also make sure the following option is checked to take advantage of the associativity between the construction points or part body and the bundle segment.

● Open the Tools -> Options menu.

● Choose the Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure item.

● In the External References frame of the General tab, check the Keep link with selected object option.

MethodologyAdding Slack on Branches

During the design process, it is strongly recommended to create the branches respecting this

orientation: from the outside to the center of the network.

More particularly, when you add slack to branches (using the Add Local Slack command):

● if the branches are created from the center to the outside of the network

● the slack is added to both branches:

Changing a Connector

When changing a connector in the Route Definition dialog box, it's possible that you modify the

branch/bundle segment orientation without noticing it:

● click to remove the purple connector:

❍ Point.1 is the Routed Object selected.

❍ Add after is selected by default.

● click to select Add before, then click the new connector (the blue one).

Note that the selected option comes back to the default value: Add after.

Otherwise, the blue connector would be added to the network after Point.1 and the branch/bundle segment orientation would be changed, as shown below:

Electrical Harness Flattening Integration

It is recommended not to change the branch/bundle segment orientation if you work in the context of

EHF:

● if you first create the branch/bundle segment this way:

● do not modify it like this:

It would not be supported when synchronizing the data.

Routing Bundle Segments

This section explains how to define the bundle segment route creating the Flexible Curve representation.See also Getting Information from the Specification Tree Icons.

This applies to multi-branchable documents and single bundle segments.Also refer to Creating all the Bundle Segments in a Single CATPart for the specific properties of the multi-branchable document.

It is now possible to select the devices in the specification tree, if the selection is not ambiguous.

Ambiguous means that there are several possibilities for the bundle segment to be routed, for example:

● connectors with two or more bundle connection points,

● supports with two or more entry points.

In this case, the cursor shows like this and the selection is not possible in the specification tree.

The selection is only possible in the geometry: the closest connection point to the selection point is taken into account for the bundle segment route.

Otherwise, the cursor shows like this and the selection is possible both in the specification tree and the geometry.

The system automatically selects the bundle connection point (for connectors and back shells) or the entry point (for supports) as if they were selected in the geometry.

Open the NewRouting.CATProduct document.

Preliminary steps:

● Double-click to activate the geometrical bundle.

● Create the bundle segment and define the parameters: more information

1. Click the Route Definition button.

The Route Definition dialog box opens:

Options are available using the More >> button.

2. Click successively:

CATIA finds the closest bundle connection point or section on supports, according to the selection point.

a. a connector on the left equipment - reverse the tangent using the red arrow.

b. the multi-support

c. the adaptative clamp

d. a connector on the right equipment

The bundle segment is displayed:

Click here to know more about adaptative part.


The Route Definition dialog box closes and the Branchable Bundle Segment Definition is displayed afresh.

Note that OK and Apply are now activated.

4. Click OK to validate the branchable bundle segment definition.

You can take advantage of the Related Objects viewer to focus on an object and see how it is constructed via its related objects. The related objects command identifies the parent, any children or connected objects and the relationship between objects.

Getting Information from the Specification Tree IconsEach time you click the Apply or OK button during the definition phase, or if you update the bundle segment after any parameter modification, the following algorithm is launched to compute the best possible shape. Depending on the result, the specification tree is updated according to the following chart:

Note that working in Cache mode, the bundle segment does not display the icon.

Routing Bundle Segments through Retainers

This task shows how to define a multi-base retainer, then to route bundle segments using it.

Open the multibaseretainer part document.

1. Switch to Electrical Part Design workbench.

2. Define the support as a retainer on both side of the part.

To do so:

❍ click the Define Support button and select the part.

❍ set the parameters in the Support Definition dialog box for the first side:

For more information, refer to Electrical Library User's Guide (User Tasks - Creating Supports - Creating Retainers).

❍ Repeat these steps for the second side.

Note that the Second Plane Definition is already set and cannot be changed.

The specification tree shows that the publications are created with the specific retainer parameters:

EHISUPPORT-RefBasePlane.1 and EHISUPPORT-RefBasePlane.2.

3. Save the part.

4. Switch to Electrical Harness Assembly workbench.

5. Click the Geometrical Bundle button and select Product1.

6. Insert your part to this product, using the contextual menu: Components -> Existing Component...

The File Selection dialog box opens.Select the part you saved in step 3.

7. Create a multi-branchable bundle segment using this button .

CATIA switch to Electrical Harness Installation workbench.

8. Create few points to route the bundle segments, using this button :

9. Click this button again .


Change the parameters according to your needs.



❍ Click successively the points, as shown below:

❍ Click OK to validate.

When you select the retainer, CATIA finds the closest entry point for the branch, according to the selection point.

11. Repeat these steps for the second side.

12. Click OK to validate the entries made in the dialog boxes.


When you route a bundle segment through a retainer:

● The bundle segment curve is built as follows:

❍ The entry point is published as RefPoint1.

❍ It is projected to the base plane (RefBasePlane) as A.

❍ A line is created between A and the entry point (RefPoint1).

❍ A point (B) is created on this line, knowing that the distance between A and B is equal to the bundle segment radius.

❍ The point B is projected to RefPlane2 as C.

❍ The points B and C are added to the bundle segment center curve definition. The slack between these points is ignored.

All the construction objects are sent in no show space.

● The formula is automatically generated under the root product of the document, if the EHISUPPORT-RefBasePlane publication is detected:

length = bundle segment diameter * 0.5

● When the diameter changes, the bundle segment is re-computed according to this formula, to keep in contact with the retainer base plane.

● Using retainer and protection:If the bundle segment is covered with a protection, the formula that computes the distance between A and B takes into account the protection thickness.

AB = bundle segment radius + protection thickness

It is the case when:

❍ a retainer is added to a protected bundle segment

❍ a protection is added to a bundle segment already linked to a retainer

❍ the protection limit points are modified so that it is added to or removed from the retainer.

Note that:

● only one section of bundle segment can be taken into account to be kept in contact with the retainer base

plane, whatever the diameter is. This means that a branch point created in the middle of the retainer only

allows one side of the bundle segment to be updated with the correct diameter.

● It is not possible to hold concurrently the properties of a retainer and a standard support: either the base

plane is taken into account to route the bundle segment or it is the entry point and planes only. The part

below cannot be used as a retainer and a standard support.

The retainer component is fully integrated in the Electrical Harness Flattening workbench.

Routing the Bundle SegmentUsing an Heterogeneous Context

This functionality allows you to route branches or bundle segments on surfaces.Note that it is possible to route branches/bundle segments on different surfaces preserving the bend radius definition.

● Since you are routing the branch/bundle segment on a surface, the associativity is not maintained.

● The Bundle segment on surface option is not available with this function.But you can change the side on which the bundle segment will be created on the surface using the Shift key.

● It is possible to add or remove construction points or tangents instantly using the corresponding buttons. See Detailing the options.

● This command also works in visualization mode so you do not need to load the context in design mode.

Open a new product document.Select the Insert -> Existing Component... item, and choose the FreeEdges1.CATPart document.The path to this sample is: .../online/cfysa_C2/samples/FreeEdges1.CATPart.

1. Change the Product1 document into a geometrical bundle using the corresponding button .

2. Click the Multi-Branchable Document button .

The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.The Branch/Bundle Segment Definition dialog box opens.Enter the value of your choice for the different parameters.



4. Pressing the Ctrl key displays a manipulator as well as the tangent representation.

This manipulator follows the surface when you move its position.It shows a point pre-positioned perpendicularly to the surface, with a distance to this surface equal to:

❍ the radius in Automatic mode,

❍ the specified value in Manual mode,

❍ the radius increased with the safety margin value in Automatic with safety margin.

a. Click successively where you want to define the flexible curve.

b. Releasing the Ctrl key ends the flexible curve definition.

5. You can modify the route by adding, replacing or removing points as well as modifying the

tangent direction.


The Route Definition dialog box closes.

The Branch/Bundle Segment Definition dialog box is displayed afresh.

7. Click OK to validate the entries made.


8. Optional - Clicking the More >> button lets you access to specific options:

The Offset management at creation.

The default value is set to Automatic offset: the flexible curve follows the surface with an offset equal to the bend radius value.You can change to Manual offset if you want to define the route at a selected point with a different offset. For example:

a. You have started to draw the curve with the automatic offset, using the Ctrl key.

You want to change the route.So release the Ctrl key and get access to the Route Definition dialog box.

b. Click the Manual option and change the value if necessary.

c. Press the Ctrl key again to follow the route definition.

Note: You can change the mode for only one point or more.If you come back then to the automatic offset, the result looks like this:

Release the Ctrl key to end the route definition.

d. Click OK to validate the route definition.

9. Click OK to validate the branch/bundle segment definition.


In Automatic mode, the branch/bundle segment will keep in contact with the surface when the branch/bundle segment is modified.The branch/bundle segment will not keep in contact with the surface if the surface is modified.

Routing the Bundle Segment Following a Part

The FollowOnPart.CATProduct document is open.The construction constraints have been defined previously.The Bundle Segment Definition dialog box is still open.

You cannot route branchable bundle segments on part using this scenario.

Refer to the other method.

● The bundle segment route is associated to the part.As a consequence, if the part is modified, the bundle segment is updated.

● It is possible to add, remove or modify construction points or tangents instantly using the corresponding buttons.

● When you create a bundle segment on a part, ❍ the Bundle Segment on Surface option is activated and lets you change the side on which the bundle segment will be

created.To do so, click the Reverse button.

❍ the Bend radius and the Build mode parameters (Mode, Slack % and Length) are not taken into account.

❍ the local slack management is not taken into account either.

This command is disabled.


The Bundle Segment Route Definition dialog box opens.

2. Check the Geometry on support box, and select the face on which the points have been defined (Surface.1).

3. Click successively the three points in the geometry to define the flexible curve.


The Bundle Segment Route Definition dialog box closes.The Bundle Segment Definition dialog box is displayed afresh.Note: At that time, you can use the Reverse button to create the bundle segment on the other side of the surface.


Note: Two extra points have been created: they are the bundle segment extremities (Point.5 and Point.6).

Routing the Bundle Segmenton an Existing Helix

This functionality also works on line, curve, spline and spiral.

You cannot route branches on an existing helix, line, curve, spline and spiral.

Open the HelixBundleSegment.CATProduct.

1. Select the helix in the geometry or the specification tree.

2. Click the Bundle Segment button .

The bundle segment is added to the specification tree: the Flexible Curve is created.

CATIA switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench (Part).

3. Click the Bundle Segment Definition button .

The Bundle Segment Definition dialog box opens:you can only change the name, diameter or section.



The bundle segment route is associated to the part. As a consequence, if the part is modified, the bundle segment is updated.

Detailing the Routing Options...

You are routing a branch/bundle segment.

The Route Definition dialog box is displayed.

Note: A component can be a point, a device or a support. It is also referred to as object.

You can:

● add a point, a device or a support before or after the object selected in the list, using the corresponding radio button,

❍ Select an object in the list.

❍ Click the Add before button.

❍ Select another object in the geometry.

The object (here a point) is added to the flexible curve before the object selected in the list (here the multi-support).

● replace a component selected in the list with another one, for example the other connector of the equipment:

❍ Select the connector to be replaced in the list.

❍ Click the Replace button.

❍ Select the other connector in the geometry.


● remove an object selected in the list.

❍ Select an object in the list.

❍ Click the Remove button.

The object (here the multi-support) is removed from the flexible curve.

● Geometry on support: to route a bundle segment on a part surface

❍ Select Geometry on support.

❍ Click the surface.

❍ Select the points/supports/devices.

The result looks as follows:

● More >> options Select a device:By default the flexible curve is built with tangency condition. Click the red arrow to reverse the tangent direction.

Tangent management: Explicit ❍ Select Explicit as Constraint type.

❍ Click a face as Tangent direction.

The tangent is added.

Tangent management: From curve ❍ Select From curve as Constraint type.

❍ Click an edge as Element.


You can remove or reverse the tangent using the corresponding buttons.

Select a support:Orientation management:

Click Reverse to change the tangent direction.

Positioning management:

1. Click Position to change the way through the support.

2. Change H and V values.

3. Click OK.


Select a point:Tangent management: Explicit

1. Select Explicit as Constraint type.

2. Click a face as Tangent direction.


Tangent management: From curve

1. Select From curve as Constraint type.

2. Click an edge as Element.


You can remove or reverse the tangent using the corresponding buttons.

● Slack management:

Click Ignore slack if you don't want the slack parameter to be taken into account.

The slack is never used when routing a bundle segment on a part.

● Offset management at creation:

This option is available when routing bundle segments (branchable or normal ones) on a surface using a manipulator.

Automatic: the flexible curve follows the surface with an offset equal to the bundle segment radius. It is the default value.

Automatic with safety margin allows you to create an offset equal to the bundle segment radius increased by the selected value.

You can change to Manual if you want to define the route at a selected point with a different offset.

Sharp Bending Bundle Segment...

You are routing a bundle segment and the construction constraints lead to a sharp bending bundle segment.

When the bundle segment creation is impossible because it would induce a violation of the minimum bend radius rule, a message warns you that a computation error occurred, showing the construction constraints causing the error.

Nevertheless if you validate the bundle segment creation using these construction constraints, the Flexible Curve icon is modified in the specification tree to show that it is invalid:

You can then modify the bundle segment parameters or the construction constraints.

Exiting Electrical Harness Installation

This task shows you how to quit Electrical Harness Installation workbench when the bundle segments definition is completed.

1. Click the Exit button .

You are back in Electrical Harness Assembly workbench or the lastly used Product workbench.

Working with Branches

These functionalities applies to multi-branchable documents.

Creating all the bundle segments in a single CATPart: click this button to create a multi-branchable

document containing all the bundle segments, in branches.

Creating other segments within a branch: cut a bundle segment within a branch into more segments

and manage diameter and color for each section.

Removing branch points: click this button to remove a branch point and merge the bundle segments.

Branching external bundle segments: create branches or bundle segments connected at branch points.

Using Delete Special... on Branches: this contextual command proposes a special behavior when

deleting branches if branch points, splices or wires are contained in the branch.

Creating all the Bundle Segmentsin a Single CATPart

This task explains how to create all the bundle segments of a geometrical bundle in a single CATPart.A dedicated option allows the user to choose this working method.However to take advantage of ENOVIA configuration management, this option needs to be unchecked if you want to manage the effectivity at a more detailed granularity level: the branchable bundle segment.

This new object is named multi-branchable document.

When created, you can edit a multi-branchable document or one of its components.

The multi-branchable document is a new data modeling.It aims at creating the harness in a single part, reducing the size of the documents, the number of contextual links and consequently the update time. Moreover, as all the branches are created in a single document, deleting one does not require deleting any document in the file system or in ENOVIA data base.

The tree structure is the following:

Editing and modifying a branch created in the previous release versions, convert it into a multi-branchable document.

At creation, the multi-branchable document contains the one part with only one branch (Branchable1) and one bundle segment (Bundle Segment1).

The geometry will be created under this part in the different bodies.

The branch is a set of bundle segments that share the same centerline.

The bundle segment belongs to the part document and has electrical properties.

According to the dedicated option value and to the selected object, you create or edit a multi-branchable, a branch or a bundle segment:

● if the dedicated option is checked (or not) and no multi-branchable exists, the command creates a new document (Multi-Branchable1).

● if the dedicated option is checked and one multi-branchable exists, the command edits the document and no new document is created.

● if the dedicated option is not checked and the geometrical bundle is activated, the command creates a new document (Multi-Branchable n).

● if the dedicated option is checked (or not), at least one multi-branchable exists with a branch already defined, and if nothing is selected in the geometry, the command creates a new branch (Branchable n).

● if the dedicated option is checked (or not), at least one multi-branchable exists with a branch but no route has been defined, and if nothing is selected in the geometry, the command edits the branch (Branchable1).

Dedicated commands have been created to add and remove branch points although it is still possible to access them through the Bundle Segment Definition dialog box.

Creating a New Multi-Branchable DocumentOpen the Multi-Branchable document: it contains a geometrical bundle and two connectors.

Check the Bundle Segment Creation dedicated option is enabled, that is to say Work with one multi-branchable per geometrical bundle is checked.

1. Double-click to activate the desired product: GeometricalBundle1


The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.The dialog box opens:

The Multi-Branchable bundle segment document is created including, by default:

❍ the Part document that becomes active: Multi-Branchable

❍ the Flexible Curve - created in the ElecRouteBody - belonging to the part, which, at that time, does not have any geometrical representation

❍ the Branchable1 with the Bundle Segment1, which, at that time, does not have any geometrical representation.

If the branch (Branchable1) has several bundle segments, the diameter field will be grayed out. Use the Bundle Segment Definition button to manage the individual diameter.

3. Enter a value in the Diameter field. The Section is automatically computed.

As an alternative, you can enter the Section, the Diameter will be computed.

A message warns you that the bend radius must be at least equal to the Diameter value to insure the correct bundle segment route computation.

4. Enter a value for the Bend Radius.

The Bend Radius is the minimum bend radius allowed for the whole bundle segment.

As an alternative, you can select the Bend Radius Ratio option and set the ratio: the Bend Radius is automatically

computed.

5. Select the Mode: Slack for example and give a percentage of slack.

The different options are the following: ❍ Slack:

the bundle segment length is increased by the percentage indicated in the Slack(%) field. The Length field is disabled.

❍ Length:the bundle segment length is indicated in the Length field. The Slack(%) field is disabled.

❍ Bend:the bundle segment length corresponds to the minimum distance between the points defining its route. The Slack(%) and Length fields are disabled.

At this stage, the bundle segment parameters are defined.Now you need to route the bundle segment to be able to complete the definition:through this operation, you create the geometrical representation of the Flexible Curve.Note that OK and Apply are deactivated.



7. Click successively:

a. the connector on the left - you can reverse the tangent using the red arrow.

b. the connector on the right.

CATIA finds the closest bundle connection point or section on supports, according to the selection point.

Note that when you select the points used to route the bundle segment, annotations display:

❍ the selection of the construction points in the geometry highlights the point/label and select the routed objects in the Route Definition dialog box:

❍ the selection in the Bundle Segment Route Definition dialog box highlights the point and the label in the geometry:

You can also define more options using the More >> button: see Detailing the options

8. Click OK to validate. The bundle segment appears.

9. Click Apply in the Branch Definition dialog box.

The geometry contains:❍ a new body: Body.2 containing the rib

❍ the External References container

❍ the ElecRouteBody geometry: Circle.1

The Bundle Segment Definition button is now activated. See Creating Other Segments.

Other Cases:

In the same configuration:

1. Click the Multi-Branchable Bundle Segment button.

The Branch Definition dialog box opens.

2. Click Cancel in this dialog box before defining the route.

The Multi-Branchable1 is created as well as the Branchable1 but no geometry is defined.

3. Clicking the Multi-Branchable Bundle Segment button again opens the Branch Definition dialog box to edit

Branchable1 as long as the Bundle Segment1 route has not been defined.

When the dedicated option is not checked:

1. Double-click to activate the geometrical bundle


The Multi-Branchable1 is created as described above, with by default one branch and one bundle segment.

3. Activate the geometrical bundle again.


Another multi-branchable document (Multi-Branchable2) is created as described above, with by default one branch and

one bundle segment.

Creating a New BranchThe Multi-Branchable sample is still open. A multi-branchable document has been created.You are in Electrical Harness Installation (Part workbench). Nothing is selected in the geometry.

Check the Bundle Segment Creation dedicated option is enabled, that is to say Work with one multi-branchable per geometrical bundle is checked.

Branchable1 has not been defined


The Branch Definition dialog box opens allowing you to define Branchable1:

Change the value of the parameters if needed and route the bundle segment as described above.OK and Apply are now available.


Branchable1 is created as well as the geometry (ElecRouteBody.1 and Body.2).

Branchable1 has been defined


The Branch Definition dialog box opens allowing you to define a second branch: Branchable2

Change the value of the parameters if needed and route the bundle segment as described above.OK and Apply are now available.


Branchable2 is created as well as the geometry (ElecRouteBody.2 and Body.3).

Note that if you click Cancel in the Branch Definition dialog box, Branchable2 is deleted from the specification tree as well as the geometry.

Editing a Multi-Branchable Document or one of its ComponentsWhen you are in Electrical Harness Assembly, to edit a multi-branchable document or one of its components, you can:

1. Select the multi-branchable document in the specification tree, click then click the multi-branchable part.

2. Expand the multi-branchable part in the specification tree, select a branch then click .

3. Expand the multi-branchable part in the specification tree, select a bundle segment then click .

Note that it is possible to delete a branch but it is not possible to delete a bundle segment.

Creating Other Segments within a Branch

This task explains how to create other segments at branch points.

Dedicated commands have been created to add and remove branch points although it is still possible to access

them through the Bundle Segment Definition dialog box.

Branch points can be added to or removed from the original branch.The tangent continuity is maintained between the segments.

You can also connect other bundle segments through the branch points and manage the bundle segment diameter and color for each section.

You've already created a multi-branchable document as described in the previous task.The Branch Definition dialog box is still open.

1. Click the Bundle Segment Definition button.

The Bundle Segment Definition dialog box opens:

It lets you manage the bundle segments and their properties.

2. Optionally, change the parameters according to your needs:

❍ Name

❍ Diameter

❍ Color.

3. Click the Add branch point button :

You are prompted to select the bundle segment.

4. Select the bundle segment.

The Create Branch Point dialog box opens:

5. Click a point on the curve where you want to create a branch point.

The distance to the reference object is updated in the dialog box.An alternative is to enter a value in the Length or Ratio field.


The Bundle Segment Definition dialog box is updated:

The bundle segment, here Bundle Segment.2, has been created as well as the branch point, here Point.4.

The Extremity Management becomes available where you can modify the coordinates.The Visualization Management allows you to reframe the geometry on the selection.

As a branch point has been added, the branch consists of two sub-branches that can have different parameters. Those sub-branches share the same centerline and are stored into the same CATPart document.The branch point is not fixed as a bundle segment definition point but placed directly on the centerline. Thus, when modifying the centerline, the branch point follows the curve.

Removing Branch Points

This task explains how to remove a branch point from a branch.

Several branch points have been added to the branch.

The geometry looks like this:

1. Click the Remove branch point button in the Bundle Segment Definition dialog box.

You are prompted to select the bundle segment extremity.

2. Click the bundle segment close to the branch point you want to remove.

CATIA finds the closest bundle segment extremity according to the selection point.

The branch point is highlighted.

A message displays:


The branch point is removed and the two bundle segments on both sides of the branch point are merged.

4. Click OK when you are done.

Note that when you select a bundle segment to remove a branch point, the closest one is highlighted and proposed for deletion. When you validate, the merged bundle segments keep the properties of the bundle segment originally selected.

Branching External Bundle Segments

This task explains how to branch any type of bundle segments and how the bundle segment update is performed in case of route modification.You can branch either branches or single bundle segments.

1. Add several branch points to the bundle segment.


2. Click the Multi-Branchable Bundle Segment button or the Bundle Segment button to create new bundle segments.

The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.The dialog box opens:

3. Change the parameter value of your choice, if need be.

4. Click the Route Definition button. Refer to Routing Bundle Segments.

After you have created two multi-branchable documents, the result looks like this:

5. Using the compass, change a connector location.

You now need to update the geometry.

6. Click the Update All button .


● The main branch is recomputed as well as the branch point coordinates.

● The branched bundle segments have also been recomputed.

Using Delete Special... on Branches

When a branch is unlinked or deleted, if branch points are no longer used, the system may keep them or

prompt the user to delete them, according to a dedicated option.

When the branch contains wires or splices, the user must be warned that this action may impact other

electrical objects: a dialog box proposes to keep them or have them removed, (whatever the option

setting is). This because it would leave broken links to wires or splices.

This behavior is available through the Branchable.x object -> Delete Special... contextual menu.

Set up the option to be prompted for deletion of unused branch points.

Open a document containing at least two branches connected through a branch point, optionally wires and/or splices.

1. Select the branch you want to delete in the specification tree: here Branch 2.

2. Using the contextual menu, select the Delete Special... command.

Since there are objects in the branch you want to delete, this first dialog box opens:

Otherwise this step is ignored.

It shows the list of objects belonging to the branch.

It can be wires or internal splices.

Note that it is not possible to individually delete entities inside the branch:

❍ either all are deleted: Delete All

❍ or none of them: Keep All.

3. Click Delete All or Keep All according to your need.

The following dialog box opens:

It lets you choose:

❍ to keep the unused branch point, even if no branch is connected.

■ If you select this option, the bundle segment and the branch point highlight.

■ Click OK to validate.


❍ to remove the unused branch point and indicate which selection you want to keep:

■ If you select Current side, the bundle segment and the branch point highlight.

■ Click OK to validate.The result looks like this:

■ If you select Other side, the bundle segment and the branch point highlight.

■ Click OK to validate.The result looks like this:

The resulting bundle segment keeps the properties of the selected section.

If the branch point is used in a specific case of configuration, the Keep unused branch point option

may be useful in order to avoid unexpected deletion.

For example, if the same branch point is used for different configurations and if you work on a resolved

configuration, which does not use it.

This functionality only works for multi-branchable documents and branchable bundle segments, not for

single bundle segments.

Using Branchable Bundle Segmentsin V5R12 Onwards

This task explains how documents containing branchable bundle segments created in V5R10/R11 are managed:● These branchable bundle segments are edited as in the previous versions.

● You will be able to add other branchable bundle segments to such documents as if they were originally multi-branchable bundle segment documents.

Editing a Branchable Bundle Segment

Open a document containing branchable bundle segments created with V5R10 or V5R11.

1. Select a branchable bundle segment.


The dialog box opens allowing you to edit the branchable bundle segment selected.


Adding a Branchable Bundle SegmentOpen a document containing branchable bundle segments created with V5R10 or V5R11.Nothing is selected in the geometry.


A branchable bundle segment is created and the dialog box opens allowing you to define the parameters:

The Branchable Bundle Segment document becomes a multi-branchable one (although its name is not changed by the application) and the new branchable bundle segment is created under this one.

2. Define the route then validate.

Note that if you click Cancel in the bundle segment definition dialog box, Branchable2 is deleted from the specification tree as well as the geometry.

The single bundle segments (those created since V5R7) do not behave the same way: It is only possible to edit or modify their route, but neither to add branch points nor branchable bundle segments.

Creating/Using Branch PointsDedicated commands allows you to create or remove branch points although it is still possible to access them through the Bundle Segment Definition dialog box.

These commands are not available for single bundle segments.

Adding branch points: Click this icon and select the branch to which you want to add a branch point.

Removing branch points: Click this icon and select the branch point you want to remove.

Deleting unused branch points automatically: Right-click the branch you want to delete and select Delete Special. According to the selected option branch points may be kept or deleted.

Adding Branch Points

This task shows you how to create branch points using the dedicated command.It is also possible to access this function through the Bundle Segment Definition dialog box.

Open a document containing at least a branch.

1. Click the Add Branch Point button .

You are prompted to select a branch.

2. Select the branch.

The dialog box displays as well as tools allowing you to place the branch point on the curve:

3. Select the reference point either in the specification tree or in the geometry.

Click Other Extremity to change the reference point to the branch other extremity.

4. Define the distance to the reference object either in the dialog box or in the geometry.

In the dialog box you can define the distance:❍ by entering the length from the reference point

❍ or by entering a bundle segment ratio.


Removing Branch Points

This task shows you how to remove branch points using the dedicated command.It is also possible to access this function through the Bundle Segment Definition dialog box.

Open a document containing a branchable bundle segment with several branch points.

1. Click the Remove Branch Point button .

You are prompted to select a bundle segment.

2. Click the bundle segment close to the branch point you want to remove.


The branch point is highlighted.

A message displays:


The branch point is removed and the two sub-segments on both sides of the removed branch

point are merged.

Note that when you select a bundle segment to remove a branch point, the closest one is highlighted and proposed for deletion. When you validate the merged bundle segments keep the properties of the bundle segment originally selected.

Routing Bundle Segment into a SupportThese functionalities are only available in the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench.This applies to multi-branchable and single bundle segments.

Adding a support: Click this icon and select the bundle segment you want to route into a support.

Removing a support: Click this icon and select the bundle segment to remove from the support.

Adding a Support

This task shows how to route bundle segments into supports.This command also works on multi-supports and retainers.

This example uses a support, but it works exactly the same with a retainer.

Open the InSupport.CATProduct document.

1. Click the Add Support button .

You are prompted to select the bundle segment you want to drive into the support.

CATIA finds the closest bundle segment construction point according to the selection point.

2. Select Bundle Segment1 close to the location of interest.

The extremity or construction point is highlighted:

>>

You are prompted to select the support.

3. Select Support.1.

>> The support is highlighted indicating that the selection is allowed.

The Add Support dialog box opens:

Since the selected point is not an extremity, the bundle segment will go through the support between this point and the next one. The options are therefore disabled as in this example.

You can change the bundle segment direction through the support by reversing the arrow.

If an extremity is selected, you can choose where you want to place the support along the bundle segment route:

❍ beyond the selected extremity,

❍ on this side of the selected extremity.

Note: In case of a multi-support, the section selected is the closest to the selection point on the support:

>>

4. Change the option if needed.

5. Click to invert the arrow in the geometry or in the dialog box, if needed.

6. Click OK validate your choice.

The bundle segment route is recomputed.In the first case, the result looks like this:

It looks like this in case you selected Point.1 and Beyond the bundle segment extremity.

The bundle segment slack is ignored on the route though a support.

Removing a Support

This task shows how to remove the bundle segment from the support, therefore modifying its route.

The InSupport.CATProduct document is still open.

1. Click the Remove Support button .

You are prompted to select the bundle segment you want to remove from the support.

2. Select Bundle Segment1.

The way through the support is highlighted:

A message is displayed asking you to confirm this action.

3. Click OK to validate your choice.

The bundle segment route is recomputed and comes back to its original definition.

Linking/Unlinking...These functionalities are only available in the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench.This applies to multi-branchable and single bundle segments.

Linking: Click this icon and select the bundle segment you want to link to another bundle segment or a device.

Unlinking: Click this icon and select a bundle segment extremity to unlink all the elements.

Linking Bundle Segments

This task shows how to create a connection between a bundle segment and a device or between two

bundle segments.

This applies to multi-branchable and single bundle segments.

You can also link a single bundle segment to a branch.

Open the Link.CATProduct document.

Make sure the options are set according to your needs.Note: if the Geometrical link option is not activated, only the electrical link is created.

1. Click the Link button .

You are prompted to select the bundle segment you want to connect.


2. Select Bundle Segment1 close to the extremity to be connected.

>> The extremity is highlighted:

You are prompted to select another bundle segment extremity or a device.

3. Select ConnectorLink2.

>> The connector is highlighted indicating that the selection is allowed: the connector includes a bundle connection point.

CATIA finds the closest bundle connection point according to the selection point.

A message is displayed asking you to confirm the selection.

4. When you are satisfied, click OK validate your choice.

The bundle segment is computed.The result looks like this:

Note that you can add or reverse tangent.

To make the connection possible, a bundle connection point must be defined on the device.

Linking Bundle Segments Following a Part

This applies to single bundle segments only.

1. Click the Link button .

You are prompted to select the bundle segment you want to connect.

You must choose first the bundle segment which is not following the part.Otherwise the construction is not possible.



You are prompted to select another bundle segment extremity or a device.


>>

CATIA generates the point for the connection


4. Click OK validate your choice.

The bundle segment is computed.The result looks like this:

As you see, there is no tangency applied to the bundle segments.You can modify the route and define a tangent.

5. Double-click to edit the bundle segment newly routed.

The Bundle Segment Definition dialog box opens.

a. Click the Route Definition button.

The Bundle Segment Route Definition window opens.

b. Click the More>> button. It shows like this:

Note that the bundle segment extremity (Point.6) is selected.

c. Click the Tangent direction field and select the bundle segment flexible curve as

shown below:

The dialog box is updated:

as well as the geometry:

How to display the electrical connection?

1. Click the Related Objects button .

2. Select the bundle segment: Bundle Segment1

You see that the connector is linked to the bundle segment.

❍ in the Tree view:

❍ in the 3D view:

For more information, refer to Viewing Related Objects.

Unlinking Bundle Segments

This task shows how to delete a connection between bundle segments or between a connector and a

bundle segment.

This applies to multi-branchable and single bundle segments. However, you cannot unlink bundle

segments within a branch.

The Link.CATProduct document is open.

1. Click the Unlink button .

You are prompted to select the bundle segment extremity you want to disconnect.


2. Select Bundle Segment1.



3. When you are satisfied, click OK to validate your choice.

The bundle segment is disconnected from the connector.

You cannot unlink bundle segments within a branch.How to display the electrical connection?

1. Click the Related Objects button .

2. Select the bundle segment you have just disconnected: Bundle Segment1

You can see that the connector is no longer connected.

in Tree view:

in 3D view:

For more information, refer to Viewing Related Objects.

Splitting Bundle Segments This functionality is only available in the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench.It works but differently on both types of bundle segments:

Splitting branches: Click this icon and select the branch you want to split.

Splitting single bundle segments: Click this icon and select the bundle segment you want to split.

Splitting Branches

This task shows how to split a branch, creating therefore a new one.

This operation may prove useful in the context of the configuration management in ENOVIA: It allows you

to prepare the transfer of a branch in another multi-branchable document.

Refer to Split and Transfer Usage.

This scenario is only available for multi-branchable documents.

Create the necessary branches using the DemoGS.CATProduct document.

It looks like this for example:

1. Click the Split button .

You are prompted to select the bundle segment in order to define the branch point on which you want to split.

2. Select the bundle segment as shown below:

The branch point is highlighted and the Split dialog box opens:

At this step, you can choose to split the branch at the highlighted branch point or to create a new one.

❍ CATIA finds the closest branch point according to the selection point.

❍ In case there is no branch point available, CATIA proposes to create a new one.

3. Keep the first option and click OK to validate.

A new branch is created (Branchable1.1)

4. Alternatively - Select On a new branch point and click OK to validate.

You are prompted to select the bundle segment on which you want to create the branch point.

5. Select the bundle segment as shown below:


6. Enter 0.25 for example for the ratio and click OK to validate.


A new bundle segment (Bundle Segment 5) has been created in Branchable1.1.

After the split, the tangent continuity between the bundle segments is maintained.

How is it done?

● Before the split, the branch 1 (Branchable 1) is composed of three segments between Connector-A3 and Connector-A1:

Specification tree corresponding to the following route definition

● During the split, the branch point is isolated from the flexible curve (and becomes a point with coordinates: Point.10).Branchable 1 is split into two branches:

❍ Branchable 1, re-limited to Point.10 with two segments (Bundle segment 1 and Bundle segment 2)

❍ Branchable 1.1 created between Point.10 and Connector-A1 with two segments (Bundle segment 4 coming from Branchable 1 and a new Bundle segment 5).

Branchable 1 is tangent to Branchable 1.1 through its flexible curve.

Specification tree corresponding to the following route definition

for Branchable 1:

for Branchable 1.1:

The two branches now have their own curves and parameters such as bend radius, diameter, etc. They can be edited separately for each branch.

Splitting Single Bundle Segments

This task shows how to split a bundle segment, creating therefore a new bundle segment.

This scenario is available for single bundle segments.

Open the InSupport.CATProduct document.

1. Click the Split button .

You are prompted to select the bundle segment in order to define the cutting point.

❍ The bundle segment will split using a construction point.

❍ CATIA finds the closest bundle segment construction point according to the selection point.

❍ In case the closest bundle segment construction point is an extremity, CATIA uses the second closest one.

As a confirmation message displays, the cutting point highlights.

2. Click OK to validate your choice.

The bundle segment is split in two: a new bundle segment (Bundle Segment2) has been created.

After the split, the tangent continuity between the bundle segments is maintained.

Transferring Branches

This task shows how to transfer a branch (containing one or more bundle segments) to either a new or an existing multi-branchable document.This operation may prove useful in the context of the configuration management in ENOVIA: if you want to manage the effectivity at a more detailed granularity level. Refer to Split and Transfer Usage.

This scenario is available for branches only.

Use the data generated in the Split scenario.

It looks like this:

1. Click the Transfer Branches button .

The Transfer Branches dialog box opens:

It lets you choose:❍ the selection mode

■ Single: you manually select the first branch to transfer.once the first branch is selected, the other branches that can be selected must belong to the same multi-branchable document as the first one.

■ Automatic: select the branch to transfer. It automatically selects all the branches connected to the closest extremity of the first selected branch.

■ Network: select the branch to transfer. It automatically selects all the branches connected to the first selected branch.

❍ the branches to transfer:■ Select the branches in the geometry or in the specification tree.

All the branches selected are listed, according to the selection mode.

■ To remove a branch from the list, select it and use Remove Selection.

❍ the transfer destination.■ Copy to geometrical bundle:

■ Same: the branch is transferred in the same geometrical bundle.

■ Another: select the geometrical bundle in which you want to transfer the branch.It must be created before the transfer.

■ Under multi-branchable document:■ New: the multi-branchable document is created on-the-fly.

■ Existing: select the multi-branchable document.

Note that the OK button remains disabled as long as no multi-branchable document has been

selected.

2. Choose the Selection mode, Automatic for example.

3. Select the branch(es) you want to transfer: Branchable.1.1 for example

CATIA finds the branch(es) connected to the closest branch point according to the selection point.

4. For the transfer destination:

❍ copy to the same geometrical bundle: keep Same

❍ under a new multi-branchable document: select New.


Branchable.1.1 is transferred under a new multi-branchable document.The result looks like this:

Transferring all the branches of a multi-branchable document is not possible. At least one branch must be left in the original multi-branchable document.

Split and Transfer Usage

In the industrial process, the designer first creates the 150% harness (also named maximum harness). This allows

him:

● to create the harness containing all configurations,

● to design without any knowledge on how it will be configured later,

● but the design does not represent a realistic harness since it can have several conflicting configurations.For example, a diesel and a petrol configuration.

According to the configuration to be managed, it is then necessary to split the harness and transfer branches from one

document to another. These commands make these operations possible.

The main mechanism is to set effectivity on documents or set of documents:● some documents are valid for all configurations: the blue document.

● some documents are valid for certain configurations:❍ for petrol: the blue and green documents

❍ for diesel: the blue and orange documents.

Instantiating a Protection

This task shows how to use protections created in the Electrical Library workbench and stored into a catalog.

The Browse window is integrated to the Protection command through the Instantiate Protection dialog box. It lets you select catalogs

stored in database when working in ENOVIA context.

Open any document containing at least a geometrical bundle.

The bundle segments must belong to a geometrical bundle for this command to work properly.

1. Click the Protection button .

The Instantiate Protection dialog box opens:

It lets you:❍ choose the protection reference you want to apply, using the catalog browser,

❍ select the bundle segments on which the protection will be applied,

❍ remove bundle segments from the selection.

In the lower frame, you can enter parameters specific to the tape type of protection:

❍ the layer number

❍ the taping angle

❍ the tape overlapping.

Note that:

❍ The taping angle and the overlapping parameters are mutually exclusive:either you enter a value for the taping angle and the overlapping will be automatically computed,or you enter a value for the overlapping and the taping angle will be automatically computed.

❍ The overlapping value can be negative.

You also get information about the protection length:The Covered length is displayed for both tape and tube type.The Total tape length is calculated, using the following parameters:

where:Angle is the taping angle value.Height is the bundle segment length covered by the tape.NbLayers is the number of layers.

The overlapping formula is the following:Overlapping = Width - 2 Π * (Radius + Thickness/2) * sin Angle

where:Width is the tape width.Radius is the bundle segment radius.Thickness is the tape thickness.Angle is the taping angle value.

2. Select the catalog then the protection you want to instantiate.

a. Open the catalog browser:

To do so:

■ Click this button and navigate to the catalog, for example:.../online/elbug_C2/samples/catalog/catalog1.catalog.

■ Double-click the protection.

The catalog browser closes and the selected protection displays in the upper right corner of the primary window.

b. An alternative is to use the catalog browser from the toolbar, select the protection then drag and drop it onto the

bundle segment:

In this case the step 3 is not necessary, but the protection can only be applied to one bundle segment at a time.

3. Select one or more bundle segments to be covered with the protection:

Notes:In case of multi-selection, the bundle segments must belong to the same geometrical bundle.You can select both normal or branchable bundle segments, as long as they are contiguous.

The dialog box updates and the protection start and end points display in the geometry.

4. Double-click one extremity to re-limit the protection.

The Create Point on Curve dialog box opens:

It lets you define the new position for the extremity:You can change either the ratio or the length (the other parameter is modified accordingly) or select the middle point of the bundle segment.An alternative is to select a point on the curve in the geometry:

❍ the Start Extremity here is modified,

❍ the protection turns to red informing you that it needs to be updated.

5. Click OK to validate the re-limitation of the protection.

The geometry is updated.


● The user can define the appearance of the protection using the Apply Material command.

● Supports can be added to bundle segments covered with a protection. If the support is adaptative, its parameters will be linked to the protection outer diameter.

● This functionality is integrated with the wire routing (EWR): when routing wires into bundle segments covered with a protection, the bundle segment diameter updates as well as the protection's.

● This functionality is also integrated with the drawing extraction (EHF): the protections are displayed in the drawing sheet.

Managing Local Slack

This task explains how to modify the slack at a specific location.

This command is available for both bundle segment and multi-branchable bundle segment.This command is disabled when creating a bundle segment on a part (keeping the associativity).

Open the LocalSlack.CATProduct document.

1. Click the Local Slack button .

2. Click the bundle segment where you want to modify the slack:

Two construction points are highlighted: they delimit the portion of the bundle segment selected.

The Local Slack Management dialog box opens:

Two options are available: ❍ Ignore slack: the slack is not taken into account between the highlighted points.

❍ Add slack: an extra length is added to the bundle segment portion.

3. Choose Ignore slack and click Apply/OK.

The bundle segment looks like this:

4. Click the Local Slack button again.

5. Select the other segment portion (on the right).

6. Choose Add slack, enter 10mm in the Slack definition field and click Apply/OK.

The bundle segment is updated.

7. Moreover, if you edit the bundle segment route (by double-clicking the bundle segment, then the

Route Definition button), you can see that:

❍ the construction points display labels

❍ the construction point selected in the Bundle Segment Route Definition dialog box highlights (here Point.3) in the geometry, and vice versa: the point selected in the geometry selects the routed object in the Bundle Segment Route Definition dialog box.Refer to Bundle Segment Route Definition.

❍ the slack added to a bundle segment portion displays a label located in its middle

❍ the slack ignored between two points displays a label located in its middle.

The slack is always added between the point selected and the following one according to the construction order.

3D Harness TolerancingUsing FTA

This task makes use of the Electrical Harness workbench integration together with the 3D Tolerancing and Annotation

product. It lets you easily define and manage 3D tolerance specifications and annotations directly on the 3D or

flattened harnesses.

This allows the user to add dimension information directly to the 3D mock-up so that they are available for

downstream process. For example, the contents of the 3D session can be sent to a harness supplier for

manufacturing purpose and the dimensions to be respected will be part of the data provided.

This function makes it possible to annotate:

● the distance between two connectors of a geometrical bundle through multiple bundle segments

● the distance between two supports

● the distance between a connector and a protection

● the distance between a branch point and a connector

● etc.

A Product Functional Tolerancing & Annotation license must be available to perform this scenario.Refer to the 3D Functional Tolerancing & Annotation User's Guide for more information on the product.

You can use the following sample: ...\online\cfysa_C2\samples\ElectricalAssembly\ElectricalAssembly.CATProduct

1. Switch to the Product Functional Tolerancing & Annotation workbench.

2. Select the Projection View/Annotation Plane button.

Select a plane or an axis system to define the annotation plane.

Here the horizontal plane for example.

The Projected View is added to the specification tree.

Note that all planes that contain the extremities of the curve to be annotated will be suitable for the curvilinear length dimension display, as it will be used to project the annotation on.Else, to get a better presentation, the viewpoint should be set perpendicular to this annotation plane.

To do so, click the Normal View button and select the annotation plane of interest.

3. Select the Curvilinear Dimensions button in the Dimensions toolbar.

You are prompted to select the first element for the dimension creation.

❍ In the context of the Electrical Harness product, you can select a plane, a point or a spline.

❍ Whatever the number of elements, at least one spline must be selected.

❍ They must be ordered from one end to the other.

❍ They must be in an electrical part (connector, equipment, bundle segment, support, back shell,

protection, etc.)

❍ The electrical continuity between the different elements selected is mandatory.

For more information about this command, refer to 3D Functional Tolerancing & Annotation User's Guide - Basic Tasks - Creating Annotations - Creating Curvilinear Dimensions.

4. Select for example: a connector face, two splines and a support face to delimit the second spline.

❍ the connector face:

❍ the first spline:

Note that at that time:■ the new feature appears in the specification tree (xxx.Part for Constructed Geometry)

■ the dimension is previewed. By default, the dimension line is linear.

You can switch to other visualization modes:■ Right-click the dimension line to display the contextual menu.

■ Select Parallel.

Refer to 3D Functional Tolerancing & Annotation User's Guide - Basic Tasks - Creating Annotations - Creating Curvilinear Dimensions to see the different view option.

Optionally, you can drag the dimension line and/or the dimension value to position them as wanted.

❍ the second spline:

The dimension line is updated.

❍ the support face to delimit the second spline:

5. Click in the free space to validate and end the dimension creation.

The dimension appears in white.

The semi-arc symbol displayed over the dimension value symbolizes a curvilinear length dimension. You can now handle the dimension just like any other dimension.

User Interface Behavior

Selection of a 3D curve:

If the user selects a 3D curve of a branchable bundle segment, then the curvilinear length dimension will be displayed in the geometry and the user will have to click in the free space to validate the dimension creation and to exit the command (no other geometric selection will be proposed).

Selection of the first 3D curve after the selection of a starting point or planar face:

If the user selects a point or a planar face, he will then be prompted to select a harness routing spline.

Selection of others 3D curves:

Then the user will be prompted to complete the selection of harness routing curves or to select the ending point or planar face of the curvilinear length:If the user selects another curve, the software will check the consistency between the curves. If the last selected and the new selected curves are not connected, an error message will be displayed and the last selection will be removed. The user will again be prompted to complete the selection of harness routing curves or to select the ending point or planar face of the curvilinear length.

Selection of an ending point or planar face:

If the user selects a point or a planar face, the curvilinear length dimension will be displayed in the 3D and the user will have to click in the free space to validate the dimension creation and to exit the command (no other geometric selection will be proposed).

Associativity

If an object taking part to the curvilinear dimension is moved in the 3D geometry, the annotation is updated.

Electrical continuity

It is not possible to create a curvilinear dimension for bundle segments belonging to different geometrical bundles.

If you select points or planes, CATIA will find the best solution to compute the length the user intends to annotate:

● Selection of a point:

❍ On the bundle segment centerline: this point will be used as an extremity of the annotated length.

❍ On a support: the projection of the point on the bundle centerline will be used as an extremity of the annotated length.

❍ On a connector: a straight line will be added to this point from the bundle centerline extremity.

● Selection of a plane:

❍ On a support: the intersection point between the plane and the centerline will be used as an extremity of the annotated length. If the selected plane does not intersect with the centerline, the plane is ignored.

❍ On a connector: a perpendicular line between the bundle centerline extremity and the plane will be added.

Using the Mechanical Modeler Integration

This task makes use of the Electrical Harness workbench integration together with the mechanical modeler. It demonstrates the associativity between the bundle segment and the part.

The document contains a bundle segment routed on a part.

1. Modify the sketch of the pad.

The bundle segment is no longer leaning on the face of the pad.

2. Close the Sketcher.


3. Double-click the bundle segment in the specification tree.

The document is updated:

Measuring Geometrical Bundle Inertia

This task explains how to generate the equivalent parameters which will make it possible to calculate the

geometrical bundle components' inertia. Please refer to the Measure Inertia command to know more about

those parameters.

It also relies on the mass of the wires routed in the bundle segments and on the mass of the protections.

These parameters are calculated using a specific command described below.

This command is available for both bundle segment and multi-branchable bundle segment.

This command is disabled when creating a bundle segment on a part (keeping the associativity).

Activate the Parameters option in Tools -> Options... -> Infrastructure -> Product Structure -> Tree

Customization to display the Parameters node in the specification tree.

The calculation is performed as follows:

For the bundle segments, the multi-branchable bundle segments and the protections, the mass calculation

depends on equivalent parameters generated using the specific Measure Geometrical Bundle Inertia command.

The other parameters calculation (center of gravity, inertia matrix, etc.) only depends on the geometry. They

are generated by the Measure Inertia command.

● the mass of the bundle segment is the sum of the mass of the wires routed through this bundle segment as well as the sum of the mass of the internal splices connected to them.

● the mass of the wire extra length used in the back shell is added to the mass of the bundle segment to which it is connected.In case several bundle segments are connected to the same back shell, the mass of the wire extra length is added to the mass of the bundle segment for each of them.

● the mass of the multi-branchable bundle segment is the sum of the mass of the bundle segments it aggregates.

● the mass of the protections (corrugated tube or tape) is calculated from the length and the linear mass, if this one is known.Otherwise, no inertia equivalent is calculated and the default calculation (Measure Inertia command) is applied.

Open a document containing at least a geometrical bundle with wires and possibly protections.

1. Click the Measure Geometrical Bundle Inertia button .

This command computes the parameters needed to get the Mass and Inertia of the selected

component.

2. Click the geometrical bundle or electrical bundle for which you want to calculate the inertia parameters.

3. Click the Measure Inertia button .


The cursor changes to to indicate that you will be able to measure objects.

Refer to the Measure Inertia command.

4. Click Customize...

A second dialog box opens:

Refer to Inertia Equivalents.

5. Click to select Equivalent and validate: the inertia equivalents previously computed will be taken into

account.

6. Select the electrical component of interest.

it can be:❍ a geometrical bundle,

❍ an electrical bundle: selecting an electrical bundle calculates the equivalent parameters for all the geometrical bundles linked to it.

The Measure Inertia dialog box expands to display the results for the selected item:

Note that the Equivalent field shows that three elements are taken into account for the inertia

calculation.

7. Click OK when done.

The equivalent parameters are not updated after the modification of electrical objects - wire routing, bundle segment geometrical modification, etc. - as the process is asynchronous.

You will need to launch the command again to get the modification taken into account.

Inertia Equivalents

If your document contains inertia equivalents set using Knowledgeware capabilities, then the Inertia command will not calculate the inertia properties of the selected geometry but return the equivalent values.The Equivalent box of the Measure Inertia dialog box indicates whether or not equivalents have been used:

● 0: the measure is made on the selection, geometry or assembly

● 1 or more: One or more inertia equivalents are taken into account.

To display inertia equivalents in the Measure Inertia dialog box:1. Click Customize... in the Measure Inertia dialog box.

The Measure Inertia Customization dialog box appears.2. Check Equivalent in the Measure Inertia Customization dialog box.3. Click Apply.

Equivalents are user parameters set using the Knowledgeware formula command under parts or

products and imported from text (*txt) or Excel (*xls) files. Sets of equivalent parameters must be valid to be taken into account. To be valid, all the properties shown in the example below must be listed.

An example of a text file follows. In text files, the name of the property and the value are separated by a tab stop.

Equivalent_IsSurface falseEquivalent_IsVolume trueEquivalent_Area 6m2Equivalent_Volume 1m3Equivalent_Mass 1000kgEquivalent_COGx 75mmEquivalent_COGy -10mmEquivalent_COGz -25mm

Equivalent_MatGxx 50000gxmm2Equivalent_MatGyy 50000gxmm2Equivalent_MatGzz 50000gxmm2Equivalent_MatGxy 0gxmm2Equivalent_MatGxz 0gxmm2Equivalent_MatGyz 0gxmm2

In Excel files, simply list property names and values in two separate columns.

Importing Inertia Equivalents

1. Select the product to which you want to associate inertia equivalents.

2. Click the formula icon.

3. Click Import... in the Formulas dialog box.

4. Select the text or Excel file containing the inertia equivalents in the file selection dialog box, then click Open.

Parameters to be imported are listed.

5. Click OK to import all the parameters listed into the document.

Imported parameters are now displayed in the Formulas dialog box.

6. Click OK in the Formulas dialog box.

You are now ready to run your inertia calculation.

● Having imported inertia equivalents, you no longer need the representations of the product or sub-products and you can de-activate them (Edit ->Representations). De-activated representations are unloaded. This frees the geometry area and improves system response time.

● To display parameters in the specification tree, select the Parameters checkbox below Display in Specification Tree in the Display tab of the Options dialog box (Tools-> Options-> Infrastructure-> Part Infrastructure).

V4/V5 Electrical Data Migration

This section explains how an existing CATIA V4 Electrical model is converted into V5 documents.The conversion of the V4 data is performed using the migration batch.

It is divided into the following chapters:

MethodologyMigrating Step by Step...

V4 - V5 MappingReference Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology

To perform the migration of the electrical data (geometry and technology), you first need to set up options:

● for the migration batch

● for the bundle segment migration mode

● for the isolated mock-up solids migration.

These options can also be defined using:

● the Tools -> Options... -> General -> Migration Batch tab

● the Tools -> Options... -> General -> Electrical tab

● and the Tools -> Options -> General -> Compatibility -> V4/V5 Space.

Refer to the Infrastructure User's Guide (Customizing Settings - General - Compatibility category).

Using Copy/Paste only copies the geometry and does not migrate the technology.

To do so, you need to access to the Batch Monitor:

1. Open the Tools -> Utility... menu item:

The Batch Monitor window opens.

2. Double-click the MigrateV4ToV5 utility:

The MigrateV4ToV5 dialog box opens.

Setting up the Electrical Migration Batch

a. Click the Options... button.

The Batch Options dialog box opens.

b. Select the Migration Batch tab.

At the bottom of this dialog box, in the Interface Name field, enter CATIE3DMigration:

c. Click OK to validate the entry made, otherwise the Electrical tab options won't be activated.

Setting up the Bundle Segment Migration Mode

a. Still in the Batch Options dialog box, select the Electrical tab.

This tab lets you define if you want:

❍ each V4 BNS of the GBN migrated to a separate CATPart:

in this case, select Bundle segments.

❍ all the V4 BNSs of the GBN migrated to a single CATPart:

in this case, select Multi-branchable bundle segments.

Multi-branchable bundle segments is the default value.

It is recommended to use this option as it reduces the number of CATPart documents generated during the migration.

b. Select the option of interest.

Setting up Isolated Mock-Up Solids migration This option is only necessary if you have isolated mock-up solids to migrate.

a. Still in the Batch Options dialog box, select the V4/V5 SPACE tab.

This tab lets you define an option for the Isolated Mock-up Solids migration:

Isolated Mock-Up Solids (SolidM) means that they have no history nor specifications stored.

For the migration two options are available:

❍ as CGR: the SolidM conversion as CGR means that you will only get the meshing view (visualization mode).

as CGR is the default value.

❍ as PartBody: the SolidM conversion as PartBody means that you will be able to see the geometry of the solid to edit it.

Refer to V4/V5 SPACE tab in Infrastructure User's Guide.

(Customizing Settings - General - Compatibility category).

b. Select as PartBody in the context of the electrical migration to be able to add technology.

3. Once you have selected your options, click OK to validate.

You are back in the MigrateV4ToV5 dialog box.

4. Select a target directory (where the V5 documents will be created).

5. Select the V4 documents to be converted.

You are ready to migrate your V4 electrical data.

An alternative to launch the Migration Batch is as follows:

1. Enter the following command: CNEXT -batch -e CATV4ToV5Migration.

2. Select a target directory (where the V5 documents will be created).

3. Select the V4 documents to be converted.

The Options... button lets you define if you want:❍ each V4 BNS of the GBN migrated to a separate CATPart:

in this case, select Bundle segments

❍ all the V4 BNSs of the GBN migrated to a single CATPart:in this case, select Multi-branchable bundle segments.It is recommended to use this option as it reduces the number of CATPart documents generated during the migration.

Multi-branchable bundle segments is the default value.

You can now migrate your V4 data according to your choice.

For more information, refer to the V4 Integration documentation - User Tasks - Converting CATIA Version 4 Models into CATIA Version 5 in Batch Mode.

Migrating Electrical Data Step by Step

Once the options are set up, you can launch the migration batch.

For more information on the Migration Batch, refer to the V4 Integration User's Guide - User Tasks - Migration in Batch Mode.

1. Open the Tools -> Utility... menu item:

The Batch Monitor window opens.

2. Double-click the MigrateV4ToV5 utility:

The MigrateV4ToV5 dialog box opens.

3. Click Browse File to navigate to the sample model: it is located in

.../online/cfysm_C2/samples/ElectricalMigration/migration.model

4. Click the ... button to select the target directory.

Make sure you have set up the correct options.

The window looks like this:

5. Click Run.

When the migration is performed, you get the migration.CATProduct in your target directory, as well as CATParts and

other documents.

6. Open the migration.CATProduct in CATIA V5.

If the Update All icon is activated, you need to update your document.

7. Click the Update All button if need be.

You may have a message indicating a problem on the geometry such as:❍ a twisted configuration on a bundle segment

See Reference Information.

❍ a fillet which needs to be modifiedRefer to Part Design User's Guide.

❍ etc.

8. Then you need to complete the information for a certain number of V5 components.

Select the reference so the modification will be performed on all the instances.

a. For single insert connectors

On V5 single insert connectors, the Representation of the connector connection point and the Contact constraint correspond to the migrated point of the CPP of the V4 SIC.Coincidence and Orientation constraints must be added, using Electrical Library.

■ Select the single insert connector as shown above: GLY-002See the specification tree below.

■ Using the right-mouse button, select Open in New Window to open the CATPart reference.

■ Double-click the *CPP4 in the Electrical container .The Connector Connection Point Definition opens:

Refer to Electrical Library User's Guide - User Tasks - Defining Electrical Connection Points.

■ Select the face as Contact

■ Select the axis as Coincidence


■ To use the Orientation constraint on this sample, you would need to create the geometry (such as a notch). Refer to Generative Shape Design User's Guide.

■ Click OK to validate the entry made.The publication have been generated.

Specification Tree

Repeat these steps for the other single insert connector:

■ Select ELEC2See the specification tree below.

■ Add the placement constraints to the *CPP5.

■ Using Electrical Library:

Disconnect then re-connect the single insert connectors to create the mechanical constraints.Refer to Electrical Library User's Guide - User Tasks - Connecting/Disconnecting Devices.

Specification Tree

b. To connect a single insert connector to an equipment or connector shell

You need to add a cavity connection point to the single insert connector and add or complete the definition of a cavity to the equipment or connector shell.

■ adding a cavity connection point to the single insert connector

■ With the same methodology, select migration_ECP-GLY-001_xxSET2 for example and open it in new window.

■ Using Electrical Library, click Define Cavity Connection Point .Select the face for the Representation and the Contact, and the axis for the Coincidence.


The cavity connection point is created:

■ completing the definition of a cavity to the equipment or connector shell: here a connector shell.

■ Select the connector shell: SHELL-GLY-002 and open it in new window.The cavities exist, but information is missing: you need to define the geometry of a pocket for example. Refer to Part Design User's Guide.

■ Then using Electrical Library, select GLY-01 and click Define Cavity .Select the pocket for the Representation, the face for the Contact, and the axis for the Coincidence.Repeat the operations for GLY-02


The cavity definition is completed:

■ You now need to connect the single insert connector to the connector shell:

Click Connect Electrical Devices Select the single insert connector

then the connector shell cavity.

c. For information about other elements to be added to complete the electrical data in V5, refer to About Device

Migration.

Also refer to Electrical Library User's Guide.

V4-V5 Mapping

The V4 architecture philosophy is quite different from the V5 Product Structure one. As a consequence, the V4 objects are quite different from the V5 ones. A mapping between V4 and V5 objects can be established.

V4 element V5 element Comment

Object definition GBN ElecGeoBundle

No attributes

Object definition BNScircular only

ElecBundleSegment a CATPart for each V4 BNS (Bundle segments)ora CATPart for all the V4 BNSs under a V4 GBN (Multi-branchable bundle segments)

Attributes of BNS

MODE Elec_Creation_Mode

BENDRAD Elec_Bend_Radius

DISLACK Elec_Di_Slack if MODE is set to SLACK

TLENGTH Elec_Length if MODE is set to LENGTH

SEGREG Elec_Segreg Separation code

Associated objects

BPP ElecBundleSegmentExtremityPoint used to create the curvePoint

for extremity BPPfor other BPPfor standalone BPP

BSJ Connection No geometry associated

Object definition SIC<> ElecSingleConnector Standard migration for geometryA cavity connection point must be added in the context of an electrical assembly.

ETN Electrical Termination

ES External Splice Standard migration for geometryA cavity connection point must be added in the context of an electrical assembly.

IS Internal Splice No geometry

BPP ElecBundleConnectionPoint

CPP Connector Connection Point Need to be enhanced manually.See Migrating Step by Step...

Attributes

PARTNUM Product Structure Part Number

IDNUM Valuated on the parent Cavity

NUMPIN Electrical Terminal number

Object definition CSL ElecConnectorShell Standard migration for geometryA cavity must be added in the context of an electrical assembly.

Attributes of CSL


IDNUM Valuated on the parent Cavity

Associated object

BPP ElecBundleConnectionPoint

Object definition EQT ElecEquipment Standard migration for geometryA cavity must be added in the context of an electrical assembly.

Attribute


Object definition SPT Mechanical Part linked to bundle segments Standard migration for geometry

SPS a point and two planes

Attribute


Object definition BSF ElecProtection (Tape type)

Attribute


The electrical behavior is added to the geometry of the converted equipments, connector shells and single insert

connectors.

The BSJs become connections between bundles segments.

The supports (SPT) are converted into mechanical parts to which the bundle segments are linked through publications.

The bundle surface (BSF) becomes a protection of tape type.

The terminal block (TB) and the terminal strip (TS) are not migrated. Only the geometry appears with no electrical

behavior.

The external splice (ES) is migrated as a connector of external splice type.

The internal splice (IS) is migrated as a connector of internal splice type.

The geometry of the bundle junction (BSJ) is migrated as is.

Reference Information

This section gives general information about the V4 to V5 electrical migration.

To know more about V5 devices, refer to Electrical Library User's Guide.

V4 to V5 Document Structure

The V4 MASTER workspace becomes the main V5 CATProduct document while:

● each geometrical SET becomes a CATPart,

● each DETAIL workspace becomes a CATPart,

● each GBN becomes a CATProduct,

● according to the selected option:

❍ each BNS becomes a CATPart, if Bundle segments is chosen

❍ all the BNSs of a GBN are stored in the same CATPart, if Multi-branchable bundle segments is chosen.

The root document is a CATProduct named: <V4 Model Name>.CATProduct.

The V5 documents created by migration of V4 electrical models are named as follows:

<Name of the model>_<CATIA V4 Detail Identifier>for example: TEST_MODEL1_ECP1.CATPart

The CATPart documents resulting of DETAIL workspaces are instantiated as many times as there are DITTOS in the main document.In this V4 model, the SIC comes from a V4 library: each SIC instance (DITTO) has the same reference (DETAIL).In V5, the same structure is created: each connector is an instance of the CATPart.

If a device has been created in V4, using more than one ditto to define its geometry, a CATPart will be created for each original detail.

Library Migration

Even though the electrical applications use catalogs, the migration batch migrates only the components in the models, not in the libraries. However it is possible to store the devices migrated from V4 model to a V5 catalog.Refer to How to migrate a V4 library.

Note that it is recommended to limit the number of V4 devices to one hundred per model.

Simultaneous Device Migration When migrating several models at a time, if they contain the same device, a CATPart will be generated for each V5

document (i.e. two models using the same SIC will be migrated as two V5 documents with two CATPart documents).

Known RestrictionsAbout Bundle Segment Migration

● The rectangular section BNS is migrated as a circular section bundle segment.

● The V4 BNS created in BEND mode ends in a slightly different shape:

The V4 BNS is shown in yellow, the corresponding V5 bundle segment is shown in red.

● The bundle segment shape in general might be different because of the algorithm differences.The number of points on which the curve is built also is different: the supports in CATIA V4 use three points while only two are used in CATIA V5.

● If the V4 BNS bend radius is smaller than the V4 BNS diameter, the bend radius value taken into account will be equal to the diameter. However, under certain circumstances, you may have a message informing you that the migration of such bundle segments leads to a "twisted configuration". The resulting V5 bundle segments have an unusable geometry.Bypass: In this case, modify the radius or the bend radius to be able to create the rib.

About Device Migration

Once the migration is performed, the following modifications have to be done manually to get the correct device

behavior:

● Single Insert Connector❍ On V5 single insert connectors, the Representation of the connector connection point and the Contact

constraint correspond to the migrated point of the CPP of the V4 SIC.

Coincidence and Orientation constraints must be added, using Electrical Library.

❍ To connect a single insert connector to an equipment or a connector shell, a cavity connection point must be added to the single insert connector, using Electrical Library.

● Equipment❍ To connect a connector or connector shell to an equipment, a cavity must be added to the equipment for

each connector or connector shell, using Electrical Library.

❍ To connect an equipment to a mounting equipment, a cavity connection point must be added to the mounting equipment, using Electrical Library.

● Connector Shell❍ To connect a connector to a connector shell, a cavity must be added to the connector shell for each

connector, using Electrical Library.

❍ To connect a connector shell to a mounting equipment or an equipment, a cavity connection point must be added to the mounting equipment or the equipment for each connector shell, using Electrical Library.

About Support Migration

● Multi-section supports are supported. However supports with multi-directional sections do not exist in CATIA V5. As a consequence, only the first created section will be linked to a bundle segment as well as all other sections that have the same direction.The bundle segments using other support section direction in the original V4 model are not linked to the support in the V5 document.

About Session Migration

For the time being, the V4 sessions (.session) are not migrated.

This evolution is under development.

Interoperability with ENOVIA V5In the context of ENOVIA V5, you must first clear Use root context in assembly, which is located in the Part Infrastructure -> General -> External References frame. If not, the links will be created to the root of the assembly and it will not be possible to save the geometrical bundle in ENOVIA:

By default, this option is selected.

For more information, refer to the V4 Integration Documentation - User Tasks - Converting CATIA Version 4 Models into CATIA Version 5 in Batch Mode.

Frequently Asked QuestionsThis section gives you information about questions you may have when migrating Electrical V4 data.

Copy/Paste The electrical technology is not migratedThe bundle segment migration mode is deactivatedThe geometry is partially migratedHow to migrate a V4 libraryHow to limit the number of CATPart documentsCPP information is missingHow multi-directional support are migratedUnusable geometry for V5 bundle segment: "twisted configuration"What happens when migrating at the same time several models containing the same deviceI cannot migrate the .session V4 document

Copy/Paste

Using Copy/Paste only copies the geometry and does not migrate the technology.Use the Migration Batch to take advantage of the electrical technology.

The electrical technology is not migrated

Check you have fill up the correct value (CATIE3DMigration) for the migration interface name.Note that if the spelling is incorrect, the Bundle Segment Migration Mode options will be grayed out in the Electrical tab.Refer to Methodology.

The bundle segment migration mode is deactivated

Check you have fill up the correct value (CATIE3DMigration) for the migration interface name.Refer to Methodology.

The geometry is partially migrated

Check you have set up the correct option for the isolated mock-up solids.Refer to Methodology.

How to migrate a V4 Library● Place the V4 devices and/or supports in the model.

● Migrate the model: the CATProduct with the CATParts are created.the CATProduct is named: <V4 Model Name>.CATProducteach CATPart is named: <V4 Model Name>_<V4 Detail Name>.CATPart.

● Save the CATParts in V5 catalogs using Electrical Library.

Note that it is recommended to limit the number of V4 devices to one hundred per model.

How to limit the number of CATPart documents

If you use the Bundle segments mode, a CATPart is created for each BNS in the model. Choose the Multi-branchable bundle segments mode to reduce the number of documents and have all the bundle segment of the geometrical bundle in the same CATPart.Refer to Methodology.

CPP information is missing

The CPP is migrated as a point. Information is missing in V5 to ensure the connection.Refer to Migrating Step by Step...

Multi-directional support

Multi-section supports are supported. However supports with multi-directional sections do not exist in CATIA V5. As a consequence, only the first created section will be linked to the bundle segment as well as all other sections that have the same direction.The bundle segments using other support section direction in the original V4 model are not linked to the support in the V5 document.

Unusable geometry for V5 bundle segment

After the migration, a message informed you that the migration of such bundle segment leads to a twisted configuration. In this case, modify the radius or the bend radius to be able to create the rib for the bundle segment.Refer to Reference Information.

What happens when migrating at the same time several models containing the same device

They are migrated as two/as many V5 reference documents.Refer to Reference Information.

I cannot migrate the .session V4 document

The V4 sessions (.session) are not migrated.Refer to Reference Information.

Electrical Integration ScenariosTo complete the electrical process from end to end, CATIA Electrical products can import electrical specifications from various data repository. It can be either from CATIA EFD product or through external electrical specification authoring tools (schematics, database, etc.) thanks to CAA APIs or XML exchange files.

Here are two scenarios illustrating these capabilities:

Electrical Integration from External DataElectrical Integration from Functional Data

Electrical Integration from External Data

This document explains the external data exchange capabilities available in the electrical workbenches.

Environment SettingsSetting up the Electrical Process Interfacing

Selecting Systems from External DataPlacing Devices from External Data

Creating the Cable HarnessPlacing Internal Splices

Automatic RoutingExporting Data from CATIA

Setting up the Environment

Make sure the options are set up as follows:

1. Select the Tools -> Options... command then in the Infrastructure category, click Part

Infrastructure.

2. In the General tab:

Keep link with selected object option must be checked:

This makes possible the contextual links between the bundle segments and the geometry when creating the harness.

3. Then in the Equipment & Systems category, click the Electrical Harness Installation

workbench. Click the Harness Management tab:

The bundle segment naming rule is set to Parent-Bundle Segment(#PN#)to help you recognize to which geometrical bundle a bundle segment belongs.


Setting up the Electrical Process Interfacing

This document shows how to set up the options to take advantage of external data from partners through XML files.See also the Customizing - Electrical Process Interfacing documentation.

It is also possible to use CAA V5 APIs to get information from legacy databases.

1. Select the Tools -> Options... command then in the Equipment & Systems category, click the

Electrical Process Interfacing tab.

This tab lets you define:❍ the access to external data

❍ the electrical iXF repository path

❍ the electrical working catalog path.

2. Make sure Enable external systems interfacing is checked.

However, you are required to identify the path:❍ of the folder in which the XML files available are stored

❍ of the working catalog containing the V5 parts which Part Number are referred to in the XML files.

3. Use to locate the iXF systems repository.For this example, the path is: .../online/cfysa_C2/samples/ElectricalIntegration

4. Select the Electrical Mapping tab to select the working catalog:

❍ Click the Browse button to locate the catalog containing the V5 parts, which Part Number attributes are referred to in the XML files.

For this example, the path is: .../online/cfysa_C2/samples/ElectricalIntegration/ElecIntegration.catalog


It is now necessary to define the electrical objects mapping regarding the working catalog.To do so:

● use the Tools -> Options... menu

● then in the Equipment & Systems category, select the Electrical mapping tab.

Refer to the Customizing - Equipment & Systems - Electrical mapping documentation.

Selecting Systems from External Data

Since you have set up the option to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command

is available in the Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.

This task explains how to select the system prior to placing electrical components or routing.Once a system is selected, the list of devices is loaded and ready to use.

1. Switch to the Electrical Assembly Design workbench or Electrical Wire Routing .

2. Click the Select External Systems button.

The System Selection dialog box displays with the XML files available:

3. Select one or more systems and click the right arrow .for example: Electrical Bundle2.1


The component list is filled up with these data and available for assisted placement or routing.

If a system has already been selected, the data is reloaded.

Placing Devices from External Data

Since you have set up the option to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command is available in the Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.

And the Electrical Library commands Place Physical Device and Add Link are replaced with this one: Manage Links

.

This task explains how to place electrical components from the external device list.

1. Click the Manage Links button.

The device list displays:

The components you can place are:❍ equipments

❍ connectors

❍ internal splices

❍ shells.

You can filter the list:❍ Show all devices: the list displays all the devices referenced in the external data file, even if they are not placed in the

geometry.

❍ Show only devices present in session: the list displays only the devices placed in the geometry.

❍ Show only changed devices: the list displays only the devices which part numbers have been changed in the external data file.

2. Select a component, for example the battery: Battery 6volts.1

If the component is not linked to a 3D element, the Place and Link buttons become available.

3. Click Place.

The catalog browser opens.

Since a mapping has been defined, the catalog browser has been filtered to display only the object with the same part number as the object selected in the device list.If the part number is defined neither in the device list nor in the catalog, you can navigate in the catalog browser to select the component of your choice.

4. Select this equipment: Battery 6volts and click OK.

The equipment is placed and automatically linked, together with the connector that belongs to it.They are added to the specification tree under the active product and appear in the geometry at the origin. You can change their locations using the compass.

The component list is updated: the equipment, connector and pins are shown as linked in the device list.

If all the sub-element part numbers are filled up in the device list and found in the catalog, they are automatically placed and linked.

5. Repeat these steps for the second equipment: Battery 6Volts.2.

6. Click Close when you are done.

Make sure you have defined the electrical objects mapping regarding the working catalog.To do so:

● use the Tools -> Options... menu

● then in the Equipment & Systems category, select the Electrical mapping tab.

Refer to the Customizing - Equipment & Systems - Electrical mapping documentation.

Creating the Cable Harness


And the Electrical Library commands Place Physical Device and Add Link are replaced with this one:

Manage Links .

This task explains how to define the cable harness and place the connectors at each extremity.

1. Switch to Electrical Harness Assembly workbench .

2. Insert a new product under the root product.

Either use the contextual menu - Components -> New Product - or select the Insert -> New Product menu item.

3. Click the Geometrical Bundle button.

4. Switch to Electrical Assembly Design workbench again.

5. Double-click to activate the geometrical bundle to place the extremities.

6. Click the Place Physical Device button.

The component list displays:

You will place the mating connectors: Connector_M.1 and Connector_M.2.

7. Select a connector, for example Connector_M.1

8. Click Place.

Since a mapping has been defined, the catalog browser opens with the predefined connector:

9. Select this connector: Connector_M and click OK.

The connector is placed and automatically linked, together with the pins that belong to it.They are added to the specification tree under the active product and appear in the geometry at the origin (0, 0). You change the location using the compass.

The component list is updated: the connector and pins are shown as Linked in the device list.

10. Repeat these steps for the other mating connector if you perform the whole scenario.


You will now connect the male connectors to the batteries.

The parent product, common to both devices to be connected, must be active.

11. Click the Connect Electrical Devices button.

Select successively the connector connection point of both connectors to link them.

Placing Internal Splices


And the Electrical Library commands Place Physical Device and Add Link are replaced with this one:

Manage Links .

This task explains how to place internal splices anywhere inside the bundle segment, under the covering.

1. Switch to Electrical Harness Assembly workbench .

2. Double-click to activate the geometrical bundle.

3. Create the bundle segment harness.

To do so:

a. Click the Bundle Segment button.

b. Define the bundle segment parameters.

c. Define a construction point to link the harness between the batteries.

d. Define the bundle segment routes.

These steps are detailed in the Basic Tasks - Creating the Bundle Segment Document.


You will now place the internal splices inside the bundle segments.

4. Switch to Electrical Assembly Design workbench .

5. Click the Manage Links button.The device list displays.

6. Select an internal splice:

7. Click Place.

Since a mapping has been defined, the catalog browser opens with the predefined internal splice:

8. Select this internal splice: IS-2Term and click OK.

You are prompted to select the bundle segment on which you want to place the internal splice.

9. Click to select the bundle segment.

The Internal Splice Placement dialog box opens:

10. Move then click to place the internal splice.

You can also modify the offset in the dialog box.

11. Click OK.

Repeat these steps for the other splice.The internal splice is placed and automatically linked.They are added to the specification tree under the active product. They do not have a geometrical representation.

The component list is updated: the splices and pins are shown as linked in the device list.

12. Click Close when you are done.

Automatic Routing

Since you have set up the option to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command

is available in the Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.

This command allows you to select the systems to be imported.

The Automatic Wire Routing command in Electrical Wire Routing is modified:

This task explains how to route wires from an external wire list into an electrical bundle.To know more details, refer to Considering External Data Routing in Greater Depth.

The document must contain at least:● a geometrical bundle with bundle segments and components at their extremities

● a system.

1. Switch to Electrical Wire Routing workbench .

2. Double-click to activate the root product.

3. Create the electrical bundle connected to the geometrical bundle.

To do so:

a. Click the New Bundle button.

b. Select the geometrical bundle to be connected to.

These steps are detailed in the Basic Tasks - Defining the Routing Context - Creating the Bundle.

The electrical bundle is added to the specification tree under the root product.

4. Click the Automatic Routing button.

The wire list opens with connectivity and attribute information:

For the wires available in the list, you get the following information:❍ the wire name

❍ the wire reference designator

❍ the wire external diameter

❍ the wire bend radius

❍ if the wire is routed or not

❍ if the extremities have been found or not, or changed.

Filters can help you make your selection:

❍ hide already routed wires

❍ hide not routed wires

❍ hide wires which extremities are not found.

The routing options allow you to use or not the knowledge rule.

5. Select one or more wires and click the right arrow.

The selected wires shift to the right column: they will be routed.

6. Click Route.

The Automatic Wire Routing Report is displayed

7. Close the report window.

The wires are added to the specification tree:

The bundle segments diameter are updated according to the wiring information.To know more, refer to Customizing - Equipment & Systems - Electrical Wire Routing documentation.

Exporting Data from CATIA

Since you have set up the option to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command is available in the Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.And the Export Wires... command in Electrical Wire Routing is modified.Refer to the Electrical Wire Routing - Basic Tasks - Exporting Wires to know more about the Wire Export first method.

This task explains how to export data from CATIA, for back annotation purpose through CAA V5 APIs or using an XML file.

Using this method, you can export data from a complete harness or a sub-assembly.It allows you to generate the full harness schematic with the wires, the connectors at the their extremities, the equipments, etc.

1. Switch to Electrical Wire Routing workbench .

2. Click the Tools -> Export Wires... menu item and select the Export Wires in iXF Format.

You are prompted to select a node in the specification tree and every electrical bundle belonging to it will be exported.

3. Click a node in the specification tree.

The File dialog box opens:

4. Navigate to select the folder where you want to store your file and enter the name of the file.

5. Click Save.

An .xml file is created.

Note that the wires are exported by harness (electrical bundle).The data exported are:

● the wire properties, particularly the wire length computed from the 3D geometry

● the electrical objects connected to the wires (termination, cavity, etc.).

Electrical Integration from Functional Data

This scenario puts together the functionalities from the four workbenches used successively to create an electrical product. As an example: a hair dryer.

It can be split in four phases:

the electrical system definition using Electrical System Functional Definition

the device implantation in 3D environment with Electrical Library

the physical harness creation using Electrical Harness Installation

and finally the electrical wire routing with Electrical Wire Routing.

Re-using predefined electrical systems to create a more elaborate system

1. Start an Electrical System Functional Definition session.

2. Click the New icon and assemble the electrical systems:

3. Import existing components using the contextual menu:

❍ PowerSupply

❍ HairDryer

❍ HairDryer_Signals

4. Map the functional connectors to the physical ones using the contextual menu:

(connector_M: extension cable connectors to be plugged onto the batteries)

This action makes it possible to predefine for each functional connector what device reference to be used for the 3D

placement. This will simplify the 3D Designer work: he's driven by the functional data, reusing the Electrical System

engineer knowledge to achieve the 3D implantation.

5. Connect terminations and signals using the Assign icon .

This action makes it possible to define the signal extremities corresponding to the power supply and the hair dryer

systems.

6. Save the electrical system assembly using this icon .

The electrical functional system is defined.

It is saved in the HairDryer_Assembly.CATProduct document in the samples folder.

7. Launch a CATIA session.

8. Open the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegration.CATProduct.

It contains two batteries with two female connectors.

9. Load the functional system.

To do so:

❍ Right-click the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegration product and select Components -> Existing Components...

❍ Select the HairDryer_Assembly.CATProduct.

The correct path is: ...\online\cfysa_C2\samples\ElectricalIntegration

10. Set up the options using the Tools -> Options... menu:

❍ Select Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure -> General:Activate the External References option: Keep link with selected object.

❍ Select Mechanical Design -> Assembly Design -> General:Activate the option: Automatic update.

3D implantation of the device

You will place the physical device: the hair dryer.

1. Start the Electrical Assembly Design workbench.

2. Insert a New Product.

❍ Right-click the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegrationand select Components -> New Product,

❍ In the Properties dialog box, enter the Part Number value for the hair dryer:Hair-DryerProd and validate.

This product will contain the hair dryer itself and later the power cable.

3. Open the Catalog Browser using this icon .

Successively:

❍ Choose the catalog: ElecIntegration.catalog

if necessary, use the Browse button . The correct path is:...\online\cfysa_C2\samples\ElectricalIntegration

❍ Drag and drop the hair-dryer equipment onto Hair-DryerProd.

❍ Close the Catalog Browser when done.

This action places the component from the catalog at the default location.Using the compass, you can modify the position of the equipment.It's a first standard mode of placement.

4. Click the Add Link icon to link the respective physical and functional equipment (the hair dryer).

This action generates the link between the component and its corresponding functional element.

❍ You can see if a component is connected or not: the equipment icon sign changes and turns from red to green, meaning that the hair dryer is now electrically linked.

>>

❍ The automatic signal routing will be possible since the signal extremities defined in the functional system can be transposed in the 3D world using the physical/functional relations.

Physical harness creation

1. Start the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench.

2. Create two new products:

one for the hair dryer power cable, the second for the extension cable.

To do so:❍ Right-click the Hair-DryerProd, select Components -> New Product, enter the Part Number for the power

cable in the Properties dialog box and validate.

❍ Right-click the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegration, select Components -> New Product, enter the Part Number for the extension cable in the Properties dialog box and validate.

3. Create the geometrical bundles:

❍ Select the power cable and click the Geometrical Bundle icon .You can change the instance name to PowerCable.

❍ Select the extension cable and click the Geometrical Bundle icon again.You can change the instance name to ExtensionCable.

❍ The power cable is part of the hair dryer: that's why you create it in the hair dryer product (Hair-DryerProd).

❍ The extension cable is an independent assembly: that's why you create it under the root product assembly.

4. Double-click to activate the Geometrical Bundle2 (the extension cable) in the specification tree.

5. Switch to Electrical Library workbench.

6. Click the Place Physical Device icon to import the 3D connector for each battery.

7. Select the first connector in the PowerSupply system. The catalog pops up.

An alternative to steps 6 and 7 is to use the contextual menu, by right-clicking the connector in the PowerSupply system and choose Place Physical Device.

❍ Select the connector in the catalog and click OK to validate. The connector is added to the specification tree and appears in the geometry at the origin (0, 0). You can change its location using the compass.

❍ Repeat these steps for the second connector.

The physical connector pre-selection previously performed with Electrical System Functional Definition is used to automatically get the correct part reference.The 3D connector is automatically placed in the active product (Geometrical Bundle2) at the product origin.

8. Use the Electrical Assembly Design workbench to create the electrical connection with the batteries.

❍ Double-click to activate the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegration in the specification tree.

❍ Click the Connect Electrical Devices icon to connect the connector_M to the battery.

❍ Select successively in the geometry each connector_M connection point from the Geometrical Bundle2(ExtensionCable) then the corresponding connector_F connection point of the battery.

1.

2.The connectors are linked and shifted to the batteries.

This action creates the assembly constraints between connector and battery.

9. Double-click to activate the Geometrical Bundle2 (the extension cable) in the specification tree.

10. From the catalog, drag and drop the connector_F onto the Geometrical Bundle2 for the extension cable. If needed,

position it between the hair dryer and the batteries using the compass (ExtensionCable must be active).

This action places the connector from the catalog onto the extension cable.

11. From the catalog, drag and drop the Backshell_F directly onto the Connector_F in the Geometrical Bundle2.

This action places the back shell from the catalog onto the extension cable connector.❍ it places the connector in the assembly

❍ it creates the assembly constraints between connector and back shell

❍ it establishes the electrical link between connector and back shell.

It is a second placement mode.When the back shell is selected, the electrical link is displayed in the Related Objects viewer.

12. Double-click to activate the Geometrical Bundle1 (PowerCable) in the specification tree.

13. From the catalog, drag and drop the Connector_M directly onto the Connector_F of the extension cable.

This action adds the power cable connector (connector_M) from the catalog to the extension cable connector. The assembly constraints as well as the electrical constraints have been created between the power cable and the extension cable connectors. When the female connector is selected, the electrical link is displayed in the Related Objects viewer.

14. From the catalog, drag and drop the Backshell_M directly onto the Connector_M of the power cable.

This action places the back shell from the catalog onto the power cable connector. The assembly constraints as well as the electrical constraints have been created between the connector and the back shell.

You can repeat this step to place back shells on the extension cable male connectors (at the other extremity).

15. Start the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench to create the bundle segments for the power and extension cables.

To do so:❍ Define a bundle segment in the Geometrical Bundle1(PowerCable):

(Diameter = 10mm, Bend Radius = 15mm, Slack = 10%)

❍ Define a point in the Geometrical Bundle2(ExtensionCable):(Mode Between + Middle)

❍ Define a bundle segment in the Geometrical Bundle2(ExtensionCable):(Diameter = 10mm, Bend Radius = 15mm, Slack = 5%)

❍ Define their routes.

This action creates the bundle segments that will be used to route the wires of the power and extension cables.

Electrical wire routing

1. Start the Electrical Wire Routing workbench to create the wires.

2. Create two electrical bundles using the New Bundle icon .

They will contain the wires for:❍ the power cable (first electrical bundle)

❍ the extension cable (second electrical bundle).

3. Associate each of them to the respective geometrical bundle.

The wires will be created in the correct bundle according to their route.

4. Select Signal_check.

Boxes are displayed to help you recognize the extremities of the signal.

5. Click the Automatic Routing icon .

❍ The bundle segments diameter are updated according to the signal section.

❍ The specification tree is updated.

6. Multi-select Signal_plus and Signal_minus using the Signal icon .

7. Click the Automatic Routing icon .

❍ The specification tree is updated: the wires and wire connections are created.

❍ The length of the wire linked to a back shell is extended with an extra-length, defined as a back shell attribute.However, an alternative is to connect the bundle segment through the back shell: in this case, the wire length is equal to the total length of the bundle segments of the wire route.

❍ The bundle segments diameter is updated using the section defined on the signals (with EFD).

❍ When only one signal is selected, the wire connections are displayed (as shown below).

Editing Electrical Properties

Here is an example of a document demonstrating how electrical properties on component are managed within CATIA Electrical products.And moreover, new properties have been added to a number of electrical components:

functional equipments and connectors defined in EFD

electrical bundle defined in EWR

bundle segment defined in EHI

A CATProduct document may contain references or instances of the components.Let's see the differences on the following documents:

● The Equipment.CATProduct contains an equipment.It is the reference of the component.

● The RootProduct.CATProduct contains an occurrence of the equipment (Insert -> Existing Component...).The Equipment(Equipment.1) is an instance of the component.

Depending on the component you have activated (by double-clicking: blue object) and on the object you have selected, the properties you will edit may be the ones of the reference or of the instance.

1. In the Equipment.CATProduct, if you edit the properties of the Equipment, you will display the

properties of the reference.

Type and External Reference are attributes of the reference.

If you modify them, all the occurrences will be modified.

2. In the RootProduct.CATProduct, if the RootProduct is active (in blue in the specification tree) and if

you select the Equipment.1 to edit the properties, you will display the properties of the instance:

The instance also has instance attributes: Reference Designator and SubType.

If you modify the attributes of instance, only this instance will be modified.On the other hand, if you modify the attributes of reference, they will be modified in all the occurrences and in the reference document.

3. In the RootProduct.CATProduct, if the Equipment.1 is active (double-click Equipment.1) and you

select the Equipment.1 to edit the properties, you will display the properties of the reference:

If you modify the attributes, the reference will be modified:❍ Equipment.CATProduct will be modified

❍ and all the occurrences of the component.

Notes:

● This behavior is specific to the electrical properties.

● When a product is activated (by double-clicking), editing the electrical properties operates in the same way as if the electrical properties were edited in the document in which the root product is the reference of the active product. (i.e. Equipment.1 in the RootProduct document against Equipment in the Equipment document.)This definition is recursive within all the levels of instance.

Functional equipments and connectors propertiesWhen you edit the properties of a functional equipment or connector, the Preselected Physical Device frame indicates if a physical component corresponding to the functional one has been chosen to be placed in the geometry. Two fields give this information:

● Catalog Path indicates the location of the catalog containing the physical component

● Part Number indicates the part number of the physical component.

Electrical bundle propertiesWhen you edit the properties of an electrical bundle, the Associated Geometrical Bundle frame indicates in a list the name of the geometrical bundles being part of the electrical bundle.

Bundle segment propertiesWhen you edit the properties of a group of bundle segments, the Length in out field indicates the total length of the bundle segments selected.

Viewing Related Objects

This task shows how to use the Related Objects viewer to navigate through the objects connected to the

selected object.

The Related Objects command displays all the bundle segments of a branch even those which are not

connected. The reason is that the command displays the whole document contents: And all the bundle

segments inside a multi-branchable document belong to the same CATPart document.

You can focus on an object and see how it was constructed via its related objects.

The related objects command identifies the parent, any children or connected objects and the relationship

between objects. It is available when none of the icons of the workbench are activated that is to say when you

are in Select command .

Accessing related objects can be done in two ways:

● by clicking the Related Objects icon in the toolbar

● from the contextual menu, by selecting Related Objects.

The different options available are:

Reframe on selection: reframes the main 3D window on the Related objects selection.

Reframe on selection: the main window selection corresponds to the Related objects selection. The main window display is not reframed.

Freeze: freezes the contents of the Related objects window. You can still navigate in the main window: the Related objects view will not be updated.

Freeze: the Related objects selection corresponds to the main window selection.

View related objects: displays the parent, any children or connected objects.

View related objects: only displays the selected objects.

Functional: displays the functional system. If the bundle segment contains wires, the corresponding signals are displayed in the bundle segment.N.B.: the signal name is displayed followed by the separation code, if

any:

Functional: hides the functional children elements.

Wire: displays the wires contained in the bundle segment.

Wire: hides the wires contained in the bundle segment, shows the bundle segments and signals.

Harness: displays the relationship to the harness: connectors, equipments, shells, etc.

Harness: hides the children bundle segments, only shows the signals and wires.

Sub objects: displays the electrical contents.

Sub objects: hides the electrical contents.

On a complex electrical system, the 3D view allows you to limit display to a specific area thus enlightening the information regarding this area.

Open the RelatedObjectsSession.CATProduct document.

1. Select an object: Geometrical Bundle1.1 for example.

2. Click the Related Objects icon .

The Related Objects dialog box appears. The geometry area and the specification tree are reframed on the object selected.

3. Select the Bundle Segment4.1 in this window.

The dialog box focuses on the object selected: Bundle Segment4.1 (center of the window) and shows the parent and the connected objects:

❍ on the left is the parent object (Assembly meaning).It represents the container object.

❍ on the right are the children objects (Assembly meaning), connected to the Bundle Segment4.1. They represent the contents.

This window shows the following:❍ the bundle segments assembly within the geometrical bundle

❍ the Bundle Segment4.1 is connected to three bundle segments

❍ the Bundle Segment4.1 contains two wires and their associated signal.

4. Select the Sig2.

The geometry area is reframed on the signal and it shows:❍ the signal extremities with the functional connectors

❍ the wire that realizes the signal

❍ the harness objects: the physical connectors that correspond to the signal extremities as well as the bundle segments, and the wire they contain.

5. Click the 3D tab to display the geometry.

6. Close the dialog box to exit the Related Objects viewer.

Electrical and KnowledgeThis section exposes the functions and objects available in the Knowledge Products.

Electrical User FunctionsElectrical Package in Knowledge Expert

Electrical User Functions in Knowledge Products

About the Electrical User Functions...● Elec_DistanceCommon

● DistanceWireProduct

● VisualMode

To be able to use these functions, you need to activate the ElectricalMeasure package.

To do so:

1. Select Tools -> Options... -> General -> Parameters and Measures and go to the Language tab.

2. Choose the ElectricalMeasure package and click the right arrow:


Elec_DistanceCommonSyntax

Elec_DistanceCommon(Wire1: Wire, Wire2: Wire):Length

Returns the common length of the two wires given as input arguments.

The type of Wire1 and Wire2 is ElecWire.

Example 1

The Elec_DistanceCommon user function can be used in Knowledge Expert to find all the couples of wires in the session that have a common length

greater than a given value.

Example 2

In Knowledge Advisor, it can be used to define a rule giving the common length of two specific wires sharing properties.

Applying the rule displays the following message if the condition is met:

Example 3

Still in Knowledge Advisor, to verify that two wires selected in the specification tree have a common length, the following action can be defined:

then ran: select two wires in the specification tree and click OK to validate.

The following message displays:

DistanceWireProductSyntax

DistanceWireProduct(Wire1: Wire, Object: Product):Length

Returns the minimum length between a wire and a product in session. The product must contain at least one part.

Example 1

The DistanceWireProduct user function can be used with the f(x) command to display the distance between a wire and a component in the session.

This formula returns the following value:

Example 2

The DistanceWireProduct user function can be used in Knowledge Expert to find all the wires in the session that have a minimum distance to

defined components smaller than a critical value chosen by the user. The components can be defined as heat-resistant.

Properties have been added to the product:

and to the wires:

A check is defined as follows:

Updating the session displays green/red light on the check:

A report is generated showing the check result: some wires verify the condition, other not.

Example 3

The DistanceWireProduct user function can be used in Knowledge Advisor to define a rule that displays a warning message if a minimum distance

between a wire and an object is smaller than a critical value chosen by the user.

Running this rule displays the following message:

Example 4

Still in Knowledge Advisor, an action can be defined using the DistanceWireProduct user function, to know the distance between a wire and an

object selected in the specification tree:

Run the action using the Action.1 contextual menu:

select a wire and a product in the specification tree then validate.

This message displays:

VisualModeSyntax

VisualMode (BundleSegment: Feature, Visualization Mode (LIGHT/FULL): String): Boolean

Description

This function is useful to minimize the size of the harness in LIGHT mode. It simplifies the visualization, the curve and the diameter only are

represented, the rib being deleted.

Example

Create a rule in Knowledge Expert:

Running this rule displays the harness in LIGHT mode:

The rule is reversible: you can load a harness in LIGHT mode and reload the geometry by applying the rule with the FULL parameter:

The harness is displayed in FULL mode: the rib is recreated:

Working in LIGHT mode allows you to modify the route (refer to Electrical Harness Installation - Branch Definition) and route wires but the split,

transfer and add branch point commands are not supported.

Electrical Package in Knowledge Expert

An Electrical package is supported by Knowledge Expert.

To be able to use it, you need to activate the Electrical package.

To do so:

1. Select Tools -> Options... -> General -> Parameters and Measures and go to the Language

tab.

2. Choose the Electrical package and click the right arrow:


This package can be accessed via the object browser and objects, attributes and methods in the package can be used in expert relations.You can, for example, write a rule to report in a file all the bundle segments with a diameter greater than a specified value.

The package contains the following objects:

The IncludesWires attribute has been added to the BundleSegment object.

The CoveredBundleSegments attribute has been added to the Protection object.

BackShell FillerPlug SignalRoute

BundlePositionPoint FunctionalConnector Stud

Bundle FunctionalEquipment System

BundleSegment GroundSignal Tape

Cavity GroupSignal TerminalBlock

CommandSignal InternalSplice TerminalStrip

ConnectorShell OffSheet Termination

Contact PowerSignal Termination_GeoConstraint

ContactPoint Protection VideoSignal

CorrugatedTube ShieldingSignal Wire

Equipment SingleConnector

ExternalSplice Signal

BackShell

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Back Shell type that you create when you select the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

The back shell is a physical component used to guide the bundle segment extremity to the single insert connector, and to protect the crimping area.

Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product

AttributesElec_Extra_Length Type: Double

Defines the cable extra-length to be added to take into account the wire length inside the back shell.

Elec_Ref_Des Type: String

Defines the back shell reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the back shell in the project.

Elec_Sub_Type Type: String

Defines the back shell subtype (User defined subtype).

Elec_Fmbd_Modify Type: Boolean

Defines the back shell attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command.Is True if modified.

Elec_External_Reference Type: String

Defines the back shell external reference attribute.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.

Elec_FullConnected Type: Boolean

Is True if the back shell is connected to a single insert connector and a bundle segment.

BundlePositionPoint

DescriptionDescribes the electrical feature of Bundle Segment Position Point type.For more information, refer to the Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide.

The Bundle Segment Position Point type defines the point along a bundle segment at which the local slack is applied.

Inheritance path: Standard - Feature

AttributesElec_Slack Type: Double

Defines the slack length at the bundle segment position point.

Bundle

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Bundle type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Wire Routing workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Wire Routing User's Guide.

The ElecBundle type is an object that contains wires.


AttributesElec_Ref_Des Type: String

Defines the bundle reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the bundle in the project.


Defines the bundle subtype (User defined subtype).

BundleSegment

DescriptionDescribes the electrical feature of Bundle Segment type that you create when you select one of these icons

or in the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide.

The BundleSegment type is a segment of a geometrical bundle.


AttributesElec_Bend_Radius Type: Double

Input data defining the bend radius value that corresponds to the minimum bend radius of the bundle segment curve.

Elec_Bend_Radius_OK Type: Boolean

Is True if the bundle segment real bend radius is greater than the Elec_Bend_Radius attribute.

Elec_Creation_Mode Type: String

Defines the electrical bundle segment creation mode.Three modes exist:

● Slack: Elec_Length is not valuated.

● Bend: Elec_Slack and Elec_Length are not valuated.

● Length: Elec_Slack is not valuated.

Elec_Di_Slack Type: Double

Input data defining the percentage of distributed slack along the bundle segment.This attribute induces the value of the Elec_Length attribute.

Elec_Diameter Type: Double

Defines the bundle segment diameter.


Defines the bundle segment attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Is True if both bundle segment extremities are connected.

Elec_Length Type: Double

Gives the bundle segment length.


Defines the bundle reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the bundle in the project.

Elec_Segreg Type: String

Defines the bundle segment separation code used by the routing algorithm.


Defines the bundle segment subtype.

Elec_True_Length Type: Double

Attribute used in the fake length context of the extracted data in EHF.This attribute keeps the bundle segment real length, coming from the 3D data.In this context, the Elec_Length returns the fake length.

IncludedWires Type: CATIList

Returns a list of wires routed inside the bundle segment.

Cavity

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Cavity type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

The cavity defines a reservation for a connector.


Attributes

Elec_Extra_Length Type: Double

Defines the wire length to be added to the wire routing length.

Elec_Id_Number Type: String

Defines a unique identifier for the cavity used to map a functional component and the corresponding physical part.


Defines the cavity reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the cavity in the project.


Defines the cavity subtype.

CommandSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Command Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

The command signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in physical world.

Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product -> Electrical - ElecSignal

AttributesElec_Nominal_Part_Num Type: String

Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the command signal.

Elec_Recom_Wire_Type Type: String

Defines the attribute of the wire recommended to realize the signal.

Elec_Routing_Priority Type: Double

Defines the priority for the signal routing.

Elec_Sep_Code Type: String

Defines the separation code of the command signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.

Elec_Signal_Section Type: Double

Defines the command signal section.


Defines the command signal subtype.

ConnectorShell

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Connector-Shell type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A connector shell or shell is a non-electrical part which groups one or more electrical connector parts. It may be part of an equipment.



Defines the connector shell reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the connector shell in the project.


Defines the connector shell subtype.


Defines the connector shell attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the connector shell external reference attribute.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.

Contact

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Contact type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A contact is an electrical component used within a termination and a cavity or between bundle segments.


AttributesElec_Barrel_Diameter Type: Double

Defines the hole diameter which lets the wire through.


Defines the contact reference from an external library.


Is True if all the contacts are connected.


Defines the contact reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the contact in the project.


Defines the contact subtype.

CorrugatedTube

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Corrugated Tube type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench. The corrugated tube is then instantiated using the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library and Electrical Harness Installation User's Guides.

A corrugated tube is an electrical component applied onto bundle segments as a protection.



Defines the bend radius value, which corresponds to the minimum bend radius of the corrugated tube curve.

Elec_Bend_Radius_Protection_OK Type: Boolean

Is True if the Elec_Bend_Radius attribute is smaller than the real value of bend radius of the largest bundle segment linked to the corrugated tube.


Defines the single connector attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.

Elec_Inner_Diameter Type: Double

Defines the corrugated tube inner diameter.


Defines the corrugated tube length.

Elec_Line_Type Type: Double

Defines the corrugated tube line type.

Elec_Line_Weight Type: Double

Defines the corrugated tube linear mass, used for the flattened representation.


Defines the corrugated tube reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the corrugated tube in the project.

Elec_Ref_PartNumber Type: String

Defines the corrugated tube reference part number.


Defines the protection subtype.

Elec_Thickness Type: Double

Defines the corrugated tube thickness.

Equipment

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Equipment type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

An equipment is an electrical device with one or more associated components: connectors, shells, contacts, filler plugs, placed in cavities. An equipment can also comprise terminations and bundle connection points.


AttributesElec_External_Reference Type: String

Defines the equipment reference from an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the equipment attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the equipment reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the equipment in the project.


Defines the equipment subtype.

ExternalSplice

Description

Describes the electrical feature of External Splice type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

An external splice is an electrical connector receiving bundle segments from different geometrical bundles.


Attributes Elec_External_Reference Type: String

Defines the external splice reference from an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the external splice attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the external splice reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the external splice in the project.


Defines the external splice subtype.


Is True if all the bundle connection points and terminations of the external splice are connected.

FillerPlug

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Filler Plug type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A filler plug is an electrical component used to block up an unused cavity.



Defines the filler plug reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the filler plug in the project.


Defines the filler plug subtype.

ContactPoint

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Contact Point type that you create when you select the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

This contact point is a functional electrical component that defines the point of contact or attachment for an electrical signal.


AttributesElec_Id_Number Type: String

Defines the contact point Id number.

Elec_Number Type: Integer

Defines a unique identifier for the contact point used to map a functional component and the corresponding physical part.


Defines the contact point reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the contact point in the project.

Elec_Signal_IO Type: String

Defines if the signal is input or output.

Elec_Signal_Unicity Type: Boolean

Defines the unicity of the signal: True if the signal is unique.


Defines the contact point subtype.

FunctionalConnector

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Functional Connector type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

This connector is a functional electrical component with one or more associated contact points, for example, a power or signal transmission connector.



Defines the functional connector reference to an external library.


Defines a unique identifier for the functional connector used to map a functional component and the corresponding physical part.

Elec_Nominal_Part_Num Type: String

Defines the nominal part number of the physical connector that realizes the functional connector.


Defines the functional connector reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the connector in the project.


Defines the functional connector subtype.

FunctionalEquipment

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Functional Equipment type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

This equipment is a functional electrical component with one or more associated connectors, for example a lamp or a battery.



Defines the functional equipment reference to an external library.


Defines the nominal part number of the physical equipment that realizes the functional equipment.


Defines the functional equipment reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the equipment in the project.


Defines the functional equipment subtype.

GroundSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Ground Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

The ground signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in physical world.


AttributesElec_Ground_Unicity Type: Boolean

Defines the unicity of the ground signal: True if the signal is unique.


Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the ground signal.






Defines the separation code of the ground signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the ground signal section.


Defines the ground signal subtype.

GroupSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Group Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

Groups signals will be routed together, for example shielded or twisted signals.



Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the group signal.






Defines the separation code of the group signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the group signal section.


Defines the internal splice attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the group signal subtype.

InternalSplice

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Internal Splice type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

An internal splice is a type of connector used to connect two or more wires belonging to the same bundle.



Defines the internal splice reference to an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.

Elec_Mass Type: Double

Defines the internal splice mass.

Elec_Offset Type: Double

Defines the distance to the bundle segment extremity selected to place the internal splice.


Defines the internal splice reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the internal splice in the project.


Defines the internal splice subtype.

OffSheet

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Off Sheet Connector type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

An off sheet connector is a marker in the functional definition that is used to establish connections between different systems.


Attributes

Elec_Name Type: String

Defines the off sheet connector name.

Elec_Number Type: Integer

Defines the off sheet connector number.

Elec_Signal_IO Type: String

Defines if the signal is input or output.


Defines the off sheet connector subtype.

Stud

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Stud type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A stud is an electrical connector receiving bundle segments with one or more wires connected through a termination. It is used to ground bundle segments or pieces of equipment.


Attributes Elec_External_Reference Type: String

Defines the stud reference to an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the stud reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the stud in the project.


Defines the stud subtype.


Is True only if all the stud bundle connection points are connected.

PowerSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Power Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

The power signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in physical world.



Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the power signal.

Elec_Nominal_Voltage Type: Double

Defines the power signal nominal voltage.






Defines the separation code of the power signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the power signal subtype.


Defines the power signal section.

Protection

Description

Describes the electrical feature of protection type from which both the corrugated tube and the tape derives.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library and Electrical Harness Installation User's Guides.


AttributesCoveredBundleSegments Type: CATIList

Returns the list of bundle segments covered by the protection.




Defines the protection length.


Defines the protection line type.


Defines the protection linear mass, used for the flattened representation.


Defines the protection reference designator attribute.


Defines the protection reference part number.



ShieldingSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Shielding Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

The shielding signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in physical world.



Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the shielding signal.






Defines the separation code of the shielding signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the shielding signal subtype.


Defines the shielding signal section.

Elec_Nominal_Voltage Type: Double

Defines the shielding signal nominal voltage.

SingleConnector

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Single Insert Connector type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A single insert connector is an electrical connector male or female. It's the physical representation for both the plugs and the sockets.



Defines the single insert connector reference to an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the single insert connector reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the single insert connector in the project.


Defines the single insert connector subtype.

Elec_Fmdb_Modify Type: Boolean

Defines the single connector attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Is True in only two cases: ● if the single insert connector is integrated into an equipment and connected to another single insert

connector,

● if the single insert connector is connected to a bundle segment or a back shell and connected to another single insert connector.

Signal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Signal type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

A signal is a logical connection between two or more components. May be of the following types: ground, shielding, video, power, command or grouped.


Attributes Elec_Nominal_Part_Num Type: String

Defines the nominal part number of the physical wire that realizes the signal.






Defines the separation code of the signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the signal section.

Elec_ListPhysical Type: CATIList

Contains the list of ElecWire objects that realize the signal.

SignalRoute

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Signal Route type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Wire Routing workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Wire Routing User's Guide.

The signal route is computed to find out the optimized way between two or more extremities of a signal.


Attributes


Defines the signal route length.


Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the signal.

Elec_Section Type: Double

Defines the signal route section.


Defines the signal route subtype.

System

Description

Describes the electrical feature of System type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

A system consists of equipments, connectors and signals. It is an electrical unit, which accomplishes a specific function.



Defines the system reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the system in the project.


Defines the system subtype.

Tape

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Tape type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench. The tape is then instantiated using the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library and Electrical Harness Installation User's Guides.

A tape is an electrical component applied onto bundle segments as a protection.


AttributesElec_Bend_Radius_Delta Type: Double

Defines the bend radius value, which corresponds to the minimum bend radius of the tape curve.This value takes into account the bundle segment and tape bend radius rule and ends up to an increased rigidity due to the tape.

Elec_Bend_Radius_Protection_OK Type: Boolean

Is True if the Elec_Bend_Radius attribute is smaller than the real value of bend radius of the largest bundle segment linked to the tape protection.

Elec_Covering_Length Type: Double

Defines the tape overlapping used when instantiating the protection.




Defines the tape length.


Defines the tape line type, used for the flattened representation.


Defines the tape linear mass.

Elec_Number_Layer Type: Double

Defines the tape number of layers applied onto the bundle segment.


Defines the tape reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the tape in the project.


Defines the tape reference part number.



Elec_Tape_Thickness Type: Double

Defines the tape thickness.

Elec_Tape_Width Type: Double

Defines the tape width.

Elec_Taping_Angle Type: Double

Defines the taping angle.

Elec_Total_Tape_Length Type: Double

Defines the tape length considering the overlapping due to the taping angle, and also the number of layers.

Elec_Total_Thickness Type: Double

Defines the tape thickness considering the overlapping due to the taping angle, and also the number of layers.

TerminalBlock

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Terminal Block type that you create when you select this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A terminal block is an electrical connector receiving bundle segments, each bundle segment being connected to a termination.



Defines the terminal block reference to an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the terminal block attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the terminal block reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the terminal block in the project.


Defines the terminal block subtype.


Is True if all the terminal block terminations are connected.

Termination

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Termination type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A termination is a sub-element ensuring the electrical signal conduction between any type of electrical component except the filler plug. It is indissociable from the electrical component and corresponds to a contact crimped into a cavity.



Defines the length to be added to the wire routing length.


Defines a unique identifier for the termination used to map a functional component to the corresponding physical part.


Defines the termination reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the termination in the project.


Defines the termination subtype.

Termination_GeoConstraint

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Termination type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

This type of termination only exists for terminal strip and the stud connectors. It has an associated geometry (a line), which allows the connection to be constrained between the bundle segment and the connector. The bundle segment can only be connected via this associated geometry (the line).



Defines the length to be added to the wire routing length.


Defines a unique identifier for the termination used to map a functional component and the corresponding physical part.


Defines the termination reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the termination in the project.


Defines the termination subtype.

TerminalStrip

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Terminal Strip type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A terminal strip is an electrical connector comprising a strip of terminations.



Defines the terminal strip reference to an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the terminal strip attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the terminal strip reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the terminal strip in the project.


Defines the terminal strip subtype.


Is True if all the terminal strip terminations are connected.

VideoSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Video Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

The video signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in physical world.



Defines the part number of the wire that realizes the video signal.






Defines the separation code of the video signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the video signal section.


Defines the video signal subtype.

Wire

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Wire type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.



Defines the bend radius.

Elec_Catalog Type: String

Defines the catalog from which the wire is selected.

Elec_Color Type: String

Defines the color of the wire.

Elec_Diameter Type: Double

Defines the wire diameter.

Elec_FromConnectionPoint Type: String

Returns the reference designator value of the connection point to which the first extremity of the wire is connected.

Elec_FromDevice Type: String

Returns the reference designator value of the device to which the first extremity of the wire is connected.


Is True if both wire extremities are connected.

Elec_IsNetworkConnex Type: Boolean

Is True if a route exists between whatever nodes only using the network connected branches.

Elec_IsRouted Type: Boolean

Is True if the wire is routed.


Defines the wire length.


Defines the wire linear mass.


Defines the wire reference designator.


Defines the separation code of the wire used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.

Elec_Shielding_Signal Type: String

Returns a product of type ElecSignal that realizes the wire.

Elec_Signal Type: ElecSignal

Returns a product of type ElecSignal that realizes the wire.

Elec_Signal_Id Type: String

Defines the identifier of the signal used during the wire routing.


Defines the wire subtype.

Elec_ToConnectionPoint Type: String

Returns the reference designator value of the connection point to which the second extremity of the wire is connected.

Elec_ToDevice Type: String

Returns the reference designator value of the device to which the second extremity of the wire is connected.

IsSingleInBundleSegment Type: Boolean

Is True when the wire route follows at least one bundle segment containing only this wire.

Electrical Application Interoperability

In this section, you will find information about interoperability between CATIA Electrical Applications and

other applications listed below:

ENOVIA V5 Interoperability

Using ENOVIA Catalog for Electrical Mapping

Loading an iXF Document with VPM Navigator

ENOVIA V5 Interoperabilityusing VPM Navigator

This task explains how to work with electrical data stored in ENOVIA V5, using VPM Navigator.Also refer to Optimal CATIA PLM Usability.

We recommend that you read the VPM Navigator User's Guide to know more about this product.This documentation can be found on the ENOVIA LifeCycle Applications Documentation CDROM.

1. Log on to VPM Navigator.

Once the connection has completed successfully, the icons in the ENOVIA V5 toolbar are no longer grayed out.

2. Click the the ENOVIA Search... button in the ENOVIA V5 toolbar.

The Result window listing all the PRCs appears.

A PRC (referred to as Product Root Class or root in VPM Navigator) is the most basic entity in your Product Structure.

3. In this window, double-click the object you want to open.

The VPM Navigator window displays, looking something like this:

You are now ready to work with this ENOVIA V5 data.

4. Click the Close button if you no longer need the Result window.

Working with Electrical Data

This task shows you how to open electrical objects for editing purposes.

Electrical data can be saved in product document (in workpackage) or in component (in explode

mode): Geometrical bundles can be saved with both these modes, when CATPart documents (bundle

segments, devices, etc.) and electrical bundles are automatically saved as workpackage.

1. In the Product tree, right-click the object you want to open and, in the contextual menu, select the

Open... command.

Note that the multi-selection is possible using the Ctrl-key.

The following dialog box appears:

2. Click OK to open the documents in context.

3. Now switch to Electrical Library to connect the plug of the geometrical bundle to the female socket

of the other.

To do so:

a. Click the Connect Electrical Devices button .

b. Select the female socket.

c. Select the plug.

For more information about electrical device connections, refer to Electrical Library User's

Guide - User Tasks - Connecting Electrical Devices.

The bundle segment of the second geometrical bundle is updated.

4. Click Save in ENOVIA V5 to store your data in ENOVIA V5.

Also refer to Working with ENOVIA V5: Optimal CATIA PLM Usability.

Working with ENOVIA V5:Optimal CATIA PLM Usability

This section explains in more details how electrical data designed in CATIA is stored in ENOVIA V5, using VPM Navigator. And this being user-friendly.

When working with ENOVIA V5, a new mode ensures that you only create data in CATIA that can be correctly saved in

ENOVIA V5.

ENOVIA V5 offers two different storage modes: Workpackage (Document kept - Publications Exposed) and Explode

(Document not kept). Electrical products have been configured to work in the Workpackage mode and the Explode

mode, according to the objects considered.

We recommend that you read the VPM Navigator User's Guide to know more about this product.

This documentation can be found on the ENOVIA LifeCycle Applications Documentation CDRom.

Working with Geometrical Bundle as Workpackage

A workpackage is one or more documents that are displayed in ENOVIA V5 as a single entity.

This means that a node in the CATIA specification tree is chosen as an entity to be shown in ENOVIA V5. The children are

not visible as documents in the ENOVIA V5 tree.

The geometrical bundle is a candidate to be stored this way, as it represents a complete and coherent package for the

electrical design.

Within CATIA connected to ENOVIA V5 through VPM Navigator, if the user selects a new product as a geometrical bundle,

the system automatically knows that this geometrical bundle has to be stored as a workpackage.

Checks are performed when using the Electrical tools to ensure that all entities created or modified will be correctly

stored, using the following rules:

● No links to geometry (that is to say external references) can be done from the part inside a workpackage to a part

outside the workpackage.

Let's see an example:

With a geometrical bundle stored as a workpackage (publication exposed mode), the bundle segments belonging to

this geometrical bundle cannot use, as routing objects, supports, devices or any geometry external to the

geometrical bundle while keeping the contextuality. The external references won't be synchronized and the bundle

segment shape won't any longer be contextual to any object outside the geometrical bundle. Contextual links are

kept inside the geometrical bundle.

● The context for the external links must be set to a product node inside the workpackage.

Refer to Infrastructure User's Guide - Customizing Part Infrastructure.

● Mechanical constraints and electrical connections between parts inside the workpackage and outside the workpackage

must rely on published objects.

To make this possible, the following settings must be applied when working with CATIA connected to ENOVIA V5, to

store the geometrical bundles as workpackage in ENOVIA V5:

a. Select Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure -> General tab.

In the External References frame, uncheck Use root context in assembly.

b. Select Tools -> Options -> Equipment and Systems -> Electrical Harness Installation -> Harness

Management tab.

In the Contextual Links frame, for Keep link with selected object, choose In geometrical bundle in the

list.

Anyway, the system checks that the rules are not violated and if those options are not set properly, an error message is

displayed:

Moreover, during the electrical connection between devices and/or bundle segments that are not inside the same

workpackage, publications are automatically created on the geometrical bundle stored as workpackage, to ensure that

constraints and connections are correctly stored.

Working with Geometrical Bundle in Explode Mode

Using the Explode mode, all the nodes of the product structure are stored in ENOVIA V5.

This means that each component and its children are as many documents visible in ENOVIA V5.

Within CATIA connected to ENOVIA V5 through to VPM Navigator, if the user selects a new component as a geometrical

bundle, the system automatically knows that this geometrical bundle has to be stored in explode mode.

A single check is performed when using the Electrical tools to ensure that all the entities created or modified will be

correctly stored:

The context for the external links must be set to the root product node of the session.

Refer to Infrastructure User's Guide - Customizing Part Infrastructure.

To make this possible, the following settings must be applied when working with CATIA connected to ENOVIA V5, to

store the geometrical bundles in explode mode in ENOVIA V5:

a. Select Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure -> General tab.

In the External References frame, check Use root context in assembly.

Commands Not Supported in ENOVIA V5

For the time being, the following commands are not available if CATIA is connected to ENOVIA V5 Database:

In Electrical Library - Electrical Assembly workbench

Place Physical Device

Add Link

Remove Functional Link

Define Mounting Equipment

Define Equipment

Define Shell

Define Contact

Define Filler Plug

Define Back Shell

Define Cavity

Define Termination

Define Connector Connection Point

Define Bundle Connection Point

Define Cavity Connection Point

Define Back Shell Connection Point

In Electrical Wire Routing

New Wire Connection

Move Connection

Delete Connection

Merge Connections

Split Connection

New Wire

Select Signal

Using ENOVIA Catalogfor Electrical Mapping

This methodology explains how to set up the Electrical Mapping option to use catalogs coming from ENOVIA.

First of all, the document environment needs to be set up to allow the catalog stored in ENOVIA V5 to be browsed/accessed.

Then the catalog of interest is selected in the Electrical Mapping tab. To do so:

1. Select the Tools -> Options command.

The Options dialog box displays.

2. Choose the General category in the left-hand box and click the Document tab.

This tab lets you define the document environment.

3. Select ENOVIA and click the Allowed button on the right.

The Current button is activated.

4. Click the Current button if you want ENOVIA to be launched by default.

The dialog box becomes:

5. Make sure you are connected to VPM Navigator.

6. Switch then to the Equipment & Systems category, to the Electrical Mapping tab:

This tab lets you define the Catalog/Electrical objects mapping.

7. Click the Browse button.

The Search ENOVIA data is displayed as follows:

Together with:

8. Enter one or more criteria and validate.

The Search Result window updates.

9. Select the desired catalog and click Open.

The Electrical Mapping tab is updated.

10. Define the mapping as explained in the CATIA - Infrastructure User's Guide - Customizing - Customizing Settings -

Equipment and Systems - Electrical Mapping.

The catalogs stored in ENOVIA appears in the editor as ENOVIA5\Catalog name.catalog.

Loading an iXF Document with VPM Navigator

This methodology explains how to load iXF documents when using VPM Navigator.

First of all, the document environment needs to be set up to allow the documents stored in ENOVIA V5 to be

browsed/accessed. To do so:

1. Make sure you are connected to ENOVIA V5 through VPM Navigator.

2. Click the the Search ENOVIA data button in the ENOVIA toolbar.

The Search ENOVIA data is displayed as follows:

Together with:

3. Enter one or more criteria and validate.

For example: documents with iXFElec file extension

The Search Result window updates.

4. Select the desired document and open it, using the contextual menu (right-click -> Open item).

The document is stored in the current session, and ready to use.

5. Switch to Electrical Assembly Design.

6. Click the Select External Systems button.

The System Selection dialog box opens containing the previously selected iXF files:

7. Select the iXF file of interest and validate.

The iXF document is loaded.

For more information about external systems, refer to the CATIA - Electrical Library User's Guide - User Tasks - Electrical Integration Scenarios - Electrical Integration from External Data

Workbench DescriptionCATIA - Electrical Harness Assembly application window looks like this:Click the hotspots to display the related documentation.

CATIA - Electrical Harness Installation application window looks like this:

Menu BarToolbars

Electrical Workbench Specification Tree

Menu BarThe Menu Bar and the items available in Electrical Harness workbench are the standard ones. The different commands and tools are described in Infrastructure Version 5. For more information, refer to the standard Menu Bar section.

Electrical Harness ToolbarsThis section describes the various icons available in the Electrical Harness workbenches.The toolbars are located on the right in the default set-up except for the Catalog Browser, the Measure and the Update icons which are located in the horizontal bottom toolbar.

Electrical Harness Assembly Toolbar

Electrical Harness Installation Toolbars

See Creating a Geometrical Bundle

See Creating a Bundle Segment, Defining the Bundle Segment Parameters

See Creating a Multi-Branchable Bundle Segment

See Managing Local Slack

See Connecting Bundle Segment Extremity

See Disconnecting Bundle Segment Extremity

See Adding Support

See Removing Support

See Splitting a Bundle Segment

See Adding Branch Points

See Removing Branch Points

See Transferring Branches

See Related Objects

See Exiting the Installation Workbench (Part workbench)

See Creating Construction Constraints, Creating Points

See Creating Lines

See Creating Planes

See Using the Catalog Browser

Electrical Product Specification Tree

In this document, you will find the different icons generated in the electrical workbenches.

Mounting Equipment

Equipment

Shell

Single Insert Connector, External Splice, Internal Splice, Stud, Terminal Strip, Terminal Block,

Filler Plug

Contact

Back Shell

Electrical container

Cavity

Termination

Connector Connection Point

Bundle Connection Point

Cavity Connection Point

Back Shell Connection Point

Geometrical Bundle

Multi-Branchable Bundle Segment

Branchable Bundle Segment

Bundle Segment

Electrical Bundle

Wire (not resolved)

Resolved Wire

Wire Connection Container

Wire Connection

Internal Splice

Functional System

Functional Equipment

Not linked to physical Linked to physical Partially linked to physical

Functional Connector


Functional Connection Point


Signal, Power Signal

Not routed (Not yet implemented) Partially routed

Shielding Signal

Group Signal

Ground Signal

Video Signal

Other

Routed Signal in System Space Reservation (SSR)

Customizing

Before you start your first working session, you can customize the way you work to suit your habits.

This type of customization is stored in permanent setting files: these settings will not be lost if you end your

session.

1. Select the Tools -> Options command.

The Options dialog box opens.

2. Select the Equipment & Systems category in the left-hand box.

3. Click the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.

The Harness Management tab appears.

This tab lets you define:

❍ the bundle segment creation options

❍ the bundle segment naming rule

❍ the bundle segment connection options

❍ the bundle segment disconnection options

❍ the management of contextual links.

4. Two other tabs, located in the Infrastructure category, in the Part Infrastructure workbench, also

interfere with Electrical Harness Installation:

❍ General

❍ Display

5. For migration purpose, you may need to customize the Migration Batch, Electrical and V4/V5

SPACE tabs located in the General -> Compatibility category.

❍ V4/V5 SPACE

❍ Migration Batch

❍ Electrical

6. For inertia calculation, you will need to customize the Tree customization tab located in the

Infrastructure -> Product Structure category.

❍ Parameters

7. Set options in these tabs according to your needs.

8. Click OK when done.

Electrical Harness Installation

This page deals with the Harness Management options:

● the bundle segment creation

● the bundle segment naming rule

● the bundle segment connection

● the bundle segment disconnection

● the management of contextual links

● the management of branch/support links.

Bundle Segment Creation

Geometrical bundle is mandatory

If this option is selected, it means that you need to create a geometrical bundle prior to defining a bundle segment.


Work with one multi-branchable per geometrical bundle

If this option is selected, only one multi-branchable document can be created within a geometrical bundle: a single

part contains the full harness, reducing the size of the document, the number of contextual links and consequently

the update time.

However to take advantage of the ENOVIA configuration management, this option needs to be cleared if you want

to manage the effectivity at a more detailed granularity level: the branch.

Select this option if the configuration management does not need to be done at the level of each branch, but at the

level of a set of branches created in a single document.

By default, this option is not selected.

Used customized display for geometrical bundle naming rule.

When this option is not selected, the name is geometrical bundle.

If this option is selected the naming rule uses the default name corresponding to the option set up in

Infrastructure -> Product Structure -> Nodes Customization tab, for the Product instance, reference

loaded item.

Refer to the Infrastructure User's Guide Customizing section.


Bundle segment color

Use the chooser to define the bundle segment color at creation.

Bundle Segment Naming Rule

Bundle segment (#PN#)

If this option is selected, the bundle segment name shows like this in the specification tree:

It is the default value.

Parent-bundle segment (#PN#)

If this option is selected, the bundle segment name shows like this in the specification tree:

Bundle Segment Connection

Geometrical link

If this option is selected, when the selection is completed, the bundle segment is extended to the second point

selected (which is either a bundle segment extremity or a bundle connection point).


Automatic link to new bundle segment

If this option is selected, the electrical connection is created at the same time as the bundle segment.


Bundle Segment Disconnection

Remove geometrical link at unlink

If this option is selected, when a bundle segment is disconnected from a connector, the geometrical link is also

removed and the bundle segment geometry is modified to its last but one definition point.


Keep unused branch points/Prompt user for deletion

When a branch is unlinked or deleted, if a branch point is no longer used, the system may keep it or prompt the

user for deletion. This happens when:

● the branch point is removed from the route definition of the branch

● the branch is unlinked from the branch point with the Unlink command

● the last connected branch is deleted using the Delete Special contextual menu.

By default, this option is set to Keep unused branch points.

Contextual Links

For the first option to be taken into account, you must first change options located in the Part Infrastructure -> General -> External References frame:

● select the Keep link with selected object option, otherwise no external references will be created.


● clear the Use root context in assembly option. If not, the links will be created to the root of the assembly.


Keep link with selected object

The object created from the selection will or not keep the link according to this option. This option can take three

values:

● Always: always creates the external reference links.

It is the default value.

● In geometrical bundle: creates external reference links only if the selected object is part of the geometrical

bundle of the bundle segment.

● Never: always creates a local copy of the selected object with no associativity.

Forbid selection outside current geometrical bundle

If this option chosen, the selection of points, supports or devices which do not belong to the current geometrical

bundle for bundle segment routing is forbidden.


Branch/Support Link

Only use publications to recognize adaptative supports

In visualization mode, when the part document is not loaded, an adaptative support is recognized as such if the

ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS parameter is published. To take advantage of this option, you need to publish it

manually.

Refer to Part Design User's Guide - Advanced Tasks - Using Tools - Publishing Elements.

If this option is not selected, or if the parameter is not published, the support is not seen as adaptative.


Part Infrastructure forElectrical Harness Installation

This page deals with the options concerning:

● the external references: keep link with selected object

● the specification tree display.

Part Infrastructure General option

Click here to know more about the Part Infrastructure General options.

Keep link with selected object

You need to select this option to take advantage of the associativity between the construction points or part

body and the bundle segment.


Part Infrastructure Display option

Click here to know more about the Part Infrastructure Display options.

External References

If this option is selected, the External References will display in the specification tree.


Compatibility forElectrical Harness Installation

This page deals with the options concerning:

● the isolated mock-up solids migration in the V4/V5 SPACE tab

● the interface name in the Migration Batch tab

● the bundle segment migration mode in the Electrical tab.

V4/V5 SPACE

Click here to know more about the Compatibility -> V4/V5 SPACE options.

Isolated Mock-up Solids migration

Isolated Mock-Up Solids (SolidM) means that no history nor specifications are stored.

For the migration two options are available:

● as CGR: the SolidM conversion as CGR means that you will only get the meshing view (visualization mode)

● as PartBody: the SolidM conversion as PartBody means that you will be able to see the geometry of the solid to edit it.

as CGR is the default value.

In the context of the electrical migration, select as PartBody to be able to add technology.

Migration Batch

Click here to know more about the Compatibility -> Migration Batch options.

Interface Name

You need to enter CATIE3DMigration in this field if you want to migrate V4 electrical data to V5.

By default, this option is empty.

Electrical

Click here to know all the details about the Compatibility -> Electrical options.

Bundle segments

If this option is selected, each V4 BNS is migrated to a V5 bundle segment (CATPart document).

Multi-branchable document

If this option is selected, all the BNSs of a V4 GBN are migrated to one multi-branchable document in a V5

geometrical bundle. All the V5 bundle segments are stored in a single CATPart, the multi-branchable document.


Product Structure forElectrical Harness Installation

This page deals with the options concerning the specification tree.

Specification Tree Order

Parameters

In the Specification Tree Order, there is a list of CATIA attributes corresponding to the nodes of the

specification tree. You can order the nodes in the specification tree and activate or deactivate their

visualization.

In the context of the Measure Geometrical Bundle Inertia command , you need to activate the

Parameters node.

By default, Parameters is not activated.

Refer to Tree Customization.

Methodology

This section explains how to create other kinds of features.The table below lists the information you will find:

Protection of Given Length MethodologyFlat Cable Methodology

Creating an Adaptative Part

Protection of Given Length MethodologyThis section explains how to create protections of given length as it is widely used in the industry.

Creating a Protection of Given LengthInstantiating a Protection of Given Length

Creating a Protection of Given Length

As the protection reference can be customized, it is quite easy to define its own bundle protection kind with a minimum effort. This scenario explains, as an example of the protection object flexibility, how to create a protection with a given fixed length. This methodology is widely used in the industry.

1. Start the Electrical Part Design workbench.

2. Click the Define Protection button .

You are prompted to select a part.

3. Click the Part1 in the specification tree.

The Protection Definition dialog box opens.Enter the following values for example, then validate:

❍ Width: 16mm

❍ Thickness: 2mm

❍ Bend radius: 7mm

The geometry is created.

4. Switch to Wireframe and Surface Design workbench.

5. Create a point on the joint which will be used for the instantiation:

To do so:

a. Click the Point button .

The dialog box opens to create Point.6.

b. Enter the following values:

■ Point type: On curve

■ Distance on curve

■ Length: 250mm

■ Reference point: Point.3

The offset from Point.3, entered in the Length value (250mm) is the parameter which will drive the protection length.

c. Click OK to validate.

Point.6 is added to the geometry.

6. Create a new split on the joint between Point.3 and the newly created Point.6 to define a new

centerline between Point.3 and Point.6.

To do so:

a. Click the Split button .

The dialog box opens to create Split.2.

b. Enter the following values:

■ Element to cut: Join.1

■ Cutting elements:■ Point.3 and click the Other side button.

■ Point.6.

c. Click OK to validate.

The geometry is updated.

7. Now replace Split.1 in the PartBody with Split.2, using the contextual menu, to define the rib

between Point.3 and Point.6.

The Replace dialog box opens.

a. Select Split.2 (in with field).

b. Click OK to validate.

8. Save your protection for a further instantiation.

With such a methodology you can also create grommets, green lines or boots.

Grommet

Green line

Boot

Instantiating a Protection of Given Length

This scenario explains how to instantiate a protection of given length (250mm here) as it is widely used in the industry.

1. Start the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench.

2. Click the Protection button .

The Instantiate Protection dialog box opens:

3. Select the catalog then the protection you want to instantiate.

To do so:

❍ Click this button and navigate to the catalog, for example:.../online/cfysa_C2/samples/ElectricalSession/catalog/catalog1.catalog.

❍ Double-click the protection: Part2

The catalog browser closes and the selected protection displays in the upper right corner of the primary window.

4. Select one or more bundle segments to be covered with the protection:

The dialog box updates and the protection start and end points display in the geometry.


Note that using this methodology, the covered length indicated in the Protection Information is not correct: it indicates the distance between the Start extremity and the End extremity of the selected bundle segment when the protection is applied between the Start extremity and for a length of 250mm (Point.4).

Flat Cable Methodology

This task makes use of the Electrical Harness workbench integration together with the mechanical modeler. It demonstrates how to change a bundle segment circular section to a rectangular section using the mechanical environment.

Defining a Specific Support for Flat CableCreating the Line and Placing the Supports

Creating the Flat CableExtracting and Flattening the Cable

Defining a Specific Support for Flat Cable

To perform this scenario, you will use the Part Design workbench .

This task explains how to create a specific support for flat cable. This support will be stored into a catalog.

A design section is created onto the support to represent the cable section.

Open the section_support_start.CATPart document and select Part Design.

1. Right-click the Open_body.1 in the specification tree to display the contextual menu.

Select Define in Work Object.

The sketch will be created under the Open_body.1.

2. Click the Sketcher button .

Then choose Plane.1 in the Open_body.1.

You must respect this axis in order to have proper orientation after flattening.

3. Once in the Sketcher workbench, deactivate the Snap to Point button before drawing.

Select the Rectangle button and draw the profile corresponding to the entry plan.

Then you can set the constraints.

4. Select the Exit Workbench button to switch back to the Part Design workbench.

No part must be activated.

5. Select the Sketcher button , then select the Plane.2.

6. Use the Rectangle button to draw the profile corresponding to the exit plan.

Set the constraints.


7. Save the document with an other name into a catalog (for example support-section.CATPart).

For more information about Catalogs, see:● Electrical Library User's Guide - User Tasks - Working with Wires - Creating a Catalog

● Electrical Library User's Guide - User Tasks - Using Catalogs - Storing a Device

Creating the Line and Placing the Supports

You can perform this scenario with Electrical Harness Installation for the line creation and Electrical Library for the supports positioning

.

Creating the line for positioning the supports.

This task explains how to create the line which will define the flat cable direction.

Open the base.CATPart document and select Electrical Harness Installation.



2. Create a point on surface.

Then click OK to validate.

3. Create a second point. You have this result:

4. Right-click the Extract.1 in the specification tree to display the contextual menu.

Select Hide-Show to show. The support will appear like this:

5. Click the Line button .

The Line Definition dialog box opens:

a. Select the Point-Point Line Type.

b. Select your first point as Point 1 and your second point as Point 2. Select Extract.1 as Support.

c. Enter a value for the End. For example 380mm, the line must be long enough to run along the surface.


d. Click OK to validate.

6. Right-click the Extract.1 in the specification tree to display the contextual menu. Select Hide-Show to hide.

7. The final result looks like this:

Placing the supports.

This step explains how to place the supports onto the line using the smart placement. Switch to Electrical Part Assembly.

Make sure you have set up the automatic compass option.

Insert the base.CATPart into a CATProduct.

1. Click the Smart Place button .

The Catalog Browser displays.

If necessary navigate to display the catalog containing the support.

2. To place the support: A compass allows you to choose precisely the place of your first support.

a. Point to the chosen position and click to place the first support.

b. Move the compass by choosing an axis in order to place the support in a position close to this one:

c. The first support must be placed at the first point of the line, the fifth must be placed at the last point of the line.

d. The three other supports must be placed along the line.

e. Click Close to shut down the Catalog.

3. If you want to modify your support placements after this, you can use the Smart Move button .

The final result looks like this:

For more information about the smart placement, see:

● Electrical Library User's Guide - User Tasks - Using Catalogs - Using Smart Placement from Catalog

For more information about the smart move, see:

● Electrical Library User's Guide - User Tasks - Using Catalogs - Using Smart Move

Creating the Flat Cable

The aim of the two following tasks is to create a flat cable using the supports placed along the line.

Creating the Bundle SegmentsCreating the Square Shape

Creating the Bundle Segments

You can perform this scenario with Electrical Harness Installation .

The aim of this task is to create a bundle segment network with one different bundle segment between every

support.

Open the document you have created in the previous task.

1. Double-click to activate the product.


The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.The Bundle Segment Definition dialog box opens:

a. Enter a value in the Diameter field. For example 10mm.

b. Enter a value for the Bend Radius field. For example 10mm.

c. Choose the Build Mode according to the geometry.


The Bundle Segment Route Definition dialog box opens:

Select the Routed Objects for the bundle segment which will be created between the first two

supports.

Click OK to validate.

4. The result looks like this:

Click OK to close the Bundle Segment Definition dialog box.

5. Repeat the previous steps for the three other segments.


For more information about creating branchable bundle segments, see:● Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide - User Tasks - Creating a Multi-Branchable Bundle Segment

Creating the Square Shape

You can perform this scenario using Part Design workbench .

The aim of this task is to create the loft which will represent the square shape.

Open the document created in the previous task and select Part Design.

1. Select the Insert -> Body menu.

Each loft must be created in a Body under its multi-branchable segment.

2. Click the Loft button .

The Multi-section Solid Definition dialog box opens:

3. Select the Spine tab and select the curve of the bundle as a spline:

4. Select the sections created in the supports.

For example, for the creation of the first square shape, you must select this:


The result for the first loft looks like this:

6. Repeat the previous steps for the other square shapes.


For more information about creating or removing a loft, see:

● Part Design User's Guide - User Tasks - Basic Tasks - Sketch-Based Features - Loft

● Part Design User's Guide - User Tasks - Basic Tasks - Sketch-Based Features - Remove Loft

Extracting and Flattening the Cable

You can perform this scenario using Electrical Harness Flattening .

The aim of this task is to extract and flatten the flat cable.

Open the flat cable document.

1. Open EHF and create a New Product.

2. Click the Harness Flattening Parameters button .

The Harness Flattening Parameters dialog box opens:

Select the Flattening Orientation tab, then select Support placed in the active plane.


4. Click the Extract button .

5. Select the geometrical bundle from the source document (the flat cable document).

When the extraction is performed the source document automatically close.

6. Save your data.

The extraction looks like this:

7. Click the Flatten button .

The Flattening Parameters dialog box opens:

Keep these values.

8. Select the all geometrical bundle in the specification tree or in the geometry.



Note: This square section is not supported by the EHF synchronization mechanism.

For more information about extracting data and harness flattening, see:

● Electrical Harness Flattening User's Guide - User Tasks - Extracting 3D Data

● Electrical Harness Flattening User's Guide - User Tasks - Flattening the Harness

● Electrical Harness Flattening User's Guide - User Tasks - Defining the Harness Flattening Parameters - Flattening Orientation

Creating an Adaptative Part

This task explains how to define an adaptative part such as a support, using a formula.

In visualization mode, when the part document is not loaded, an adaptative support is recognized as such if the ELEC-

SUPPORT-RADIUS parameter is published.

To take advantage of this option, you need to publish it manually.

If this option is not selected, or if the parameter is not published, the support is not seen as adaptative.

Refer to Part Design User's Guide - Advanced Tasks - Using Tools - Publishing Elements.

Open the AdaptativeClamp.CATPart document.

This document also contains three formulas that have been defined to re-compute the support geometry after routing:

1 - The support remaining length value is set to:20mm*(2*PI+1)-(2*PI*Radius)

2 - The inner diameter value is set to:Radius

3 - The outer diameter value is set to:Radius + 2mm

1. Click the Formula Editor button .

2. Select the Length type and click the New parameter of type button.

3. Enter the name for it: ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUSand a value: 18mm for example

Note: the name must strictly be ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS.

4. Select the support radius (PartBody\Sketch.1\Radius.50\Radius) and click the Add Formula button:

5. Enter the formula:

PartBody\Sketch.1\Radius.50\Radius = 'ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS'

(the radius is equal to the new parameter ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS)

6. Click OK to validate the entries made in both dialog boxes.

Now, if you route a bundle segment through this support:

● A formula will automatically be generated under the root product of the document, if and only if the ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS parameter has been detected:

Support radius = Bundle segment diameter * 0.5

● The support will exactly fit the bundle segment diameter. The formulas given above are used to re-compute the support geometry.

Glossary

Bbend radius The bend radius is the minimum bend radius allowed for the bundle segment.branchable bundle segment

A set of bundle segments that share the same centerline.

bundle A document containing wiresbundle segment Also called segment, a geometrical subdivision of a geometrical bundle.

It is the wire graphical representation in the digital mock-up. The bundle segment is created according to several rules:

● the bend radius must be superior to half the diameter

● in slack mode, an extra-length is added to the bundle segment calculated from a bend length percentage (Slack%).

● the bend mode calculates the minimum length through all the constraint points, with regard to the minimum bend radius.

● the length mode uses the length value: this value must be at least equal to the distance between the points.

Cconnector A electrical component providing an electrical interface between two bundles, an

equipment and a bundle or between wires. Comprises one or more electrical terminations. They are of two types:physical connector (from Electrical Library, Catalog or V4) and functional connector (from EFD application)

Ddiameter Corresponds to the wire diameter together with the insulation.device Generic term for connector, equipment, shell, etc.

Eeffectivity A data fork of values in which an option is effective.electrical system An electrical unit which accomplishes a specific function. Consists of equipment,

connectors and signals. Described in a CATProduct document.equipment Electrical device comprising one or more associated connectors.electrical termination Electrical connection (often called pin) on a connector

Ggeometrical bundle Electrical object federating a bundle segments group

Hharness Group of wires, connectors, supports and insulation assembled in a consistent

system

Mmulti-branchable document

A set of branches, themselves containing bundle segments, connected or not, composing the harness. It corresponds to a CATPart document.

Ppin An electrical terminationproperties Attributes of a component that define its electrical, mechanical, etc. characteristics.protection Covering element wrapping the conductor and possibly the insulating coating

bringing out a mechanical protection. It can be a sleeve, a corrugated tube, a taping, etc.

Rrouting An operation that computes the optimized wire route between two or more

extremities of a signal.

Ssection Corresponds to the section of the wire together with the insulation.segment See bundle segmentsleeve Can be of two types:

● conduit type: the wires are collected in a tube, flexible or not.

● jacket or sheath type: the wires are cased in the sleeve.

Wwire Electrical wire: physical object corresponding to a signalwire connection An electrical object linking two or more wires that share a common extremity

Index

Numerics3D harness tolerancing

Aadaptative part

ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS

adding branch points

adding support

annotation

Bbend

bend radius bisecting

lines branch


bundle segment definition branch point


deleting unused branch points automatically

distance to reference object

removing branch points

splitting branches branchable bundle segment


branching bundle segment

removing branch points bundle segment

creating document

defining parameters

route definition

splitting

transferring bundle segment definition

branch

bundle segment on part

Ccommand

Add Branch Point

Add Support

Automatic Wire Routing

Bundle Segment

Bundle Segment Definition

Catalog Browser

Curvilinear Dimensions

Delete Special...

Exit

Formula Editor

Geometrical Bundle

Line

Link

Local Slack

Manage Links

Measure Geometrical Bundle Inertia

Multi-Branchable Bundle Segment

Plane

Point

Projection View/Annotation Plane

Protection

Related Objects

Remove Branch Point

Remove Support

Route Definition

Segment Definition

Split

Transfer Branches

Unlink

Update

construction constraints definition

creating line

creating plane

creating point

curvilinear dimensions cutting point

splitting bundle segment

Ddefining construction constraints defining parameters

bundle segment

deleting unused branch points automatically

diameter

dimension visualization mode

DistanceWireProduct

Eeffectivity

ElecDistanceCommon ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS

adaptative part

electrical application interoperability

electrical data migration

migrating step by step

setting options

V4-V5 mapping

electrical package electrical user function

DistanceWireProduct

ElecDistanceCommon

VisualMode external data

management

placing internal splices

external references

Fflexible curve

Ggeometrical bundle geometry on support

routing on surface

Hharness mass calculation

Iinstantiating a protection

Llength line

creating lines

bisecting

linking bundle segments

loading an iXF document with VPM Navigator

Mmeasuring geometrical bundle inertia

migrating V4 data to V5


setting options

V4-V5 mapping

multi-branchable bundle segment

Ooptimal CATIA PLM usability

Pplacing internal splices

external data

placing physical devices plane

creating point

creating positioning management

routing options

PRC

Product Root Class

projected view

protection

protection length

Rratio

related objects

removing branch points

removing support

retainer

routing bundle segments through retainers route definition

bundle segment routing on surface

geometry on support routing options

positioning management

tangent management on device

Ssection

selective loading

slack

splitting branches

branch point

splitting bundle segment

cutting point support

removing a bundle segment from

routing a bundle segment into

Ttangent management on device

routing options Tools Options - Compatibility

Electrical

Migration Batch

V4/V5 SPACE Tools Options - Electrical Harness Installation

Harness Management Tools Options - Part Infrastructure

External References Tools Options - Product Structure

Tree Customization

transferring branchable bundle segments

Uunlinking bundle segments

using ENOVIA catalog for electrical mapping

VV4-V5 migration


setting options

V4-V5 mapping

VisualMode