Adjust ribbon cable shapes

Redefine ribbon cable work points

Redefining a work point is like the process used to define the ribbon cable work point initially.

1. Double-click the harness assembly that contains the ribbon cable to change.
2. In the browser or graphics window, select a ribbon cable work point, right-click and then select Redefine Point from the context menu.
3. Change the selected ribbon cable work point:
   • To select a new point, click the desired feature or location for the new point.
   • To change the offset value, right-click again, select Edit Offset from the context menu, and then enter a new offset value.

   The point is redefined and the ribbon cable recomputes to the new position.

4. Right-click and select Finish Edit from the context menu.

Dynamically move ribbon cable work points

To reposition ribbon cable work points dynamically or by precise coordinates, use the 3D Move/Rotate command.

1. Double-click the harness assembly that contains the ribbon cable to edit.
2. In the graphics window, right-click the ribbon cable work point to move, and then select 3D Move/Rotate.
   • To move multiple ribbon cable points in tandem, press the CTRL or SHIFT key and click each point. Right-click and select 3D Move/Rotate. If multiple points are selected for the move, they turn white until the operation is complete.
3. Use the 3D Move/Rotate command to reposition the ribbon cable point.
   • Select a triad arrowhead to translate the point along the axis. Click in the graphics window and drag the point or enter distances in the dialog box.
   • Select a triad plane to translate the point within the plane. Click in the graphics window and drag the point or enter distances in the dialog box.
   • Select the triad sphere to translate the point in 3D space. Click in the graphics window and drag the point or enter distances in the dialog box.
   • Select a triad axis to rotate the triad. Click in the graphics window and drag or enter angles in the dialog box. After rotating the triad, translate the point as needed.
   Note: The initial offset value is ignored when using 3D Move/Rotate.
4. Preview the move in the graphics window and do one of the following actions:
   • Click other points and reposition as needed. The preview updates to show the impact of each move.
   • Click OK to accept the move and exit the command. The harness updates.
   • Click Cancel to exit the command and clear all moves made since the command was invoked or since Apply was pressed, whichever occurred most recently.
   • Click Apply to accept the move and remain in the command. You can continue to move the currently selected points or select other points to move. After you click Apply, the move is accepted and cannot be undone if you click Cancel.

Add ribbon cable work points

When you create a ribbon cable, use the minimum number of points to achieve the desired shape. To provide more control over ribbon cable shape in specific areas, you can add additional points.

1. Double-click the harness assembly that contains the ribbon cable to edit.
2. In the browser or graphics window, right-click a harness ribbon cable work point, and then select Add Point from the context menu.
3. Move the cursor over the ribbon cable path, and then click the path to add a point.

   A grounded work point is created at the pick location, and the ribbon cable recomputes, changing shape slightly after each point is added.

4. Right-click and select Finish from the context menu.

Adjust twist

1. Double-click the harness assembly that contains the ribbon cable to edit.
2. In the browser or graphics window, right-click a ribbon cable work point, and then select Adjust Twist from the context menu.
   Note: You cannot select the work point that represents the start or end of the ribbon cable path.
3. Use the elements of Twist Control:
   • Click and drag the rotation arrows to adjust interactively.
   • To enter a precise value, right-click a rotation arrow and select Enter Angle.
4. Right-click and select Finish from the context menu.