Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Overview
Conventions
What's New?
Getting Started
User Tasks
Routing Options
Adding a Support
Removing a Support
Splitting Branches
Transferring Branches
Duplicating Harnesses
Inertia Equivalents
Methodology
V4 - V5 Mapping
Reference Information
Environment Settings
Automatic Routing
Interoperability
Workbench Description
Menu Bar
Toolbars
Customizing
Methodology
Glossary
Index
Conventions
Certain conventions are used in CATIA, ENOVIA and DELMIA documentation to help you recognize and understand important concepts and
specifications. This page describes:
Graphics Conventions
Text Conventions
Mouse Usage
Navigation compass
Graphic Conventions
The three categories of graphic conventions used are as follows:
Identifies
This icon
a target of a task
the prerequisites
a tip
a warning
information
basic concepts
methodology
reference information
Gives access to
This icon
Site Map
Split View Mode
What's New?
Overview
Getting Started
Basic Tasks
User Tasks or Advanced Tasks
Interoperability
Workbench Description
Customizing
Administration Tasks
Reference
Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Mouse Usage
The mouse usage differs depending on the type of action you need to perform.
Click (icons, dialog box buttons, tabs, location in the document window)
Double-click
Shift-click
Ctrl-click
Check (check boxes)
Drag
Move
Navigation Compass
The navigation compass is located in the guide banner next to the guide name. It lets you navigate through the information in the guide.
What's New?
Enhanced Functionalities
Adding Light Protective Coverings
After customization, the parameters and relations are displayed in a separate node in the specification tree.
Arranging Bundle Segments in Supports
Allows you to show or hide the parameters of the of the bundle segment in the geometry area.
Migrating Step by Step...
The migration mode is automatically switched to As Result when migration causes shape or length modifications in the As Spec mode
in case of a flexible curve of the bundle segment.
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:
2. Choose the Equipment & Systems > Electrical Harness Discipline category in the left-hand box.
4. Select the Work with one multi-branchable per geometrical bundle check box:
The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench automatically switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench and the
Branch Definition dialog box appears.
As you will first create a point that will be used to route the bundle segment, close the dialog box.
2.
Click OK.
1. Click Point .
o 80mm for X
o -20mm for Y
o 0mm for Z.
3. Click OK to validate.
Any point that has been created in any other workbench can also be used this way.
4. Select Slack as the build mode and add 10% of slack in the Slack(%) box.
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 Branch Definition dialog box is still open from the previous task.
1. Click Route Definition.
It enables you to select the objects the will be used to route the bundle segments. Points, connectors, back shells and supports can be
selected.
The Route Definition dialog box opens:
2. Click successively in the geometry area:
CATIA finds the closest construction point according to the selection point.
o Connector A1:
Note that you can reverse the tangent by clicking the red arrow.
o The point previously created to define the bundle segment route: Point1
o Connector A2: the tangent is automatically created.
The Route Definition dialog box closes and the Branch Definition dialog box is displayed afresh.
Note that OK and Apply are now activated.
4. Click OK to validate the branch and bundle segment definition.
The result looks like this:
5.
4. Click Length to define the distance to the reference object and enter 60mm for example.
5. Click OK to validate.
A branch point is created and the branch now contains two bundle segments.
The result looks like this:
6. You can now create another bundle segment to be connected to the branch point:
To do so:
o Click Branch Definition .
o Click Route Definition.
o Click successively in the geometry the connector A3 and the branch point previously created.
o Click OK .
The result looks like this:
7.
You can add a branch point on a bundle segment even if it is covered with a protective covering.
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 Workbench
Creating a Geometrical Bundle
Working with Branches in a Multi-branchable Document
Working with Single Bundle Segments in a Bundle Segment Document
Defining the Segment Route
Routing Segments through Supports
Managing Local Slack
Harness Covering
Linking/Unlinking Bundle Segments
Working with Branch Points
Splitting Bundle Segments
Transferring Branches
Duplicating Harnesses
Working with 3D Tolerancing
Using the Mechanical Modeler Integration
Measuring Geometrical Bundle Inertia
V4/V5 Electrical Data Migration
Electrical Integration from External Data
Editing Electrical Properties
Viewing Related Objects
Electrical and Knowledg
Electrical Harness Installation which allows you to define bundle segments in Part documents. Refer to Exiting the Installation
workbench to switch back to the Electrical Assembly.
CATIA is launched. A CATProduct document is displayed.
1. Select Electrical Harness Assembly from the Start > Equipments & Systems > Electrical Harness Discipline
menu.
The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench is displayed and ready to use.
You can add the Electrical Harness workbenches to your Favorites, using the Tools > Customize item. For more
information, refer to CATIA V5 - Infrastructure User's Guide.
2.
Customizing
Don't forget to set your options before starting to work (Tools > Options..., Equipment & Systems, > Electrical Harness
Discipline > Electrical Harness Installation).
1. Click Exit .
You are back in Electrical Harness Assembly workbench or the lastly used Product workbench.
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.
You are advised to create a geometrical bundle representing the harness first before any other action like instantiating harness
connectors, creating a multi-branchable document, adding bundle segments or connecting devices, as the geometrical bundle will
become flexible when needed.
By default, you must create a geometrical bundle before creating bundle segments. To change this setting (in the Tools >
Options menu), refer to Electrical Harness Installation Options.
Thanks to the selective loading capabilities, you can work with the cache activated.
Refer to Selective Loading in Electrical Products.
Open the ElectricalBasic.CATProduct document.
It contains devices to be connected together in a geometrical bundle.
1. Click Geometrical Bundle .
You are prompted to select the product you want to become the geometrical bundle.
o A product which does not result from the New Component command (inline product).
3.
You are now ready to start your design. You can create and organize your harness assembly in two different ways. By:
Branch in a multi-branchable document.
A branch is a set of bundle segments that share the same centerline.
The principle is to only load needed data, when necessary without any explicit action from the user. Selective loading is integrated into all
Electrical tools (Electrical Library, Electrical Harness Installation, Electrical Wire Routing and Electrical Harness Flattening) and saves up
to 60% of memory consumption by keeping the whole mechanical context in Visualization Mode and by switching devices, supports or
bundle documents to Design Mode only when they are needed.
Choose Product Structure, the Cache Management tab then Cache Activation.
Select the Work with the cache system check box:
Then, when working with CATIA Electrical tools, the necessary information is loaded automatically. Selected or needed parts are switched
to design mode.
This means that you can work with all your mechanical environment in visualization mode.
Working with Branches in a Multi-branchable Document
You can create and organize your harness assembly in branches in multi-branchable documents.
About multi-branchable documents
Create a multi-branchable document and first branch: click Multi-Branchable Document and set parameters in the Branch Definition
dialog box.
Add a new branch: Click Branch Definition and set parameters in the Branch Definition dialog box.
Edit a multi-branchable document or one of its components: explains what to select to edit a branch or a bundle segment.
Create more than one multi-branchable document per geometrical bundle: clear dedicated option Work with one multi-branchable
per geometrical bundle before creating multi-branchable documents.
Create multi-profile branches: use the different profile types to give your bundle segments a more accurate shape and volume.
Compute flexible bundle segments: use the FLEX algorithm to give your bundle segments a more realistic behavior that reflects bundle
segment stiffness.
Branches in V5R12 onwards: explains how documents containing branches created in V5R10/R11 are managed.
Deleting Unused Elements: select Tools > Delete Useless Elements...
You need to launch an electrical workbench to display the branches belonging to a multi-branchable document. They are not visible if your
are not in an electrical context (for example in Product Structure workbench).
About Multi-Branchable Documents
A multi-branchable document lets you create your harness in a single CATPart. This document contains a set of branches, each containing
one or more bundle segments.
Using this method, you can reduce the size of documents, the number of contextual links and consequently the update time. In addition, as
all the branches are created in a single document, deleting one branch does not mean you have to delete the corresponding document in the
file system or in ENOVIA data base.
Note: Editing and modifying a branch created in the previous release versions, converts it into a multi-branchable document.
A dedicated option (Work with one multi-branchable per geometrical bundle) lets the user choose whether the geometrical bundle
contains one or more multi-branchable documents.
However to take advantage of ENOVIA configuration management and manage effectivity at the more detailed granularity level of the
branch, clear this check box.
The following table will help you understand how this option works depending on what you select and how far you have gone in your
design.
If the option
And... Then the command...
is...
Creates a new multi-branchable document
(no impact) No multi-branchable document exists
(Multi-Branchable1)
Edits the document.
Selected One multi-branchable document exists
No new document is created
Creates a new multi-branchable document
Cleared Geometrical bundle is activated
(Multi-Branchable n)
At least one multi-branchable document exists with one branch fully defined Creates a new branch (Branchable n)
(i.e. geometry associated and route defined)
(no impact)
and, nothing is selected in the geometry area
At least one multi-branchable document exists with one branch, but no Edits the branch (Branchable1)
geometry has been associated and no route defined
(no impact)
and, nothing is selected in the geometry area
Adding and Removing 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.
Creating a New Multi-Branchable Document and First Branch
A Multi-Branchable document is created by default. It includes:
o A Part document ( Multi-Branchable1) which becomes active.
o A flexible curve ( Flexible Curve.1) created under
ElecRouteBody.1 and belonging to the part. At the moment, there is no
geometrical representation.
The Branch Definition command is active and the Branch Definition dialog box opens:
If the branch (Branchable1) has several bundle segments, the diameter box becomes unavailable. Use Bundle Segment
Definition to manage the individual diameter.
5. Select the Mode: Slack for example and give a percentage of slack.
The connection points between these elements are continuous in tangency (same tangents on both
sides), and imposed tangencies are respected at 3D route points.
Generally, the result is a non-planar curve.
When this mode is selected, both Slack(%), and Length fields are grayed out.
The following steps illustrate a simple scenario. For more detailed information on routing, see Defining the Segment Route.
7. Click successively:
a. The connector on the left - you can reverse the tangent using the red arrow.
Note that when you select the points used to route the bundle segment, annotations display:
o The selection of the construction points in the geometry highlights the point/label and select the routed objects in the
Route Definition dialog box:
o The selection in the Route Definition dialog box highlights the point and the label in the geometry area:
You can also define more options using More >>, see Routing Options
8. Click OK to validate. The bundle segment appears.
9. Click Apply in the Branch Definition dialog box to compute the bend radius.
The bend radius is computed and displayed.
Status lights show whether or not the computed bend radius satisfies the minimum bend radius entered.
The geometry contains:
o A new body: Body.2 containing the rib
o The External References container
If the segment route is defined, clicking Branch Definition again creates a new branch.
Adding a New Branch
This task shows you how to add a new branch.
The Multi-Branchable sample is still open. A multi-branchable document has been created and the first branch has been defined.
You are in Electrical Harness Installation (Part workbench). Nothing is selected in the geometry.
Ensure that the dedicated bundle segment create option (Work with one multi-branchable per geometrical bundle) is selected.
2. Click OK to validate.
1. Select the multi-branchable document in the specification tree, then click Multi-Branchable Document .
Or,
Expand the multi-branchable document in the specification tree, select a branch then click .
The application switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench and the Branch Definition dialog box appears.
1. Expand the multi-branchable document in the specification tree, then double-click a bundle segment.
The application switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench and the Segment Definition dialog box appears.
2.
Note that it is possible to delete a branch but it is not possible to delete a bundle segment.
Creating More than One Multi-Branchable Document per
Geometrical Bundle
This task shows you how to manage more than one multi-branchable document per geometrical bundle.
Working in this way lets you take advantage of ENOVIA configuration management to manage effectivity at the more detailed level of the
branch.
1. Clear dedicated check box Work with one multi-branchable per geometrical bundle:
o Select the Equipment & Systems > Electrical Harness Discipline category
o Select the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.
o In the Harness Management tab, clear the Work with one multi-branchable per geometrical bundle check
box under Bundle Segment Creation.
o Click OK when done.
2. Double-click to activate the geometrical bundle
6.
Creating Multi-profile Branches
The aim of this functionality is to refine bundle segment geometry in order to accurately represent its shape. It also displays an overall
volume close to reality. This applies when:
You can create different profiles, including rectangular and elliptical profiles, within the same branch. Profiles can then be rotated and
the bundle segment shape can be based on this rotated profile.
Ensure that the dedicated bundle segment profile option (Any Profile) in the Harness Management tab is selected.
Multi-profile branch options are used to know how to update the parameters of the profile when the profile area is directly modified or
updated after wire routing.
2. Click Multi-Branchable Document and then close the dialog box that opens.
4. Click Multi-Branchable Document again and set branch parameters in the dialog box that opens.
The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench. The Branch Definition
dialog box opens.
5. Click Route Definition:
o Select the objects of interest in the geometry area to define the route of the branch
o Click OK to validate your choice.
o
Note: A contextual menu allows you to directly access the Profile Management:
o Click Apply.
Section Parameters become unavailable as soon as you have entered information in the Detailed Profile Management. In
this case the section shape can be different along the bundle segment.
Section Area becomes unavailable if the Set Area Constant check box is cleared.
The result looks like this:
Profile Type
Select the point and click the profile type of your choice.
The elliptical and rectangular profiles can also be orientated by clicking Invert H and V Directions:
If the algorithm cannot compute the bundle segment based on the parameters you chose, you can resolve a
twisted configuration by changing the H axis to -H and the V axis to -V.
becomes
Constant Section
If the Set Area Constant check box is selected, the section parameters are calculated to keep the section
constant all along the bundle segment:
o If Major Axis or Minor Axis are modified at one point, the section parameters are updated at
the other points or/and extremities to propagate this modification.
o If Length or Width are modified at one point, the section parameters are updated at the other
points or/and extremities to propagate this modification.
Section parameters and area are linked together: if one changes, the others are automatically updated. Section
Area is unavailable if the Set Area Constant check box is cleared.
For information on how section parameters are modified if the section area is changed, see bundle
segment profile options.
More About the Contextual Menu
at Point.2 of Bundle Segment 2 (rectangular profile), you can import the profile of Bundle
Segment 1 (circular profile):
As a result, you get a circular profile for Bundle Segment 1 instead of the original rectangular
profile.
Import and Link Profile at Junction: copy the profile of the connected
bundle segment at the selected point, and link it to the profile itself, for example:
If the profile of Bundle Segment 1 at Point.2 (circular profile) is modified to ellipse, the
profile of Bundle Segment 2 will automatically change to ellipse.
Copy Profile across the Bundle Segment: copy the profile type of the
selected point to the other definition points of the bundle segment.
o
o On any point which is not a bundle segment extremity, it allows you to:
Copy Profile across the Bundle Segment: copy the profile type of the
selected point to the other definition points of the bundle segment.
o
o When profiles have been linked by a previous import and link, it allows you to:
Remove Links between Profiles: using this command does not change the
profile at the selected point but unlinks the previously linked profiles.
o For extremity junctions where exactly two branchables meet, it allows you to:
Import Profile at Junction: copy the profile of the connected bundle segment at the
selected point. The profile will be successfully copied. For example, at Point.2 of Bundle
Segment 2 (rectangular profile), you can import the profile of Bundle Segment 1 (circular
profile):
As a result, you get a circular profile for Bundle Segment 1 instead of the original rectangular
profile.
Import and Link Profile at Junction: copy the profile of the connected bundle
segment at the selected point, but the linking operation will not occur. For example: If the profile
of Bundle Segment 1 at Point.2 (circular profile) is modified to ellipse, the profile of Bundle
Segment 2 will automatically change to ellipse. However, segment 1 and segment 2 will remain
as separate bundle segments.
o For extremity junctions where more than two branchables meet:
Import Profile at Junction/Import and Link Profile at Junction: Displays an
error message, as there are more than one profiles to be imported.
o For extremity junctions when a new branchable is created:
The profile at the second extremity of the first bundle segment is the same as the profile of the nearest previous profile.
The profile at the first extremity of the second bundle segment is the same as the profile of the nearest next profile.
And vice versa, when removing a branch point, the profiles at the location of the branch point are removed:
1. Set the bundle segment profile to Any Profile and select the option of interest.
2. Select the bundle segment you want to modify and click Branch Definition .
Radius = sqrt(Max(Area)/PI)
where PI = 3.14159...
and sqrt = square root.
Adaptive support formula behaves this way:
ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS = sqrt(Area_ave/PI)
where Area_ave is an average area along the bundle segment
This is done using the FLEX algorithm. Based on bundle segment properties (length, diameter, etc.), CATIA computes the effective Young
modulus and other input needed by the algorithm (cross section shape, flexibility). The algorithm takes into account protective coverings,
internal splices as well as wires and wire groups:
If no wires nor wire groups are routed, bundle segment stiffness is based on individual bundle segment flexibility
If wires and wire groups are routed, bundle segment stiffness is based on the properties of the wires and wire groups. In this case,
individual bundle segment flexibility is ignored.
If no FLEX solution can be found, a message informs the user and the standard algorithm is used.
The electrical designer can take advantage of all the benefits of the FLEX algorithm while working in exactly the same way as with the
standard algorithm.
Legend:
standard algorithm: yellow
Protective coverings add stiffness. This is taken into account by the FLEX algorithm.
Standard algorithm: FLEX algorithm:
Internal splices add stiffness. The FLEX algorithm takes into account the values for the length and equivalent thickness attributes entered
when defining splices in Electrical Library.
Notes:
You will need to recompute all bundle segments to take into account modifications to length and equivalent thickness of reference
internal splices, and if you replace an internal splice by another.
These functionalities require a FLEX Physical Simulation license.
For more information on this product, see Flex Physical Simulation Overview.
These functionalities are accessed by setting the bundle segment computation mode to FLEX algorithm and adjusting the balance slider.
2. Select the Work with one multi-branchable per geometrical bundle option under Tools > Options > Equipments &
Systems > Electrical Harness Discipline > Electrical Harness Installation > Harness Management tab
4. Click Multi-Branchable Document and set branch parameters in the dialog box that opens.
The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench. The Branch Definition
dialog box opens.
For information on standard options in the dialog box, see Creating a New Multi-Branchable Document and First Branch.
Note that the final slack, length and bend values may not exactly correspond to the user input due to the fact that the FLEX
algorithm is a finite-element algorithm. If this is the case, it can be seen when you change the build mode.
Computing the length of bundle segments in Bend or Slack modes:
o In order to obtain the closest possible correspondence in length when using either standard or FLEX
algorithms, the computed length in Bend and Slack modes takes into consideration the bend radius in order to obtain
an even more realistic bundle segment shape.
o Since the estimated shortest length (corresponding to a slack value of 0) is not directly computed using the
FLEX algorithm, the user can enter a smaller input length when in Length mode. A negative slack value will be
displayed in the Slack(%) box.
5. Click Route Definition and route a bundle segment.
6. Click Apply in the Branch Definition dialog box to compute the bend radius.
In FLEX mode, since the algorithm takes the physical properties of the bundle segment (such as diameter, etc.) as input, rather than
purely mathematical parameters, CATIA computes the effective minimum bend radius. The bend radius, which is therefore no
longer an input, is an attribute of the bundle segment used for checks and can be accessed in knowledge tools.
Status lights show whether or not the computed bend radius satisfies the minimum bend radius entered.
Another build mode becomes available after you have routed a bundle segment: Constrained length
Build Mode - Constrained Length
The constrained length mode helps you minimize the impact on manufacturing. For example, in this mode, modifying the position
of a support in the 3D view will not modify the flattened view or the harness drawing.
This mode lets you keep the same bundle segment length between points, branch points, supports and devices during harness design
and modification, when moving, replacing or deleting a support, device or point.
For example, move this support...
In this mode, you can set the percent tolerance permitted between the initial and final bundle segment length. For example, if
you set this value to 1 and the bundle segment is 100 mm long, then a final length of 101 mm will be tolerated.
Note: In Constrained Length mode, the default accuracy is set to a very high value so that same bundle segment length can be
maintained. The value set for the balance slider is not taken into account.
A message informs you if the modification in bundle segment length exceeds the tolerance and identifies for which branch
this is the case.
This build mode is recommended once you are well advanced in your design because, in this mode, you cannot:
o add slack, supports, devices or branch points
o split bundle segments
o modify the length of a branch
o move a branch point
since these actions impact the length of the bundle segment and CATIA cannot figure out how the user intends to modify this
length.
7. Click Bundle Segment Definition and set bundle segment parameters in the dialog box that opens.
The Bundle Segment Definition dialog box opens. A Flexibility slider has been added in the right-hand pane of the dialog box:
This slider lets you set a value between 1 and 5 to define individual bundle segment stiffness. The lower the value, the stiffer the
bundle segment.
Important: This value is not taken into account if wires and/or wire groups have been routed. In this case, bundle segment stiffness
is based on the properties of wires and/wire groups.
8.
Managing Slack Locally
You can add slack locally at a specific location using the Local Slack command . However, the Ignore Slack option is not supported
by the FLEX algorithm and is not available in the Local Slack Management dialog box.
If you update branches with internal splices that were designed in earlier releases, the branch shape may be slightly different from
that obtained previously because the FLEX algorithm takes internal splices into account.
Simulating the behavior of cables (FLEX) using integrated CAD-CAE tools during the product design process is an important requirement
in the automotive and aerospace industries. Real components such as flexible tubes, hoses, wires and electrical wires are so flexible that
their shape depends totally on the context in which they are used. This behavior has to be correctly taken into account in design and
simulation processes.
Flex Physical Simulation is a product dedicated to simulate flexible slender bodies taking into account their physical properties.
This product provides other applications, such as Electrical Harness Installation, the functionalities needed to model flexible slender bodies
(flex) from the flex definition to its complete flexible behavior in simulation.
Flex Definition
A flex is represented by a:
Cross-Sections
Material properties
Flex Physical Simulation product exhibits particular local deformation modes (behavior) of the flex:
These are examples of more or less flexible flex subjected to gravity with ends imposed to displacements.
FLEX Added Values
The illustrations below aim at showing you the added value of FLEX in terms of realistic shapes.
Legend:
yellow: standard algorithm
You will be able to add other branches to such documents as if they were originally multi-branchable documents.
Editing a Branch
Open a document containing branches created in V5R10 or V5R11.
1. Select a branch.
The Branch Definition dialog box opens allowing you to edit the branch selected.
3. Click OK to validate.
Adding a Branch
Open a document containing branches created with V5R10 or V5R11.
Nothing is selected in the geometry.
A branch is created and the dialog box opens allowing you to define the parameters:
The Branchable document becomes a multi-branchable one (although its name is not changed by the application) and the new
branch 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
not to add either branch points or branches.
Deleting Broken Publications
This task shows you how to clean your multi-branchable document of broken publications. Prefer this method when deleting unused and
broken publications.
Deleting publications manually using Tools > Publication may lead to unpredictable results.
Broken publications have no associated geometry and are not used by the electrical application (for example, extraneous bundle
segment ends, logical terminations). These publications are identified in the specification tree by the broken mask (exclamation
mark on yellow background).
A dialog box displays the list of broken publications found. By default, all elements in the list are set to Remove.
2. Browse the list and double-click elements you want to keep.
o A product which doesn't result from the New Component command (inline product).
BundleSegment1 includes:
o The Bundle Segment1 part that becomes active
o The Flexible Curve.1 belonging to the part, which at this time, does not have any geometrical representation
o
The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench and the Bundle Segment
Definition dialog box opens letting you define segment parameters. The Bundle Segment Definition command is active.
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 ensure 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 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: for example Slack and give a percentage of slack.
o Bend:
The bundle segment length corresponds to the minimum distance between the points defining its route. The Slack(%) and
Length boxes are unavailable.
6.
At this stage, bundle segment parameters are defined.
You now need to route the bundle segment to be able to complete the definition. This operation creates the geometrical representation of the
Flexible Curve.
See Defining the Segment Route which explains how to route bundle segments.
When you create a bundle segment on surfaces (keeping associativity between the bundle segment and the underlying part):
o 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 Reverse.
o The bend radius and the build mode parameters (Mode, Slack(%) and Length) are not taken into account. These parameters
are unavailable.
o Local slack management is not taken into account. Hence, this command is unavailable.
When you create a bundle segment between points created on-the-fly, slack management is not taken into account either.
Routing segments between points, devices and supports (branches and single bundle segments)
Routing segments between points created on-the-fly (branches and single bundle segments)
Routing branches along external curves
Routing single bundle segments on surfaces (this method keeps the associativity with the underlying part)
Creating Construction Constraints to know how to create points used when routing segments
Routing Options
Collapsed Geometry for Bundle Segments and Protective Coverings
Associativity
To take advantage of the associativity between the construction points or part and the bundle segment, make sure the following option is selected:
Open the Tools > Options menu.
Select the Infrastructure > Part Infrastructure item.
In the External References frame of the General tab, check the Keep link with selected object option.
shows that the pointed geometry element (i.e a surface, a device) is in visualization mode. Click once the geometry element, to switch to edition
mode.
An Allow system to use a smaller bend radius value option lets you optimize the bend radius in order to retain the flexible curve.
Keeping a flexible curve (a specific electrical curve) lets you manage slack.
Note: A standard spline does not permit slack management.
Depending on the result, the specification tree is updated according to the following chart:
Note: Working in Cache mode, the bundle segment does not display the icon.
Methodology
Managing Local Slack at Junctions
During the design process, it is recommended that you create separate points (superimposed) for all network branches rather than just one
common point. This will let you adjust slack on individual branches without impacting other branches in the same network.
Note: All points created must have the same reference point, and Link is used to connect branches.
More particularly, when you add slack to branches (using Add Local Slack ):
If the branches are created from the center to the outside of the network
1. Create a new point of type Coordinates, at 0,0,0 and whose reference point is the common point.
2. Place the new point in No Show.
3. Edit the route of the branch to which you do NOT want to add the slack and replace the common point with the new point you just
created.
4. Use Link to reconnect this branch to a branch with the common point.
Then, when you add slack to one branch (in red below):
You obtain something like this:
Electrical Harness Flattening Integration
It is recommended not to change the branch/bundle segment orientation if you work in the context of Electrical Harness Flattening:
3. Under External References, select the Keep link with selected object check box.
4.
4. Click OK to validate.
The point is added to the specification tree in the container named as Geometrical Set.
Defining Construction Points on a Part Surface
Open the FollowOnPart1.CATProduct document.
You cannot route branches on part surfaces using this method. Refer to Routing Segments between Points Created On-the-Fly.
1. Double-click the part to activate Electrical Harness Installation.
2. Click Point .
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.
6. Enter a distance along the reference direction to display a point.
Changing a connector
Open the NewRouting.CATProduct document.
CATIA finds the closest bundle connection point or section on supports, according to
the selection point.
a. A connector on the left equipment
b. The multi-support
The Route Definition dialog box closes and the Branch Definition is displayed afresh.
You cannot route a new branch between intermediate route points of an existing branch. You can only select segment ends of an
existing branch.
Ambiguous means that there are several possibilities for the bundle segment to be routed, for example:
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.
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:
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 options. See Routing 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/cfysm_C2/samples/FreeEdges1.CATPart.
1. Change the Product1 document into a geometrical bundle using Geometrical Bundle .
The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.
The Branch Definition dialog box opens.
Enter the value of your choice for the different parameters.
3. Click Route Definition.
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:
o the radius in Automatic mode,
o the specified value in Manual mode,
o the radius increased with the safety margin value in Automatic with safety margin.
These modes are visible on clicking the More >> in the Route Definition dialog box.
a. Click successively where you want to define the flexible curve.
3. Click OK to validate.
The Route Definition dialog box closes.
The Branch/Bundle Segment Definition dialog box is displayed afresh.
The default value is set to Automatic offset: The flexible curve follows the surface with an offset equal to the bundle segment
radius value.
Automatic with safety margin: The radius of the flexible curve is increased with a safety margin value.
Manual: 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.
Note: You can change the mode for only one point or more.
d. Release the Ctrl key to end the route definition.
7.
In Automatic mode, a branch/bundle segment with a circular profile will keep in contact with the surface when the branch/bundle
segment is modified.
For other profile types, the branch/bundle segment offset will be equal to an equivalent radius computed as follows:
Equivalent radius = sqrt (Area_ave/pi)
Where:
sqrt = square root
Area_ave = average area along the bundle segment
pi = 3.14159
In Automatic with safety margin mode, if a protective covering exists, the offset equals the radius (or equivalent radius in the
case of non circular profiles) of the current bundle segment plus the thickness of the protective covering plus the safety margin
entered by the user.
The branch/bundle segment will not keep in contact with the surface if the surface is modified.
Routing Branches along External Curves
This task shows you how to route branches along external curves.
Routing branches along external curves allows you to use more elaborated geometry than the electrical flexible curve. The external curve
can be created inside or outside the CATPart document.
You cannot route single bundle segments along external curve using this scenario.
Refer to Routing single bundle segments along external curves.
Valid external curves are curves of the following types: spline, line, helix, spiral, split, join, projection, intersection, corner and connected.
Bundle segment geometry is created with the selected curve as center curve.
You can add branch points anywhere along the curve.
Some parameters are unavailable:
o Bend radius
o Build mode (slack, length, bend)
Since the branch center curve is a predefined curve, these parameters are no longer pertinent.
The Electrical Harness Assembly workbench switches to the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.
The Branch Definition dialog box opens:
3. Click the External Curve box and select the curve in the geometry (Part.1):
Reminder: if you are working in Visualization mode, double-click Part.1 to display the curve.
When selecting the external curve in the geometry:
o OK and Apply become available
o The shape is automatically generated
o Route Definition is unavailable: no modification to the external curve route can be made
o Bend Radius and Build Mode are unavailable
o The length of the branch is displayed in the Length box: this is the length of the external curve.
5. Optional, to modify the external curve:
7. Add other branches to join the branch you just defined to connectors.
b. Click Route Definition and select the objects of interest to define the route of the branch.
c. Click OK to validate.
o Local slack management is not taken into account either (Local Slack is not available).
The bundle segment is added to the specification tree: the Curve is created.
Routing Options
You are routing a branch/bundle segment.
You can:
Add a point, a device or a support before or after the object selected in the list, using the corresponding option,
o Select an object in the list.
o Select Add before.
Replace a component selected in the list with another one, for example the other connector of the equipment:
o Click Remove.
The object (here the multi-support) is removed from
the flexible curve.
Geometry on support: to route a bundle segment on a part surface
o Select Geometry on support.
o Click the surface.
o Select the points/supports/devices.
Select a device:
By default the flexible curve is built with tangency condition. Click the red arrow
to reverse the tangent direction.
Select a support:
Orientation management:
Positioning management:
3. Click OK.
The result looks as follows:
Select a point:
Tangent management: Explicit
You can remove or reverse the tangent using the corresponding command buttons.
Slack management:
Automatic: the flexible curve follows the surface with an offset equal to the
bundle segment radius. This is the default value.
Where:
sqrt = square root
Area_ave = average area along the bundle segment
pi = 3.14159
You can change to Manual if you want to define the route at a selected point
with a different offset.
Collapsed Geometry
for Bundle Segments and Protective Coverings
Before V5R15, it was not possible to design a self-intersecting bundle segment.
The bundle segment geometry using a spline with a minimum bend radius smaller than the diameter of the circle was not supported. CATIA
raised a twisted configuration error during update.
These errors can become very troublesome during harness design for these reasons:
After wire routing, bundle segment parameters (Minimum Bend Radius, Diameter) are updated according to the wire list and the
designer is not able to control the geometry creation.
When an error occurs during update, the system stops updating until the designer repairs the problem found. On a big harness it can
really take long time to fix every single problem.
In some specific design cases, collapsed geometry can represent physical situation.
Hence this capability improves the productivity (no more update errors to solve), eases V4 to V5 migration (V4 bundle segments were more
permissive as not integrated in V4 drawing generation) and also enables some real design cases not supported by previous CATIA releases.
1. The creation of self-intersecting geometry for bundle segments and protective coverings is possible.
2. As it is now supported, when the Minimum Bend Radius is smaller than Diameter in the branch definition dialog box, a warning
pops up:
Only protective coverings displayed in Light mode are collapsible. The slot feature created to represent the hole does not handle the
collapsed geometry, even deactivated.
Working Method
R14 Protective Covering Instantiated in R15
You first need to properly upgrade the reference part in the catalog.
Otherwise the instantiated protective covering will not support the collapsed geometry.
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.
Adding a Support
This task shows how to route bundle segments through supports.
This command also works on multi-supports and retainers.
This example uses a support, but it works exactly the same with a retainer.
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 the bundle segment close to the location of interest.
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:
o beyond the selected extremity,
Note: In case of a multi-support, if you select the support instead of a label, the section selected is the closest to the selection point
on the support:
>>
You can add a support to a bundle segment even if it is covered with a protective covering.
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.
You are prompted to select the bundle segment you want to remove from the support.
2. Select Bundle Segment1.
This command cannot be used for retainers and adaptive supports since bundle segments are automatically positioned in these
supports and cannot be re-arranged.
2. Select a support.
The Arrange Bundle Segments dialog box appears. Bundle segments routed through the selected support are listed.
The selected bundle segment is highlighted in the geometry area.
When the Reframe button is clicked, the view point is modified so that the user can rearrange the segments more easily by having
a face view of the support.
When you select the support and click on the Arrange Bundle Segments icon, the view point is modified
automatically and at the end of the command, the initial view point is retrieved.
Selecting the Show advanced parameters check box in the Arrange Bundle Segments dialog box displays the parameters
of the bundle segment in the geometry area.This option is selected by default.
o If you select a support that has been created previous to V5R17, a warning message is displayed.
o If you want to convert a support created previous to V5R17:
Open the support in the Electrical Part Design workbench.
Click Define Support Part in the Electrical Support Definition toolbar.
If the selected support has a Published Ref Line (displayed in the specification tree),
but the bundle segment point on this support is still a Point on Plane, we identify it as a converted
support.
Selecting the converted support should automatically migrate the original arrangement
to the new model.
o
3. Click Reframe to center the 3D view on the selected support and set the support parallel to the screen.
4. Select the Activate/Deactivate clipping plane check box to better visualize the selected support.
U and V axes are displayed in the geometry area. The origin of the 2D U,V axis system is positioned on the center of the support.
The outer and optimum diameters are also displayed.
When the clipping plane is activated, a circle is displayed to highlight the cross-sections of each passing segments. These cross-
sections will get the color of their irrespective segment.
When the clipped view is rotated, you can observe that the centre curves of the bundle segments temporarily disappear.
o The circles representing each segment sections, will have a diameter equal to the diameter of the larger
covering protection at the support location.
o The manipulators move freely in all directions, but the U and V parameters value are still displayed in the 3D
as well as in the dialog box.
o The segment geometries are updated only after clicking the Apply button. This improves the overall
performances.
o The Outer diameter of all bundle segments routed through the support.
It is computed as follows: Outer diameter = 2*Max (distance (O, Oi) + Ri)
where:
O is the center of the support
Oi is the center of bundle segment i
Ri is the radius of bundle segment i
The outer diameter represents the smallest circle whose center is O that contains all bundle segments routed through
the selected support.
This value is updated each time the U,V parameters are changed.
o The Optimal diameter is computed as follows:
Optimal diameter = 1.15*sqrt (sum of ((segment_radius'*2)**2))
This value takes into account the deformation of bundle segments when tied together in a support.
Note that protective coverings are not taken into account for computed diameters.
5. In the geometry area, move the bundle segment to the desired location inside the support.
Use the green tool to assist you move the bundle segment to the desired location along U and V axes. This tool
is positioned on the center of the bundle segment. U, V parameters give the distance of the bundle segment
from the center of the support.
U,V parameters in the dialog box are updated accordingly.
You can also arrange the bundle segment inside the support by modifying the U,V parameters
directly in the dialog box.
6. Select another bundle segment in the list and adjust to desired location inside the support.
The entire bundle segment is highlighted in the geometry area.
7. Repeat as necessary to arrange all bundle segments routed through the selected support.
The bundle segment arrangement can only be propagated to other supports in the route provided they
contain the same bundle segments and are of the same type (i.e. same part number). Supports meeting
these conditions are listed in the dialog box. They are also identified by a Propagate ON label in the
geometry area. You can choose to individually propagate the arrangement to some of these supports.
A contextual menu in the Propagate Arrangement list also lets you toggle the status from ON to OFF and
vice-versa.
9. Optionally, select Propagate to keep the same bundle segment arrangement in all selected supports in the route.
You are prompted to select a support. This support is the reference support; the bundle segment arrangement in this support will be
copied to all other selected supports in the route, provided they contain the same bundle segments and are of the same type (i.e.
same part number).
o Green text Propagate ON identifies supports that can be re-arranged. Double-clicking the text changes the label to
Propagate OFF ; the support will retain the previous arrangement.
o Red text Propagate OFF identifies supports that cannot be re-arranged.
This command does not support retainers and adaptive supports since bundle segments are automatically positioned in
these supports and cannot be re-arranged.
2. Optionally, double-click Propagate ON labels to toggle them to Propagate OFF to retain the original arrangement.
3. Click anywhere in the geometry area to propagate the bundle segment arrangement of the reference support to all other selected
supports, and exit the command.
To do so:
o Click Define Support and select the part.
o 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).
o Repeat these steps for the second side.
Note: 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.
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 document using Multi-Branchable Document .
CATIA switch to Electrical Harness Installation workbench.
When you select the retainer, CATIA finds the closest entry point for the branch, according to the selection point.
The formula is automatically generated under the root product of the document, if the EHISUPPORT-RefBasePlane publication is
detected:
o The limit points of the protective covering 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.
This command is available for both branches and single bundle segments.
This command is unavailable when routing single bundle segments on part surfaces (keeping the associativity with the underlying part).
Open the LocalSlack.CATProduct document.
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.
6. Select Add slack, enter 10mm in the Slack definition field and click OK.
o The slack ignored between two points displays a label located in its middle.
8.
Slack is always added between the point selected and the following one according to the construction order.
To adjust slack on individual branches without impacting other branches in the same network, see Managing Slack at Junctions.
You can modify a slack at a specific location on a bundle segment even if it is covered with a protective covering.
Harness Covering
Dedicated commands let you to add protective coverings over bundle segments as well as change the default relationships between protective
coverings, adaptative supports, retainers and bundle segments.
If you want to privilege performance and ease-of-manipulation, use Light Protective Covering.
If you want to add protective coverings to several branches, or across different multi-branchable documents, use Protective
Covering.
If you want to add protective coverings to several branches, or across different multi-branchable
documents, use Protective Covering.
There are four types of light protection coverings:
o Fixed Diameter
o Adaptive Diameter
o Corrugated tube
o Tape
There are two types of regular protection coverings:
o Corrugated tube
o Tape
Tape Parameters:
Note:
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.
It lets you choose the protective covering reference you want to apply, using the catalog browser.
where:
Angle is the taping angle value.
Height is the bundle segment length covered by the tape.
NbLayers is the number of layers.
where:
Width is the tape width.
Radius is the bundle segment radius.
Thickness is the tape thickness.
Angle is the taping angle value.
About Supports, Bend Radius, and Integration With Other Electrical Products:
Supports can be added to bundle segments covered with a protective covering. If the support is
adaptative, its parameters will be linked to the protective covering outer diameter.
The protective covering bend radius is not taken into account when computing the bundle
segment using the standard algorithm. It is only used with the FLEX algorithm.
However, this parameter lets you create knowledge rules.
This functionality is integrated with the wire routing (EWR): when routing wires into bundle
segments covered with a protective covering, the bundle segment diameter updates as well as
the protective covering's.
This functionality is also integrated with the drawing extraction (EHF): the protective coverings
are displayed in the drawing sheet.
The Browse window is integrated to the Light Protective Covering command through the Light Protective Covering dialog box.
It lets you select catalogs stored in database when working in ENOVIA context.
Open any document containing at least a geometrical bundle.
1. In the Electrical Harness Installation workbench, click Light Protective Covering in the Internal Protection toolbar.
For information on Tape Parameters, see About Protective Coverings.
You can instantiate protective coverings created using both the Define Protection Product and the Define Protection
Part commands in the Electrical Library workbenches. However, if you use Define Protection Part, the customization
of the reference part is not kept when instantiated.
a. Open the catalog browser:
To do so:
b. An alternative is to use the Catalog Browser from the toolbar, select the protective covering then drag and drop
it onto the bundle segment:
Supports can be added to bundle segments covered with a protective covering. If the support is adaptative, its
parameters will be linked to the protective covering outer diameter.
c.
3. In the specification tree, select one or more bundle segments to be covered with the protective covering.
o In case of multi-selection, the bundle segments must belong to the same branch.
You can select normal bundle segments, as long as they are contiguous.
o Light Protective Covering is a feature of a multi-branchable document, and it covers bundle segments in one
branch only.
The Protective Covering Information is updated in the dialog box, and the protective covering start and end points are
displayed in the geometry.
2. Drag the Start Extremity or End Extremity label to modify the location of the internal protection.
o The End Extremity here is modified.
o The protective covering turns to red informing you that it needs to be updated.
o The protection extremity is editable all along the branch.
o You can also double-click any one extremity to re-limit the protective covering.
3. Click Invert to invert the position of the protection extremity to the other side of the reference point while
maintaining the same distance from the reference point.
2. The light protective covering is added as a separate feature to the specification tree under the multi-branchable feature:
Light Protective Coverings integrate the collapsed geometry behavior (as applicable for external protections).
When you instantiate a customized internal protection (consisting of user defined parameters, relations, or rules), these
parameters, relations or rules are added to the specification tree (under internal protection node). A view of the specification
tree shows these parameters and relations added under the Product1.1 node:
Adding Protective Coverings
This task shows how to add protective coverings created using the Define Protection Part command in the Electrical Library
workbenches and stored in a catalog.
Make sure you use Electrical Harness Assembly workbench when modifying the protective covering.
The bundle segments must belong to a geometrical bundle for this command to work properly.
The Browse window is integrated to the Protective Covering command through the Protective Covering dialog box. It lets you select
catalogs stored in database when working in ENOVIA context.
Open any document containing at least a geometrical bundle.
1. In the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench, click Protective Covering .
It lets you:
o choose the protective covering reference you want to apply, using the catalog browser,
o select the bundle segments on which the protective covering will be applied,
o remove bundle segments from the selection
o define tape parameters.
2. Select the catalog then the protective covering you want to instantiate.
You can only instantiate protective coverings created using the Define Protection Part command in the Electrical
Library workbenches.
a. Open the catalog browser:
To do so:
Click and navigate to the catalog, for example:
.../online/cfysm_C2/samples/ElectricalSession/catalog.
Double-click the protective covering.
The catalog browser closes and the selected protective covering displays in the upper right corner of the primary window.
b. An alternative is to use the catalog browser from the toolbar, select the protective covering then drag and drop it
onto the bundle segment:
c.
2. Select one or more bundle segments to be covered with the protective covering:
Notes:
In case of multi-selection, the bundle segments must belong to the same geometrical bundle.
You can select both normal bundle segments and branches , as long as they are contiguous.
The dialog box updates and the protective covering start and end points display in the geometry.
3. Double-click one extremity to re-limit the protective covering.
o the protective covering turns to red informing you that it needs to be updated.
3. Click OK to validate the re-limitation of the protective covering.
The Adjust command lets you change the relationship between protective tape, adaptative supports and retainers, and the components they
cover: bundle segments and protective coverings. For example, you can re-position protective tape placed on top of a bundle segment and
have it placed over another protective covering added to the same bundle segment at a later date. Note that the graphical representation of
the protective tape, adaptative support or retainer reflects the relationships defined between components.
This gives you a better representation of components as well as accurate information letting you plan for manufacturing. Knowing which
component is on top of which other component means you can deduce the placement order of protective coverings and supports during the
process planning stage.
Note: Standard supports and corrugated tube come in fixed diameters and are positioned with respect to the bundle segment routed inside
them. By default, they are the outermost components. However, you can place protective tape over these components using the Adjust
command.
This task shows how to change relationships between components covering the harness.
In our example, select the yellow protective tape covering the bundle segment.
3. Select the component you want to place it over:
Notice that the adaptative support is still placed over the corrugated tube, and under the protective tape.
5. Adjust the adaptative support so that it is placed on top of the protective tape you have just extended.
6.
Important
You cannot place a single protective covering over several bundle segments.
You cannot place supports over other supports.
By default, standard supports and corrugated tubes are the outermost components. However, protective tape can be placed over
these components using the Adjust command.
You can only place light protective coverings over light protective coverings in the same multi-branchable document. You can also
only place regular protective coverings over regular protective coverings.
Protective coverings have a uniform circular shape over the entire length of the covering. This means that:
o The shape of protective coverings does not change to match the shape of other protective coverings or supports that
are placed over it:
o Protective tape may clash with supports:
o The inner diameter of corrugated tube does not change to match the different diameters of a bundle segment. The
diameter remains constant.
Radius = sqrt(Max(Area)/PI)
where PI = 3.14159...
and sqrt = square root.
Link bundle segments: Click Link and select the bundle segment you want to link to another bundle segment or a device.
Unlink bundle segments: Click Unlink and select a bundle segment extremity to unlink all the elements.
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.
If the Geometrical link option is not activated, only the electrical link is created.
1. Click Link in the Management toolbar.
You are prompted to select the bundle segment you want to connect.
o CATIA finds the closest bundle segment extremity according to the selection point.
o If you click Link , and move the mouse over a bundle segment that is already linked:
All the bundle segment extremities connected to the selected bundle segment are
highlighted.
A yellow circle with a Connected Extremity label is displayed at the
extremities.
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.
1. Click Link .
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.
2. Select Bundle Segment1 close to the extremity to be connected.
>> The extremity is highlighted:
>>
This applies to multi-branchable and single bundle segments. However, you cannot unlink bundle segments within a branch.
You are prompted to select the bundle segment extremity you want to disconnect.
o CATIA finds the closest bundle segment extremity according to the selection point.
o Move the mouse over the bundle segment that is already linked:
All the bundle segment extremities connected to the selected bundle segment are highlighted.
A yellow circle with a Connected Extremity label is displayed at the extremities.
2. Select the bundle segment you have just disconnected: Bundle Segment1
3.
For more information, refer to Viewing Related Objects.
You can delete a connection between bundle segments or between a connector and a bundle segment even if the bundle segments are
covered with a protection.
Create/modify segments within a branch: Cut a bundle segment into more segments within a branch and manage diameter and color for each
section.
Remove branch points: Click Remove Branch Point to remove a branch point and merge the bundle segments.
Delete unused branch points: This contextual command proposes a special behavior when deleting branches if branch points, splices or
wires are contained in the branch.
Add branch points: Click Add Branch Point and select the branch to which you want to add a branch point.
Remove branch points: Click Remove Branch Point and select the branch point you want to remove.
Delete unused branch points: Click Delete Special and select the branch containing branch points you want to delete.
Connecting Segments
Connect segments at branch points: Click Multi-Branchable Document or Bundle Segment, define segment parameters then when routing
the segment, select a branch point.
Creating/Modifying Segments within a Branch
This task explains how to create/modify 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.
See also Modifying the bundle segment or protective covering geometry and formulas.
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 segments at branch points and manage the bundle segment diameter and color for each section.
You've already created a multi-branchable document.
The Branch Definition dialog box is still open.
1. Click Bundle Segment.
o Name
o Diameter
o Color.
The Extremity Management becomes available where you can modify the coordinates.
The Visualization Management allows you to reframe the geometry on the selection.
7.
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.
Using non electrical commands to modify electrical data may lead to inconsistencies when compared to the behavior implemented by electrical commands.
Directly editing, modifying and replacing either geometrical features created automatically (splits, curves, etc.) or formulas must be done with caution. Note that
restructuring or reordering these features may also lead to unpredictable results.
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:
3. Click OK to validate.
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.
You can remove a branch point on a bundle segment even if it is covered with a protective covering.
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.
Deleting Unused Branch Points
When a branch is unlinked or deleted, if branch points are no longer used, the system can 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 is because it would leave broken links to wires or
splices.
A Delete Special command , enabling direct selection in the geometry area, is available in both Electrical Harness Assembly and
Electrical Harness Installation workbenches.
This command is also available through the Branchable.x object > Delete Special... contextual menu in Electrical Harness
Assembly.
1. Select the branch you want to delete in the specification tree: here Branch 2.
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:
Click OK to validate.
The result looks like this:
o 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.
4.
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
include it.
This functionality only works for multi-branchable documents and branches, not for single bundle segments.
You can select a branch to delete even if the branch is covered with a protective covering.
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.
5. Click OK to validate.
CATIA finds the closest bundle segment extremity according to the selection point.
The branch point is highlighted.
A message displays:
3. Click OK to validate.
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.
Split branches: Click Split and select the branch you want to split.
Split single bundle segments: Click Split and select the single bundle segment you want to split.
Splitting Branches
This task shows how to split a branch into two. A new branch is created.
This operation may prove useful in the context of the configuration management in ENOVIA: It allows you to prepare the transfer of a
branch to another multi-branchable document.
Refer to Split and Transfer Usage.
This scenario is available for branches in multi-branchable documents only.
Create the necessary branches using the DemoGS.CATProduct document.
It looks like this for example:
1. Click Split .
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.
o CATIA finds the closest branch point according to the selection point.
o In case there is no branch point available, CATIA proposes to create a new one.
o
3. Keep the first option 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:
The dialog box opens:
6. Enter 0.25 for example for the ratio and click OK to validate.
The result looks like this:
A new bundle segment (Bundle Segment 5) has been created in Branchable1.1.
7.
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:
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.
You can split a branch even if it is covered with a protective covering.
Splitting Single Bundle Segments
This task shows how to split a bundle segment with more than two route points. A new bundle segment is created at the cutting point.
This scenario is available for single bundle segments only.
To split branches, see Splitting Branches.
Open the InSupport.CATProduct document.
1. Click Split .
You are prompted to select the bundle segment in order to define the cutting point.
o The bundle segment will split using a construction point.
o CATIA finds the closest bundle segment construction point according to the selection point.
o In case the closest bundle segment construction point is an extremity, CATIA uses the second closest one.
The bundle segment is split into two: a new bundle segment (Bundle Segment2) has been created.
After the split, the tangent continuity between the bundle segments is maintained.
3.
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.
Note that OK remains unavailable as long as no multi-branchable document has been selected.
2. Choose the Selection mode, Automatic for example.
3. Select one or more branches 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:
You cannot transfer a branch to another multi-branchable document if it is covered by an internal protective covering.
Split and Transfer Usage
In the industrial process, the designer first creates the 150% harness (also named maximum harness). This allows him:
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.
This command will prove useful for versioning and configuration purposes as well as when re-using existing harnesses.
This command is only available if the document you are editing comes from ENOVIA.
2. Select the geometrical bundle or the electrical bundle you want to duplicate.
If your selection does not meet the appropriate requirement, then an error message is displayed.
3. In the dialog box that appears, enter the suffix to add to new reference harness components.
The suffix is added to geometrical bundles, electrical bundles, multi-branchable documents and protective coverings, but not to
devices and supports.
A new window appears showing duplicated data. The window with the original data is closed.
4.
If you duplicated a geometrical bundle, a new geometrical bundle having the same content is generated.
If you duplicated an electrical bundle, a new document containing an electrical bundle and the associated geometrical bundle is generated.
Notes:
All instances of devices, supports, and wires from catalogs are re-instantiated in the new document.
All instances of multi-branchable documents, adaptive supports, and protective coverings generate new references that are
instantiated in the new document. All relations (constraints, contextual design and electrical connections) are kept.
o In the context of the Electrical Harness product, you can select a plane, a point or a spline.
o Whatever the number of elements, at least one spline must be selected.
o They must be ordered from one end to the other.
o They must be in an electrical part (connector, equipment, bundle segment, support, back shell, protective
covering, etc.)
o 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.
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 area,
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.
Associativity
If an object taking part in the curvilinear dimension is moved in the 3D geometry area, 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:
o On the bundle segment centerline: this point will be used as an extremity of the annotated length.
o On a support: the projection of the point on the bundle centerline will be used as an extremity of the annotated length.
o On a connector: a straight line will be added to this point from the bundle centerline extremity.
Selection of a plane:
o 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.
o On a connector: a perpendicular line between the bundle centerline extremity and the plane will be added.
It also relies on the mass of the wires routed in the bundle segments and on the mass of the protective coverings. These parameters are
calculated using a specific command described below.
For the bundle segments, the branches and the protective coverings, 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 Measure
Inertia in the Measure toolbar.
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 branches is the sum of the mass of the bundle segments it aggregates.
the mass of the protective coverings (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 protective coverings.
2. Click the geometrical bundle or electrical bundle for which you want to calculate the inertia parameters.
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:
it can be:
o a geometrical bundle,
o 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
This section deals with the following procedures:
Equivalents are user parameters set using the Knowledgeware formula command under parts or products and imported from text (*txt)
or Excel (*xls) files.
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:
3. Click Apply.
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 false
Equivalent_IsVolume true
Equivalent_Area 6m2
Equivalent_Volume 1m3
Equivalent_Mass 1000kg
Equivalent_COGx 75mm
Equivalent_COGy -10mm
Equivalent_COGz -25mm
Equivalent_MatGxx 50000gxmm2
Equivalent_MatGyy 50000gxmm2
Equivalent_MatGzz 50000gxmm2
Equivalent_MatGxy 0gxmm2
Equivalent_MatGxz 0gxmm2
Equivalent_MatGyz 0gxmm2
In Excel files, simply list property names and values in two separate columns.
4. Select the text or Excel file containing the inertia equivalents in the file selection dialog box, then click Open.
o To display parameters in the specification tree, select the Parameters checkbox Display in Specification Tree in
the Display tab of the Options dialog box (Tools > Options > Infrastructure > Part Infrastructure).
7.
Methodology
Migrating Step by Step...
V4 - V5 Mapping
Reference 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
Bundle segment migration mode
Isolated mock-up solids migration.
Tools > Options... > General > Compatibility > Migration Batch tab
Tools > Options... > General > Compatibility > Electrical tab
and 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.
d. Click on the Change Target Directory button to specify the location of the Default target directory.
g. Change the Migration mode of SET and SOLID Element types as As Spec by clicking on the As Spec button in the
PLMV4ToV5Migration dialog box.
h. Ensure that the Migrate radio button is checked.
i. Browse and specify the location of the Target Directory in the Output section and click Next button.
j. Check the Set and Ditto check boxes in the Structuring Element section of the PLMV4ToV5Migration dialog box.
k. Select the conversion mode as SPACE only from the Conversion mode list.
l. Select the Interface location as Electrical in the Migration Interface section of the PLMV4ToV5Migration dialog box.
m. Click Next
Setting up the Geometrical Bundle Migration Mode
a. Still in the Interactive Options dialog box, select the Electrical tab.
a. Still in the Interactive 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.
o as CGR: the SolidM conversion as CGR means that you will only get the meshing view (visualization mode).
as CGR is the default value.
o as PartBody: the SolidM conversion as PartBody means that you will be able to see the geometry of the solid to edit
it.
c.
3. Once you have selected your options, click OK to validate.
You are back in the MigrateV4ToV5 dialog box.
Once the options are set up, you can launch the migration batch.
For more information on the Migration Batch, also refer to the V4 Integration User's Guide - User Tasks - Migration in Batch Mode.
1. Select Tools > Utility...
The Batch Monitor window opens.
9. Change the Migration mode of SET and SOLID Element types as As Spec by clicking on the As Spec button in the
PLMV4ToV5Migration dialog box.
10. Ensure that the Migrate radio button is checked.
11. Browse and specify the location of the Target Directory in the Output section and click Next button.
12. Check the Set and Ditto check boxes in the Structuring Element section of the PLMV4ToV5Migration dialog box.
13. Select the conversion mode as SPACE only from the Conversion mode list.
14. Select the Interface location as Electrical in the Migration Interface section of the PLMV4ToV5Migration dialog box.
After the migration of electrical parts from V4 to V5, the part number is stored in the file name of the respective CATPart file.
A screen-shot of the Properties dialog box, after the migration, showing the part number is as shown below:
During the V4 to V5 migration, the migration mode in case of a flexible curve of the bundle segment is automatically switched to As
Result when the migration in the As Spec mode causes modifications in shape or length. This change in migration results in a
datum curve creation in V5 which is not editable. To to edit it you need to reroute the branch.
All the unnecessary files created during the migration process are deleted after the migration from V4 to V5.
If the V4 electrical data to be migrated to V5 contains protections, these are converted to internal protections, and are visible as
Internal Protection under the Multibranchable node in the specification tree.
The Multi-branchable document option under the Tools > Options > Compatibility > Electrical tab should be
selected.
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 GBN ElecGeoBundle
definition
No attributes
Attributes of BNS
MODE Elec_Creation_Mode
BENDRAD Elec_Bend_Radius
Associated objects
BPP ElecBundleConnectionPoint
Attributes
SURLONG Extra Length If valuated, set the extra length of the corresponding ETN in all other dittos of the same device in the V4 model to
(ETN only) the same value.
Attributes of CSL
Associated object
BPP ElecBundleConnectionPoint
Attribute
Object SPT Mechanical Part linked to bundle segments Standard migration for geometry
definition
SPS a point and two planes
Attribute
Attribute
The electrical behavior is added to the geometry of the converted equipments, connector shells and single insert connectors.
The terminal strip (TS) is not migrated. Only the geometry appears with no electrical behavior.
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 product or a component depending on the migration mode option selected,
Depending on the selected option:
o Each BNS becomes a CATPart, if Bundle segments is chosen
o All the BNSs of a GBN are stored in the same CATPart, if Multi-branchable document is chosen.
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.
Known Restrictions
About Bundle Segment Migration
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:
o 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
o 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.
o To connect an equipment to a mounting equipment, a cavity connection point must be added to the mounting equipment,
using Electrical Library.
Connector Shell
o To connect a connector to a connector shell, a cavity must be added to the connector shell for each connector, using
Electrical Library.
o 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.
Terminal Block
o To connect a terminal block a mounting equipment or an item of equipment, a cavity connection point must be added to the
terminal block using Electrical Library.
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.
For the time being, the V4 sessions (.session) are not migrated.
This evolution is under development.
Interoperability with ENOVIA V5
In the context of ENOVIA V5, you must first clear the Use root context in assembly check box, 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 Questions
This section gives you information about questions you may have when migrating Electrical V4 data.
Copy/Paste
The electrical technology is not migrated
The bundle segment migration mode is deactivated
The geometry is partially migrated
How to migrate a V4 library
How to limit the number of CATPart documents
CPP information is missing
How multi-directional support are migrated
Unusable geometry for V5 bundle segment: "twisted configuration"
What happens when migrating at the same time several models containing the same device
I cannot migrate the .session V4 document
I cannot migrate the V4 document as Result
Copy/Paste
Copy/Paste only copies the geometry and does not migrate the technology.
Use the Migration Batch to take advantage of the electrical technology.
Note: It is recommended to limit the number of V4 devices to one hundred per model.
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.
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.
This document explains the external data exchange capabilities available in the electrical workbenches.
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
Environment Settings
Make sure the options are set up as follows:
1. Select the Tools > Options... command then in the Infrastructure category, click Part Infrastructure.
This makes possible the contextual links between the bundle segments and the geometry when creating the harness.
3. Then in the Equipment & Systems > Electrical Harness Discipline category, click the Electrical Harness
Installation workbench. Click the Harness Management tab:
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.
o 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/cfysm_C2/samples/ElectricalIntegration/
ElecIntegration.catalog
1. Switch to the Electrical Assembly Design workbench or Electrical Wire Routing workbench .
2. Click External Systems .
The System Selection dialog box displays with the XML files available:
4. Click OK to validate.
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, 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.
o Shells.
You can filter the list:
o Show all devices: the list displays all the devices referenced in the external data file, even if they are not placed
in the geometry.
o Show only devices not present in session: the list displays only the devices placed in the geometry.
o 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.
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.
o The equipment and connector PartNumbers in the XML file must correspond to items in the V5 catalog.
o The equipment must have a cavity with a defined name in the V5 catalog.
o The connector name in the XML file must correspond to a cavity name of the V5 equipment.
For more information, refer to Managing Links from External Data (under Working with External Systems) in the Electrical
Library User's Guide.
5. Repeat these steps for the second equipment: Battery 6Volts.2.
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.
The result looks like this:
You will now connect the male connectors to the batteries.
The parent product, common to both devices to be connected, must be active.
Select successively the connector connection point of both connectors to link them.
13.
Placing Internal Splices
This task explains how to place internal splices anywhere inside the bundle segment, under the covering.
To do so:
These steps are detailed in the Basic Tasks section of the Electrical Harness Installation User's guide - Creating the Bundle
Segment Document.
The result looks like this:
You will now place the internal splices inside the bundle segments.
4. Switch to Electrical Assembly Design workbench .
7. Click Place.
Since a mapping has been defined, the catalog browser opens with the predefined internal splice:
Let's see an example: A wire is routed between Connector1 and the splice.
In this case, the splice is linked to Extremity2. The wire is only routed in the BundleSegment1. An extra length is added to
the wire between Extremity2 and the splice: BundleSegment2 diameter is not recalculated.
In this one, the splice is linked to Extremity1. The wire is routed in both BundleSegment1 and BundleSegment2:
BundleSegment2 diameter is recalculated and updated.
10. Move then click to place the internal splice.
You can also modify the offset in the dialog box.
11. Click OK.
A system.
To do so:
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 Automatic Routing .
The wire list opens with connectivity and attribute information:
For the wires available in the list, you get the following information:
o The wire name
o The wire reference designator
o The wire external diameter
o The wire bend radius
o Whether or not the wire is routed
o Whether or not wire extremities have been found, or changed.
The routing options allow you to use or not the knowledge rule.
2. Select one or more wires and click the right arrow.
The selected wires shift to the right column: they will be routed.
3. Click Route.
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 wire groups, wires, connectors at their extremities, equipment, etc.
5. Click Save.
An .xml file is created.
Note that wire groups and wires are exported by harness (electrical bundle).
The data exported is:
Wire group properties, particularly the wire group length computed from the 3D geometry.
The wire group length is the length of the longest wire in the wire group (taking into account the extra pin length). The wire group
length takes a wire length coefficient into account (allowing for twisted wires) when the group is routed between two connectors.
Wire properties, particularly the wire length computed from the 3D geometry.
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.
The Reference Designator attribute can be modified in both electrical and mechanical application workbenches. The value is
synchronized by using a knowledgeware rule when it is changed in either one of the two applications.
Create a knowledge rule to keep both the attributes synchronized. The rule should ensure that when one of the duplicate attributes is
modified, the related attribute is updated. You can write the rule such that a message is displayed whenever the attribute is changed.
The rule should be triggered from Edit > Properties against the object being edited.
Triggering the rule is managed by using the Project Resource Management (PRM) command. For more information on Project
Resource Management, see Tubing Design User's Guide: Customizing: Project Resource Management.
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:
o Equipment.CATProduct will be modified
4.
Notes:
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.
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 contents of the document. 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.
This command also 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 selected, that is to say when Select is active.
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.
The Current Selection 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:
o On the left is the parent object (Assembly meaning).
It represents the container object.
o On the right are the children objects (Assembly meaning), connected to the Bundle Segment4.1. They represent the
contents.
Elec_DistanceCommon
DistanceWireProduct
ListAllOuterLayerObjects
ListDirectlyCoveredObjects
ListDirectlyOuterLayerObjects
ListUsedSupports
ListUsedSupportWithAbscissa
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 Measure and go to the Knowledge Environment tab.
2. Select ElectricalMeasure from the list of available packages and click the Down arrow to load this package:
3. Click OK to validate. You will be prompted to restart the application.
Elec_DistanceCommon
Syntax
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 select two wires in the specification tree and click OK to validate.
The following message displays:
DistanceWireProduct
Syntax
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:
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:
ListAllOuterLayerObjects (ElecBundleSegmentExtremity:Feature,Offset:Real,ListOfAllCoveringProducts(Protections/Supports):out
List):Boolean
Returns an ordered list of protective coverings and supports that cover the bundle segment at the point of interest.
The point of interest is defined by specifying from which end of the bundle segment and entering an offset in mm.
Example
A check (in KWE advanced language) to determine the protective coverings and supports at 150 mm from end 1 (Extremity 1) of the bundle
segment is written as follows:
ListDirectlyCoveredObjects
Syntax
Returns the list of bundle segments, protective coverings and/or supports directly under the component (protective covering or support) you want
to analyze.
If the component you want to analyze is not a protective covering or a support, the list returned will be empty.
Example
A check (in KWE advanced language) to determine the list of bundle segments, protective coverings and supports under corrugated tube C is
written as follows:
Running this check returns:
ListDirectlyOuterLayerObjects
Syntax
Returns the list of outer layers of protective coverings and/or supports directly over the component (bundle segment, protective covering or
support) you want to analyze.
If the component you want to analyze is not a bundle segment, protective covering or a support, the list returned will be empty.
Example
A check (in KWE advanced language) to determine the list of outer layers that directly cover the bundle segment in the example is written as
follows:
Running this check returns:
The name of the component analyzed, in our case, the bundle segment.
The number of outer layers over the bundle segment:
Only 3 are found because corrugated tube B does not directly cover the bundle segment since it covers corrugated tube C.
Followed by the names of these components:
ListUsedSupports
Syntax
Returns the list of supports through which a bundle segment or multi-branchable document is routed.
Example
The example shows a multi-branchable document containing two bundle segments, each routed through seven supports.
A rule (in KWE advanced language) to determine the number and names of the supports through which each bundle segment is routed is written
as follows:
Solving this rule returns:
ListUsedSupportWithAbscissa
Syntax
Returns the list of supports in the order in which they are located along the center curve of the bundle segment from the first extremity of the said
segment. Two other lists are output: entry point coordinates and exit point coordinates of each support.
Syntax
Returns the list of supports in the order in which they are located along the center curve of the branch from the first extremity of the said
segment. Two other lists are output: entry point coordinates and exit point coordinates of each support.
Example
An expert rule (created using Knowledge Expert) to determine the list of all the supports located along all segments in the document that also
outputs support entry and exit point coordinates:
VisualMode
Syntax
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.
This function is only available for bundle segments belonging to multi-branchable documents.
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 and route wires but the split, transfer and add branch point commands are not
supported.
To know more about these commands, refer to Electrical Harness Installation - Working with Branches, Splitting Branches and
Transferring Branches.
ListIntSpliceWithAbscissa
Syntax
Returns the list of internal splices in the order in which they are located along the center curve of the bundle segment from the first extremity of
the said segment. Two other lists are output: entry point coordinates and exit point coordinates of each internal splice.
Syntax
Returns the list of internal splices in the order in which they are located along the center curve of the branch from the first extremity of the said
segment. Two other lists are output: entry point coordinates and exit point coordinates of each internal splice.
InstantiateInternalProtection
Syntax
Instantiates a light protective covering from a segment extremity with a given length.
The Protection type can be InternalTape (light tape protective covering), InternalAdaptive (light adaptive protective covering), InternalCorrugate
(light corrugated tube) or InternalFixed (light fixed diameter protective covering).
The protective covering is instantiated in the document containing the segment extremity.
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 Measure and go to the Knowledge Environment tab.
2. Select Electrical from the list of available packages and click the Down arrow to load this package:
3. Click OK to validate.
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.
BackShell
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Back Shell type that you create when you select Define Back Shell 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.
Attributes
Branchable
Description
Describes an electrical feature of a branch when you click Branch Definition .
For more information, refer to the Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide.
The Branchable type defines the electrical properties of a branch.
BundlePositionPoint
Description
Describes an 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.
Attributes
Elec_Slack Type: Double
Defines the slack length at the bundle segment position point.
Bundle
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Bundle type that you create when you click New Bundle in the Electrical Wire Routing workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Wire Routing User's Guide.
Attributes
BundleSegment
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Bundle Segment type that you create when you select either Bundle Segment or Multi-Branchable
Document in the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide.
Attributes
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.
Elec_FullConnected Type: Boolean
Is True if both bundle segment extremities are connected.
BundleSegmentExtremity
Description
Describes the end of an electrical feature of Bundle Segment type. When a bundle segment is created, it automatically has two ends.
Attributes
Cavity
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Cavity type that you create when you click Define Cavity in the Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
Attributes
CommandSignal
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Command Signal type that you create when you select command signal 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
Attributes
ConnectorShell
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Connector Shell type that you create when you click Define Connector 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.
Attributes
Contact
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Contact type that you create when you click Define Contact 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.
Attributes
CorrugatedTube
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Corrugated Tube type that you create when you click Define Protective Covering 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.
Attributes
Equipment
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Equipment type that you create when you click Define Equipment 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.
Attributes
Elec_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.
ExternalSplice
Description
Describes an electrical feature of External Splice type that you create when you click Define Connector 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
FillerPlug
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Filler Plug type that you create when you click Define Filler Plug in the Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
ContactPoint
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Contact Point type that you create when you select Contact Points 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.
Attributes
FunctionalConnector
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Functional Connector type that you create when you select Functional Connectors 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.
Attributes
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
Defines the functional connector reference to an external library.
FunctionalEquipment
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Functional Equipment type that you create when you select Functional Equipment 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.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature > ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Geometrical Bundle
Description
Describes an electrical feature of a geometrical bundle when you click Geometrical Bundle in the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Harness Installation 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.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature > ProductPackage - Product > Electrical - ElecSignal
Attributes
Internal Protection
Description
Describes the internal protective covering when you click Define Protective Product in the Electrical Assemble Design workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
GroupSignal
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Group Signal type that you create when you select Grouped electrical signal in the Electrical System
Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
Grouped signals will be routed together, for example shielded or twisted signals.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature > ProductPackage - Product > Electrical - ElecSignal
Attributes
InternalSplice
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Internal Splice type that you create when you click Define Connector 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.
Attributes
A Mounting Equipment
Attributes
Disconnect (String ConnectionPointName)
Disconnects a device.
String ConnectionPointName is the name of the connection point where disconnection will be done.
Returns TRUE if disconnection succeeds, FALSE otherwise.
ListConnectedObject (String ConnectionPointName, out Product ToConnectObject, String out ToConnectionPointName)
Retrieves the device connected to the current device.
String ConnectionPointName is the name of the connection point queried
Product ToConnectObject is the instance name of the device connected
String ToConnectionPointName is the name of the connection point used on the connected destination device.
OffSheet
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Off Sheet Connector type that you create when you select Offsheet Connector 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
Stud
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Stud type that you create when you click Define Connector 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
Is True only if all the stud bundle connection points are connected.
Connect (String ConnectionPointName, Product ToConnectObject, String ToConnectionPointName)
Connects the current device to another device.
String ConnectionPointName is the name of the connection point used on the current device
Product ToConnectObject is the instance to connect to
String ToConnectionPointName is the name of the connection point used on the destination device.
The power 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
Attributes
Protection
Description
Describes an 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.
Attributes
ShieldingSignal
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Shielding Signal type that you create when you select Shielding Signal 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.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature > ProductPackage - Product > Electrical - ElecSignal
Attributes
SingleConnector
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Single Insert Connector type that you create when you click Define Connector 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.
Attributes
if the single insert connector is connected to a bundle segment or a back shell and connected to another single insert connector.
Connect (String ConnectionPointName, Product ToConnectObject, String ToConnectionPointName)
Connects the current device to another device.
String ConnectionPointName is the name of the connection point used on the current device
Product ToConnectObject is the instance to connect to
String ToConnectionPointName is the name of the connection point used on the destination device.
Signal
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Signal type that you create when you select Signal 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
SignalRoute
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Signal Route type that you create when you click Automatic Wire Routing 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
Elec_Length Type: Double
Defines the signal route length.
System
Description
Describes an electrical feature of System type that you create when you select System 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.
Attributes
Elec_Ref_Des Type: String
Defines the system reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the system in the project.
Tape
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Tape type that you create when you click Define Protective Covering 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.
Attributes
TerminalBlock
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Terminal Block type that you create when you select Define Connector 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.
Attributes
Termination
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Termination type that you create when you click Define Termination 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.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature > ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Termination_GeoConstraint
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Termination type that you create when you click Define Termination 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).
Attributes
TerminalStrip
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Terminal Strip type that you create when you click Define Connector in the Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
Attributes
VideoSignal
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Video Signal type that you create when you select video signal 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.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature > ProductPackage - Product > Electrical - ElecSignal
Attributes
Elec_Nominal_Part_Num Type: String
Defines the part number of the wire that realizes the video signal.
Wire
Description
Describes an electrical feature of Wire type that you create when you click Define Wire in the Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature > ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
The Catalog Editor workbench opens showing the contents of the catalog.
b. Activate the family to which you want to add the template.
d. In your design document, select the point at which to position your assembly template, then click OK.
e. Repeat to instantiate the assembly as many times as desired.
Interoperability
In this section, you will find information about interoperability via VPM Navigator between CATIA Electrical Applications and other
applications listed below:
Once the connection has completed successfully, the icons in the ENOVIA V5 VPM Navigator toolbar are no longer grayed out.
2. Using the New VPM Navigator command, view product root class (PRC's).
For more information, see Viewing Product Root Classes (PRC's) in the Basic Tasks, VPM Navigator, in the Navigator User's
guide.
4.
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.
The preferred storage mode for electrical design data is workpackage.
Depending on the size of your data, using explode mode can lead to poor performance during save / load actions. To avoid this, it is
recommended that you store geometrical bundles as workpackages, and if you route wires, that you store geometrical bundles and
electrical bundles under the same workpackage. This will optimize storage (and performance) in a PLM environment.
1. In the Product tree, right-click the object you want to open and select Open...
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 both Workpackage mode and the Explode mode, depending on the objects considered.
This safe save mode means that certain commands are unavailable.
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.
If you are using Electrical Harness Flattening, it is the only mode supported to save geometrical bundle extracted data.
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 a part inside a workpackage to a part outside the
workpackage.
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.
Bundle Segment-to-Support Link
As of Version 5 Release 16, you can manage links between bundle segments and supports when they are not in the same geometrical
bundles. In particular, you can update bundle segments if supports, in a different geometrical bundle, have been moved.
For more information, see Updating Bundle Segment-to-Support Link.
Important:
This functionality is applicable to electrical data created as of Version 5 Release 16 only. It does not support adaptive supports.
The instance name of supports must be unique. The bundle segment-to-support link will not be updated if two or more instances
have the same name in your session.
Modifying the instance name will make the link invalid.
Do not rename geometry created when routing bundle segments through supports.
Updating bundle segment-to-support links is based on a naming convention for support identifiers. Whenever a support is added, support
geometry (published point and two published planes) is copied and renamed as follows:
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 the Tools > Options > Infrastructure > Part Infrastructure > General tab.
In the External References frame, clear the Use root context in assembly check box.
b. Select the Tools > Options > Equipment and Systems > Electrical Harness Discipline > Electrical Harness
Installation > Harness Management tab.
Under Contextual Links, in the Keep link with selected object box, select In geometrical bundle.
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.
The geometrical bundles saved in explode mode cannot be used in Electrical Harness Flattening. It will not be possible to save the
geometrical bundle extracted data. Use the workpackage mode in this context.
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 the Tools > Options > Infrastructure > Part Infrastructure > General tab.
Under External References, select the Use root context in assembly check box.
b.
To be consistent and useable, some electrical data needs to be at a higher load mode than Visualization mode. In ENOVIA V5 context,
loading this needed information implies to transit of the impacted CATParts through the network. So if we only load necessary data, this
transit will be redone for the switch to Design mode. So to optimize the data flow through the network, we just make a transit once for the
catpart and load it into design mode.
Updating the Bundle Segment-to-Support Link
This task shows you how to update bundle segments to take into account changes to supports created in a different geometrical bundle.
When creating supports, certain rules must be respected.
This dialog box identifies bundle segments that can be updated as well as any that cannot, indicating why. Reasons why include:
1. Click Export... in the Update Bundle from Moved Support dialog box.
2. In the Export Report dialog box that opens:
a. Identify the folder in which you want to save your text file.
The report contains the same information as displayed in the dialog box.
Manually Updating a Link
You can manually update the bundle segment-to-support link by editing the bundle segment route:
If the support is not found, or if it is not unique, the 3D label identifying the original position of the support is displayed in red.
Using ENOVIA Catalogs
for 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.
If the catalog is saved in Explode mode (structure exposed), in ENOVIA you need to load this catalog in CATIA (using the command: Send
to CATIA V5 Catalog Editor) to be able de define the mapping.
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.
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 Browse and search ENOVIA data for catalog of interest. for
For more information, see Using the Search workbench in Basic Tasks, VPM Navigator, in the Navigator User's guide.
8. In the Result window, select the desired catalog and click Open.
9. 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:
It is mandatory to rename the specification file to use the .iXFElec extension instead of the .xml extension (for example: rename
MySpecificationFile.xml to MySpecificationFile.iXFElec). This extension is mandatory to be able to perform the following scenario.
When sending a file with extension .iXFElec, the Load External System command in ENOVIA uses this extension to recognize the file as
usable as external system. If you keep the .xml extension (which is very generic), you cannot apply this behavior.
1. Make sure you are connected to ENOVIA V5 through VPM Navigator.
2. Using the Search workbench, run an advanced search query ENOVIA data for the iXF document of interest.
For more information, see Using the Search workbench in Basic Tasks, VPM Navigator, in the Navigator User's guide.
For example:
o Select Document Revision in the Objects list
o Select File Extension in the Attributes list
o Select Like in the Operator list
o Select the value to iXFElec
4. In the Result window, right-click the desired document and select Open.
The document is stored in the current session, and ready to use.
5. Switch to Electrical Assembly Design.
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 Description
CATIA - 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 Bar
Toolbars
Electrical Workbench Specification Tree
Menu Bar
This section presents menu bar tools and commands dedicated to Electrical Harness.
Other items available are the standard ones. These commands and tools are described in Infrastructure Version 5. For more information, refer to
the standard Menu Bar section.
Tools
Electrical Harness Assembly
For... See...
Recompute All Bundle Segments Updating an Existing Harness
For... See...
Delete Useless Elements... Deleting Broken Publications
List Broken Publications Deleting Broken Publications
Electrical Harness Toolbars
This section describes the various toolbar commands 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 commands which are
located in the horizontal bottom toolbar.
Creation Toolbar
Geometrical Bundle
See Creating a Geometrical Bundle
Local Slack
See Managing Local Slack
Protective Covering
See Adding Protective Coverings
Bundle Segment
See Working with Single Bundle Segments in a Bundle Segment Document
Multi-branchable Document
See Creating a New Multi-Branchable Document and First Branch
Management Toolbar
Link
See Linking Bundle Segments
Unlink
See Unlinking Bundle Segments
Add Support
See Adding a Support
Remove Support
See Removing a Support
Split
See Splitting Bundle Segments
Add Branch Point
See Adding Branch Points
Remove Branch Point
See Removing Branch Points
Transfer Branches
See Transferring Branches
Duplicate Harness
See Duplicating Harnesses
Adjust
See Adjusting Relationships between Harness Covering Components
Arrange Bundle Segments
See Arranging Bundle Segments in Supports
Copy Bundle Segment Position
See Copying the Bundle Segment Arrangement
Update Bundle from Support
See Updating the Bundle Segment-to-Support Link
Delete Toolbar
Delete Special
See Deleting Unused Branch Points
Catalogue Toolbar
Catalog Browser
See Using the Catalog Browser
Measure Toolbar
Exit
See Exiting the Installation Workbench (Part workbench)
General Toolbar
Delete Toolbar
Delete Special
See Deleting Unused Branch Points
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 > Electrical Harness Discipline category in the left-hand box.
o V4/V5 SPACE
o Migration Batch
o Electrical
6. For inertia calculation, you will need to customize the Tree customization tab located in the Infrastructure > Product Structure
category.
o Parameters
7. Set options in these tabs according to your needs.
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.
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. This means that during the geometrical bundle creation,
its name is not overwritten.
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.
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.
By default, this option is not selected.
clear the Use root context in assembly option. If not, the links will be created to the root of the assembly.
By default, this option is selected.
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:
Never: always creates a local copy of the selected object with no associativity.
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.
This option only works for bundle segments within multi-branchable documents.
remains unchanged: both values are updated at the same time and keep their ratio constant.
are updated.
Important: If the Set Area Constant check box is selected in the Profile Management dialog box, then the Do not recompute values
option is ignored, and section parameters are updated as per Keep the ratio constant option.
If Allow system to use a small bend radius value is selected, and the standard algorithm does not converge, the bend radius is optimized
to keep the flexible curve and ensure a curve of better quality. Keeping a flexible curve (a specific electrical curve) lets you manage slack, work
in Length mode and ensures good integration with Electrical Harness Flattening.
Standard algorithm
If Standard algorithm is selected, the standard algorithm is used for bundle segment creation.
FLEX algorithm
If this option is selected, the FLEX computation algorithm is used, giving a more realistic shape to the bundle segments. This option is only
available if a FLEX Physical Simulation license is present.
The slider allows you to choose the balance between the calculation time (P) and the accuracy (A).
This option only works for bundle segments within multi-branchable documents.
The default position of the slider is shown above.
The spinner lets you set a tolerance value: it represents the percent tolerance permitted between the initial and final bundle segment
length.
Note: In Constrained Length mode, the default accuracy is set to a very high value in order to respect bundle segment length better. The value
set for the balance slider is not taken into account.
Click here to know more about the Part Infrastructure General options.
External References
If this option is selected, the External References will display in the specification tree.
V4/V5 SPACE
Click here to know more about the Compatibility > V4/V5 SPACE options.
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.
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.
This page deals with the options concerning the specification tree.
In the context of the Measure Geometrical Bundle Inertia command , you need to activate the Parameters node.
5. Insert a body. To do so: Select Insert > Body. Body.2 is added to the specification tree as shown below:
6. Create a point on the joint which will be used for the instantiation:
To do so:
a. Click Point .
The dialog box opens to create Point.6.
b. Enter the following values:
The offset from Point.3, entered in the Length value (250mm) is the parameter which will drive the length of the
protective covering.
c. Click OK to validate.
To do so:
a. Click Split .
The dialog box opens to create Split.2.
b. Enter the following values:
Element to cut: Join.1
Cutting elements:
Point.3 (click OK in the Update Error warning box that is displayed), and then click the
Other side button.
Point.6.
c. Click OK to validate.
With such a methodology you can also create grommets, green lines or boots.
When creating grommets in this way, you will need to create two catalog references. The one you create first will be placed next to the Start
Extremity. To place a grommet next to the End Extremity, create a second catalog reference, as explained above, selecting Point4 as
reference point and clicking Reverse Direction in step 5.b.
Green line
Grommet
Boot
Instantiating a Protective Covering of Given Length
This scenario explains how to instantiate a protective covering of given length (250mm here) as it is widely used in the industry.
The dialog box updates and the protective covering start and end points display in the geometry.
5. Click OK to validate.
Note: Using this methodology, the covered length indicated in the Protective Covering Information is not correct: it indicates the
distance between the Start extremity and the End extremity of the selected bundle segment when the protective covering is applied
between the Start extremity and for a length of 250mm (Point.4).
Creating an Adaptative Part
This task explains how to define an adaptative part such as a support, using a formula.
Make sure you use Electrical Harness workbench when modifying the bundle segment routed through an adaptative support.
Using non electrical commands to modify electrical data may lead to inconsistencies in relation to the behavior implemented using
electrical commands:
Editing branch points or bundle segment centerlines by double-clicking them is not the recommended method. Use the bundle segment
edition command.
As well as editing, modifying, replacing directly geometrical features created automatically (splits, curves, etc.) or formulas, those
modifications have to be done cautiously.
Moreover, restructuring or reordering those features may lead to unpredictable results.
Refer to Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide - User Tasks - Working with Branches - Creating/Modifying Segments within a
Branch.
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. Select the Length as Filter Type and click New Parameter of type.
PartBody\Sketch.1\Radius.50\Radius = 'ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS'
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:
Where the term single bundle segment occurs in this guide, it refers to a CATPart document created under the active
product that contains just one bundle segment.
C
connector An electrical component providing an electrical interface between two bundles, an item of 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).
D
diameter Corresponds to the wire diameter together with the insulation.
device Generic term for connector, equipment, shell, etc.
E
effectivity A data fork of values in which an option is effective.
electrical bundle A document containing the wires routed through geometrical bundles.
electrical system An electrical unit which accomplishes a specific function. Consists of equipment, connectors and signals. Described in a
CATProduct document.
electrical Electrical connection (often called pin) on a connector
termination
equipment Electrical device comprising one or more associated connectors.
G
geometrical bundle A document containing an assembly of connectors, supports and insulation, as well as the geometric representation of a
harness.
H
harness An assembly of wires, connectors, supports and insulation manufactured together. Represented in CATIA by both
geometrical and electrical bundles.
I
instance Designation of reference placed in a context, i.e. in design mode. An instance can have additional characteristics that do
not belong to the reference. For example, the instance of a wire has a length attribute in an assembly context when its
reference doesn't out of this context.
As opposed, see reference.
M
multi-branchable A set of branches, themselves containing bundle segments, connected or not, composing the harness. It corresponds to a
document CATPart document.
See also single bundle segment document.
P
pin An electrical termination
properties Attributes of a component that define its electrical, mechanical, etc. characteristics.
protective covering 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.
R
reference Describes a real object. A reference can be stored in a catalog. In the electrical context a reference corresponds either to:
A CATPart document which has electrical properties and exhibits electrical behavior
or,
A CATProduct document whose root product has electrical properties and exhibits electrical behavior.
S
section Corresponds to the section of the wire together with the insulation.
segment Refers to bundle segments, whether grouped in branches in a multi-branchable document or created as single bundle
segments in bundle segment documents.
single bundle Corresponds to a CATPart document containing just one bundle segment.
segment document See also multi-branchable document.
sleeve Can be of two types:
Conduit type: the wires are collected in a tube, flexible or not.
Numerics
3D harness tolerancing
A
adaptative part
ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS
adaptative supports
adding
branch points
branches
supports
annotation
B
bend
bend radius
branch
branch points
adding
automatically deleting
connecting segments
removing
splitting branches
branches
creating first
modifying slack
routing
transferring
creating
bundle segments
collapsed geometry
computation mode
cutting point
defining parameters
definition in branch
link to supports
linking
modifying slack
multi-profile
profile
routing
splitting
stiffness
unlinking
C
collapsed geometry
commands
Add Support
Adjust
Branch Definition
Bundle Segment
Catalog Browser
Curvilinear Dimensions
Delete Special...
Duplicate Harness
Exit
Formula Editor
Geometrical Bundle
Link
Local Slack
Manage Links
Multi-Branchable Document
Point
Protective Covering
Related Objects
Remove Branch Point
Remove Support
Route Definition
Segment Definition
Split
Transfer Branches
Unlink
Update
computation mode
FLEX algorithm
construction constraints
creating
bundle segment documents
construction constraints
geometrical bundle
multi-branchable documents
curvilinear dimensions
cutting point
D
defining
construction constraints
diameter
E
effectivity
ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS
adaptative part
ElecDistanceCommon
electrical bundle
setting options
V4-V5 mapping
electrical mapping
electrical package
DistanceWireProduct
ElecDistanceCommon
ListAllOuterLayerObjects
ListDirectlyCoveredObjects
ListDirectlyOuterLayerObjects
VisualMode
external curve
external data
management
external references
F
FLEX algorithm
flexible curve
front view
G
geometrical bundle
H
harness
covering
duplicating
mass calculation
I
instantiating protective covering
interoperability
K
knowledge assembly template
L
length
ListAllOuterLayerObjects
ListDirectlyCoveredObjects
ListDirectlyOuterLayerObjects
local slack
M
mapping
ENOVIA catalogs
migrating V4 data to V5
setting options
V4-V5 mapping
modifying slack
multi-branchable documents
about
adding branches
creating
editing
multi-profile
adaptative support
branches
protective covering
P
placing
internal splices
physical devices
positioning management
routing options
profile
protective covering
protective coverings
collapsed geometry
instantiating
length
R
ratio
related objects
removing
branch points
supports
retainers
routing
branches
construction constraints
on external curves
on surfaces
options
single bundle segments
through supports
routing options
positioning management
tangent management
S
section
selective loading
modifying slack
routing
slack
managing at junctions
managing local
splitting
branches
bundle segments
supports
adding
removing
routing through
T
tangent management
routing options
Electrical
Migration Batch
V4/V5 SPACE
Harness Management
External References
Tree Customization
transferring branches
U
unlinking bundle segments
V
V4-V5 migration
setting options
V4-V5 mapping
VisualMode