Issue:
The application of angle parameters within a family, particularly in scenarios involving doors, hung windows, and exterior shades, presents a notable challenge. Directly placing an angle parameter on an extrusion or mass within the family editor is not supported.
Causes:
The challenge arises from the inherent modeling mechanics in Revit. All objects necessitate a reference plane for creation, and parameters can only be applied to these reference planes, adding complexity to the modeling process when trying to incorporate an angle parameter.
Solution:
The following outlines various cases illustrating what methods work and which do not:
Adding Angle Parameters to Object Sketch Lines:
Locking dimensions and applying angle parameters offers rotational flexibility.
However, this method is effective only when the angle is not straight (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees) since family parameters break in such cases.
Applying Angle Parameter to Object Directly:
This approach leads to constraint issues and does not allow the direct addition of an angle parameter to the object.
Utilizing Reference Plane to Frame the Object:
Creating an object on a reference plane with an angle parameter introduces two issues. Existing parameters cannot be applied, and new parameters need to be created after specifying the angle dimensions. Additionally, only the reference plane moves according to the angle parameter, causing unexpected shifts in the object placed on it.
Utilizing Reference Line to Frame the Object:
This method offers a better solution for applying angle parameters without distorting objects on the reference plane. A reference line, comprising vertical and horizontal planes, serves as the base for extrusion. Locking the endpoint of the reference line to the intersection of reference planes ensures positional stability.
While angle parameters do not disrupt object constraints, this method becomes more intricate if label parameters are required to switch the object type.
Utilizing Surface Mountable Object on Revolving Tube:
This is the simplest method for applying angle parameters without complexity. Using a face-based family to attach to the side of a revolving object, created with the Revolve tool, is the most efficient way to incorporate angle parameters.
Set-Up Example: Applying Surface-Based Family to a Revolved Object
1. Create Surface-Based Family:
Begin by using the Surface-Based Family Template to design your object. Ensure that the family's orientation aligns with the correct mounting surfaces.
2. Nest Surface-Based Family:
Once the surface-based family is created, nest it within a new family. This step allows for the integration of the surface-based object into a more complex structure.
3. Create Revolved Object:
Proceed to create a revolve object using the Revolve tool in Revit. Define the axis and angle of revolution as per your design requirements.
4. Mount Surface-Based Family:
Take advantage of the surface-based family's flexibility by mounting it onto the face of the revolved object. This process involves attaching the nested surface-based family to the designated face of the revolved object.
By following these steps, you can efficiently incorporate a surface-based family onto a revolved object, allowing for easy application of angle parameters without introducing unnecessary complexity.
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