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08 Smart

Smart Parameters

Name your dimensions, link them with equations, and watch one change ripple through the whole design.

Parametric Design

Named variables instead of raw numbers. One model adapts to different sizes, motors, or weight classes without rebuilding.

User Parameters

Define named variables (e.g., GearThickness = 20mm) and reference them in sketches and features -- one change updates the entire model.

Parameter Name Value Unit Purpose
WheelDiameter 100 mm Outer diameter of the drive wheels
AxleLength 150 mm Distance between inner wheel faces
BoltHoleSize 5 mm Diameter for M5 mounting bolts
WallThickness 3 mm Shell thickness for 3D-printed enclosure
GearModule 1.5 — Gear tooth size (metric module)
Equations & Expressions

Link parameters with equations so dependent dimensions update automatically when one value changes.

BearingBore = AxleRadius * 2 + 0.2 mm
GearPitchDiameter = GearModule * ToothCount
MountingHoleSpacing = ChassisWidth / 4
WheelRadius = WheelDiameter / 2
1 Experience
2 Reflect
3 Theorize
4 Apply
Design Intent

Design intent captures why a dimension exists -- a hole is "M5 bolt + 0.2mm clearance," not just "5mm." Encode this through parameters so anyone can safely modify the model.

Configurations

Create configurations — named variants of the same part that differ only in specific parameter values:

  • Size variants — a small, medium, and large chassis from the same model
  • Left / right mirror versions — symmetric brackets or arm segments that share geometry but are reflected
  • Material variants — a 3D-printed prototype version with thicker walls vs. an aluminum CNC version with thinner walls
  • Motor mount swaps — the same bracket adapted for NEMA 17 vs. NEMA 23 stepper motors

All configurations share one file, so base design improvements propagate to every variant.

Parametric Design Workflow
1
Define Parameters

Create named variables for every key dimension in the User Parameters dialog.

2
Link to Sketch Dimensions

Replace hard-coded numbers in sketches and features with parameter names.

3
Test by Changing Values

Change values in the parameter table and watch the model rebuild to confirm all links work.

4
Verify All Features Update

Inspect every feature for broken sketches, failed fillets, or unlinked dimensions.

5
Create Configurations

Save named configurations for each variant (different sizes, mounts, or materials).

Tip: Name Your Parameters Clearly

Avoid d1, d14. Use BracketWidth, MountingHoleSpacing, MotorShaftDiameter. A well-named parameter table is living documentation.

⚠ Predict First

If you increase the wall thickness parameter, which other dimensions should automatically update?

Parameters are named variables that drive dimensions. Changing a parameter updates all dependent features.

Best practice: define master parameters (bolt_size, wall_thickness) and derive everything else.

Example: hole_diameter = bolt_size + 0.2, boss_diameter = hole_diameter * 2

Guided Exploration
  1. Change the width parameter. Which features update automatically?
  2. Now change wall thickness. Does the overall bracket size adjust correctly?
  3. Try to find a parameter combination where the design breaks (holes overlap walls, etc).
Stage 2 Pause and Reflect
✓ Your reflections are saved automatically
Stage 4 Apply What You Learned

Create a parametric bracket where changing one 'bolt_size' parameter updates all hole diameters, clearances, and wall thicknesses.

  • Define the key parameters: bolt_size, wall_thickness, bracket_length
  • Write the relationships: hole_diameter = bolt_size + 0.2mm clearance
  • Determine which dimensions should be driven by bolt_size
  • Test: if bolt_size changes from M3 to M5, do all dimensions update correctly?
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