A parallel axes joint is a four degree-of-freedom primitive constraint. The
constraint is imposed such that the Z axis of a reference marker on one body (Body 2)
remains parallel to the Z axis of a reference marker on the other body (Body 1) connected by
the joint. All three of the translations are free along with one rotation about the Z axis
of the marker defining the joint orientation. Joint primitives like parallel axes joints may
not have a physical existence. Parallel axes joints can be used to impose unique constraints
where using a regular joint would not be possible.
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If the Joints panel is not currently displayed, select the desired joint by
clicking on it in the Project Browser or in the modeling window.
The Joints panel is automatically displayed.
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From the Connectivity tab, click Body
1 and pick a body from the modeling window, or double-click Body 1 to open the Model Tree (from which the desired body can be
selected).
Note: If the selected joint is a pair entity, first distinguish between the
Left and Right tabs in the
panel, and then edit the properties. When defining a pair joint, use pair
entities for Body, Origin, etc.
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Similarly, click Body 2 and
select the desired body from the modeling window (or use
the Model Tree).
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Click the Point
collector (under Origin) and select a point from the modeling window, or double click the
Point collector to open the Model Tree (from which the desired point can be selected).
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Specify the properties of the axis that defines the constraint of the joint
.
If editing a compliant joint, see Edit Compliant Joints or Bushings. To edit user-defined
properties, see Edit User-Defined Joints.