Proximity

Monitor the distance between two parts during the simulation. The endpoints of the proximity measurement are color coded. Blue means parts have a finite distance, yellow means parts are touching, and red means parts are interfering.

Note: A proximity measurement can be added before or after a simulation. However, if it's added after, it will not have plot information available for it. You must re-run the simulation for the numerical results to be available.
  1. On the Motion ribbon, in the Setup tool group, select the Proximity tool.

  2. Select the first part.
  3. Select the second part.
    The line that appears represents the proximity measurement, which measures the shortest distance between the two parts at any point in time. The numerical distance value is displayed on top of the proximity measurement.
  4. Run a motion analysis.
    The endpoints of the proximity measurement are colored coded.

    Blue means parts have a finite distance.

    Yellow means parts are touching.

    Red means parts are interfering.

  5. To display a Proximity vs. Time plot:
    1. Click on the proximity measurement.
    2. Right-click the plot, and then hover over Proximity in the context menu to choose the type of data to display.
      • Clearance (default): The distance magnitude between the first and second part of the proximity.
      • State: A y-value of 0 indicates that the two parts are just touching, while a y-value of 1 indicates interference between the two parts.
      • Point 1: The absolute coordinates of the point on the first part of the proximity measurement.
      • Point 2: The absolute coordinates of the point on the second part of the proximity measurement.
  6. Edit the proximity measurements:
    To Do this Note
    Show all proximities Right-click in the modeling window, and then select Show All Proximities.  
    Hide all proximities Right-click in the modeling window, and then select Hide All Proximities.  
    Change the name of the proximity measure
    1. Select the proximity.
    2. Press F3 to open the Property Editor.
    3. Enter a Name.
    These properties can also be edited in the Proximities table, which you can open by clicking List Proximities.

    Change the color of the line
    1. Select the proximity.
    2. Press F3 to open the Property Editor.
    3. Click the current color, and then select another color.
    Show/hide the numerical value
    1. Select the proximity.
    2. Press F3 to open the Property Editor.
    3. Turn on/off Show Text.
    Change the thickness of the line
    1. Select the proximity.
    2. Press F3 to open the Property Editor.
    3. Enter a Thickness.
    Show the proximity on top of /below the geometry
    1. Select the proximity.
    2. Press F3 to open the Property Editor.
    3. Turn on/off Always On Top.
  7. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.