NX9_ROUTING_PORTS

Ports

Use ports to specify how standard parts connect to other parts or to stock. Routing parts, such as valves and tees, may have any number of ports defined at specific locations, created through the Qualify Part tool. You can define different types of ports, depending on the intended usage. The basic port types are Fitting, Fixture, and Multiport, each having a slightly different display.

Fitting port

Defines a single connection point on a Routing component.

Used in all routing functions, a fitting port defines connections between two or more Routing components or between Routing components and stock.

Fixture port

Allows placement of a part onto a Routing path without affecting the stock assigned to the path. Used for hangers, holders, clamps and any part used simply to prevent positional movement. Fixture ports do not make connections with other ports.

Multiport

Used in Routing Electrical only, defines a single connection point that provides definition for many pin connections of a connector for the routing of wires. Each pin connection may have a physical location in which case it is termed a Terminal Port. Terminal port locations may be individually defined to accurately determine exact wire lengths. If the pin connection name is not assigned a physical location then it is termed a Virtual Port.

Port connections

When standard parts are positioned using ports, the relationship between their connecting ports is as follows:

• The alignment vectors must be collinear and point in the opposite direction.
• The distance between the positions must be equal to the smaller of the two engagement distances.
• A rotation angle, or clocking angle, defines the relationship between the rotation vectors, with the default angle being 0°.

Port engagement distance

Port engagement values define how much a given part or stock should insert into another part. Since ports point away from the parts, the engagement is into the part, such as, in the opposite direction of the alignment vector.

Port definition

Non-negative engagement values define a limit which a part can engage the given port. When you align ports, the minimum non-negative engagement distance is always used to limit the engagement.

In the example below, Port A has an engagement of 2, and ports B and C have engagements of 3 and 1, respectively. When you connect port A to port B, the minimum, 2, is the amount the parts are engaged. When you connect port A to port C, the minimum, 1, is the engagement used for the connection.