Connector directions

[Robert Longbottom]

Potentially stupid question about the connectors.  When you are connecting two parts should the two connectors point in the same direction (i.e. connectors end up exactly on top of each other when parts are connected) or in opposite directions (i.e. arrows point together like how you would push two parts together)?

[Damian Axford]

:)

Same direction and the convention is for the vector to point in the direction you move the part to assemble it.

So, the direction vector for a bolt would point from the bolt head down the shank

Hope that makes sense...

[Robert Longbottom]

Hmm, kind of.

Except if the connectors on two parts point in the same direction then
you'd be moving them both in the same direction to assemble them, so
you'd never get them together....

But same direction makes sense.

[Damian Axford]

Better definition:

Rule 1:
Connector points in direction of assembly, the child object is the one that is moved, the parent object is considered static.

Rule 2:
For obviously male/female parts - Connector points in insertion direction, unless this violates rule 1 (e.g. Wheel onto motor shaft)