When manipulating an Asset that has connections RealityLINx automatically updates those connected Assets to ensure they remain physically connected, this is some times referred to as rubber-banding.


Rubber-banding is active regardless of how the Asset is manipulated. When an Asset is modified using Manipulators, the PMCs or the Align Tools then any connected Assets will be automatically updated. However, when modifying an Asset via the Asset's Property Dialog the user will be asked whether or not the connected Assets should be updated, choosing No (the default) will update the connected Assets. See Breaking Connections for more information.


Dialog presented to user after modifying a connected Asset via Property Dialog.

Typically the user will click NO in order to update the connected Assets.


There are two basic rubber-banding behaviors for Assets:


  • Translation - Assets, such as the Elbow, can only be translated.


An Elbow Asset is connected to a Straight Asset.

The Straight Asset is moved away from the Elbow Asset.

The Elbow Asset is translated to the Straights new position in order to keep the Assets physically connected.


  • Scaling Assets, such as the Straight, can by scaled in some situations.


A Straight Asset is connected to an Elbow Asset.

The Elbow Asset is moved away from the Straight Asset.

The Straight Asset is scaled to the Elbows new position in order to keep the Assets physically connected.

 

  • A good practical example of rubber-banding in action is moving a valve along a Straight.


A Valve Asset is located in the middle of a series of Piping Assets.

The Valve Asset is moved.

All of the connected Assets are updated based on the Valve Assets new position.

Notice that some connected Assets remain unaffected by the moved.