Inline

An inline joint is a four degree-of-freedom primitive constraint. The constraint is imposed such that the origin of a reference marker on one body (Body 2) translates along the Z axis of a reference marker on the other body (Body 1) connected by the joint. Three rotations are free along with one translation along the Z marker defining the joint orientation. Joint primitives like inline joints may not have a physical existence. They can be used to impose unique constraints where using a regular joint would not be possible.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Similarly, click Body 2 and select the desired body from the modeling window (or use the Model Tree).
4. 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).
5. Specify the axis that will define the constraint of the joint.
   • Select Axis from the drop-down menu, specify whether to use a vector or a point to define the direction, and make your selection in the modeling window or the Model Tree.
     Note: If the alignment axis for the joint is along any of the global axes, then the global x, y,or z axis can be selected by clicking on the desired axis in the modeling window (or by browsing through the Model Tree).
   • Select Origin 2 from the drop-down menu, click Point, and make your selection in the modeling window or the Model Tree.
     Note: Selecting Origin 2 will define the axis along with the origin.