Algorithm (Workflow)

This algorithm creates a 3D printable, already assembled drag chain using the SG-Library. The function is named SGdragchain and is designed to generate a series of interconnected elements that form a flexible chain.

Input Parameters

• L: The distance between the two axes of the drag chain elements. If not provided, it defaults to 10 mm.
• R: A vector specifying the height, width, and diameter of the pin for the drag chain elements. If not provided, it defaults to [9, 8, 3.5] mm.

Output

• SG: A structured geometry object representing the assembled drag chain.

Algorithm Steps

1. Set the number of elements in the chain to n = 60.
2. Retrieve the input parameters L and R using the getfuncparams function. Default values are used if parameters are not provided.
3. Create the first drag chain element using SGdragchainelement(L, R).
4. Convert the element into a structured geometry object with SGofSG.
5. Extract the 'B' (back) reference point of the element using SGTget.
6. Initialize the drag chain with the first element.
7. Iteratively create and align additional elements to form the chain:
• For each subsequent element, align it to the previous one using SGtransrelSG with the 'alignT' method, aligning 'B' to 'F' (front) and rotating by pi radians.
• Add each new element to the chain.
8. Extract the 'F' (front) reference point of the last element.
9. Convert the entire chain into a single structured geometry object.
10. Remove temporary geometry data with SGTremove.
11. Set the 'B' and 'F' reference points of the chain using SGTset.
12. If no output is requested, visualize the chain:
• Use SGfigure to set up the viewing angle.
• Plot the chain with SGTplotalpha.
• Write the chain to an STL file using SGwriteSTL, rotating it by pi/2 radians around the x-axis.