can a sketch dimension drive a "feature dimension"

Lets say one makes a rectangle sketch and gives the rectangle length the
dimension d1@Sketch1. now using this sketch one has created a boss/base
extrusion feature with a height which is irrelevant to this topic. after
rebuilding one uses the quick dimension to give the height of the extrusion
the name RD1@Annotations. now the question is this:
Is it possible by equation to control the derived dimension RD1@Annotation
by formulating some equation like : RD1@Annotations = 0.1 * d1@Sketch1 ?

As it appears for now in SW2005 SP2 in the equation manager the dimension is
solved correctly. but in solidworks itself the change is unnoticeable and
solidworks maintains the original height of extrusion to RD1@Annotations
together with the red sum symbol and not the one which is evaluated by the
equation!

weird isn't it? or did I misunderstood completely the equation concept in
solidworks?

Gil Alsberg

 

Thanks Dale,
I have an experience of two years in modelling in solidworks although most
of my time is spent with surfacing work on Rhino.
As you mentioned the term "reference dimension" - I would like to ask you:
what is the purpose of such a dimension, besides being visible all of the
time when the part which contains it, is on the active viewport in
solidworks?

Gil

 

Just my 2-cents added to this is that I would say 90% of the time, when most
users insert reference dimensions, they are on the actual drawings, not so
much in the models' sketch(s). There are a lot of times where SW will just
not display the dim on the print where you want it or more correctly, you
may want to show an overall length (for example) on a part/assembly and SW
doesn't have that dimension to insert, as it would normally over-define the
part. These are driven dimensions and will not allow you to change the
model from the drawing (which I don't do very often as I hate having to
cross my fingers that it doesn't blow out a whole assembly drawing after
it's rebuilding for 5 minutes)

Scott