#3 Modulating a Helix with a Helix?

[Brian Zwart]

Hello, I am wondering if you might have any ideas on if there is a way to apply a helix on top of a helix? It's an odd request however my goal is to merge these two designs both of which are created simply using the helix parameters. The first image is a frequency of 1.2 and Amplitude of 50 while the 2nd is simply illustrating the threads that I would like to apply to the first image, Frequency of 21 and Amplitude of 2.3. Thanks

[Chris Korda]

Hi Brian,
You are asking to do two separate helical modulations at once, but the architecture of PotterDraw does not permit that. The closest you'll get is modulation of the Helix Amplitude, as shown in the attached image. Ideally, PotterDraw would allow any number of oscillators to be applied to any of the fundamental cylindrical parameters. This would necessitate a more open, connection-based architecture similar to Max or Jitter. However this is a complete redesign and will not happen soon, if ever.

[Chris Korda]

Hi Brian,
After further consideration: you can make a threaded helix using a combination of Helix, Bend and Ruffle. The patch is enclosed.

[Brian Zwart]

Hi Chris, I really did not think this was possible and had done extensive testing leveraging bends previously however did not extend it to ruffles. Using this method I was able to create the threaded helix to meet my requirements. Basically, I have started leveraging some of my existing Potterdraw designed models and enhancing them with fully addressable LED strips. The idea is to use a threaded helix to consistently wrap a strip around and plug this into different models. While this example is a simple test case scenario I have far more interesting and elaborate designs to explore now that this requirement has been met.

Here is a simple example of the threaded helix in use, it's inside the 3d printed model however serves an important purpose. Thanks for your help once again!

Finished Model - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0d-waRUacg