In this section, we will learn how to apply the advanced mate's path mate. We will do that by limiting the movement of a tile to stick to a specifically designated path, as highlighted in the following diagram. All of the parts and assembly files needed for this exercise are available for download with this chapter: 

To apply the path mate, we will be required to set up a path to follow. For this, we have the option of selecting an existing path that includes ones from existing sketches or existing edges. Another option is to create a new sketch to represent our path. However, when creating or selecting a path, note that a point within the moving part will have to coincide with the path at all times. For this exercise, follow these steps: 

1. We can create the following additional sketch in the assembly, as shown in the following screenshot. Note that the line for the path goes through the middle of the carved path in the outer shell. After creating the sketch, exit the sketch mode:

2. Select the Path Mate option by selecting the Mate command, scrolling to the Advanced Mates option, and then selecting the Path Mate option, as highlighted in the screenshot:

3. Once we select the mate, we will be prompted to set it up. Here is a brief description of the different settings as well as what to select in this exercise:
   • Component Vertex: In this, we will select the vertex/point that would be following the path. Note that this selection will coincide with the path throughout the part's movement. We can select the midpoint shown in the following screenshot. 
   • Path Selection: Here, we will select the path to follow. In the case of this exercise, we can select the sketch we created in the first step. To do that, we need to select the SelectionManager, then we can click on Select Open Loop and select the path directly from the canvas afterward. Finally, click on the green checkmark in the SelectionManager to confirm the open loop selection. The open loop selection will then show at the Path Selection field, as highlighted in the following screenshot: 

• Path Constraint: This allows us to determine the movement of the part (tile) along the path. In this exercise, we can choose the Free option,which will allow us to simulate the movement of the tile along the path by dragging it. Other options include Distance Along Path and Percent Along Path. These will fix the tile in a certain position along the path, which we can determine by distance or percentage. 
• Pitch/Yaw Control: This has to do with the orientation of the object, the tile, in this case. We can pick the Follow Path option; this will allow us to constrain one axis of the moving part to be tangent to the selected path throughout the movement. Note that the selection of X, Y, and Z axes are all in relation to the selected path, not in relation to the part or assembly. Another option we can select for this control is Free, which will not impose any type of limitation. A good practice is to experiment with different options before confirming what fits your needs. 
• Roll Control: This also has to do with the orientation of the moving object. We can pick the Up Vector option; this will constrain one axis of the moving part to align with a vector of our choosing. With this option, we can set one side of the tile to be facing one direction throughout its movement. In our example, we can pick the edge highlighted in the screenshot. Another option we can select for this control is Free, which will not impose any limitation related to rolling along the path. Similarly to setting up the Pitch/Yaw Control, a good practice is to experiment with the different options to see their effect. You might need to mix and match between the different options in the Roll Control and Pitch/Yaw Control to see which combination of options fits our requirements. Keep experimenting until you get the orientation shown in the following screenshot: 

4. Click on the green checkmark to confirm the mate. Once you confirm the mate, try moving the tile; you will notice that it will follow the path without any rotation around the path. 

This concludes our application of the path mate. Next, we will cover the linear/linear coupler mate.