I'm working on a model "configurator" at the moment and I have faced a problem which I have used several hours on..I just can't figure out the solution by myself so I have to ask for some help.

The model is quite simple actually:

It consists of a"block" in the middle and four parts on each side.

The model is parametric. Every dimension in each part is driven by a design table.

The target is to make holes through the whole model like this:

The first hole, or "seed hole" needs to be in a specific place depending on other parameters in the model. The other holes are made using patterns.

In different models or configurations the center block will always be the same BUT the two other parts through which the wholes have to go, too will change.

I have tried different approaches, but at the moment I'm trying this:

I make a sketch of the seed hole or holes in the assembly. (I have tried it on parts, too)

Then I define the dimensions using parameters derived from the design table. This works very nicely everywhere in the model..no exeptions here. The dimensions of the positions are relative to the middle parts left edge and upper edge.

Then I use cut/extrude to make the through-hole. It works fine.

!!!HOWEVER!!!

When I check "Propagate feature to parts" the model loses the driven dimensions like so:

This is very irritating. I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or is there something wrong with solidworks.

I would really appreciate any ideas!!! Also if someone has better ideas how to make these holes in the model I would be pleased to hear them.