What does the Tangent relationship in sketches imply?

The Tangent relationship in sketches is a crucial concept in parametric design, where it ensures that two curves or a curve and a straight line meet at a single point without crossing over each other. This means that at the point of tangency, the curves or edges align smoothly, sharing a common direction.

In practical terms, when you create a tangent relationship between two parts of a sketch—such as a circle and a line or two arcs—it guarantees that they will only touch at one point. This is particularly important for maintaining the integrity of designs where fluidity and continuous flow are necessary, such as in mechanical parts or aerodynamic shapes.

By establishing a tangent relationship, designers control how elements interact and behave during design modifications or while the dimensions change. It allows for greater flexibility while ensuring that the sketch remains dimensionally stable and logically coherent. This is why the Tangent relationship is correctly identified as the condition where edges will touch without crossing.