There aren’t too many instances when I have been able to use a Path Mate.  In this case I was trying to use two limit mates, one as an Angle Mate and one as a Linear Limit Mate and SolidWorks kept giving errors when I went to move the subassembly into a new position.   That’s when I remembered the Path Mate.

A Path Mate constrains a selected point on a component to a path. You define the Path by selecting one or more entities in the assembly. You can define pitch, yaw, and roll of the component as it travels along the path.  You are also able to use Path Mates in Motion Studies.

The Path Mate allowed me to construct a more complex and deliberate set of movements.

First, you need to specify a new sketch that is going to represent the path.  Make sure that the starting point of the sketch is on a Vertex point on the model or you will have to redefine it. Make sure that if you use straight lines that you include fillets when transitioning the sketch to a new direction.  Also, individual sketch entities should be combined into a Fit Spline. This simplifies your geometry selection (with one click) instead of using several clicks with the Selection Manager.

Next, use the Path Mate command, apply your Component Vertext and Path Selection (spline).  Click OK.   Test the movement.  If the movement still isn't quite right additional mates may need to be added depending on geometry and the desired path.