Custom Flanged Devices Builder Widget Backend - README

Overview

This project is a C# backend server application designed to support the development of a custom flanged devices builder widget for a website. The backend interacts with Autodesk Inventor to generate and manage 3D models of flanged components and assemblies. It includes functionalities to select, configure, and constrain flanged components using a graphical user interface.

Project Structure

The project consists of the following main components:

1. Program1.cs: The main program file that initializes the Inventor application, sets up the assembly environment, and manages the user interface for flange selection and configuration.
2. SQLite.cs: Contains classes and methods for interacting with an SQLite database that stores information about flanged components.
3. FilePaths.cs: Defines static file paths used throughout the project to locate parts, assemblies, and other resources.

File Descriptions

Program1.cs

• Initializes the Inventor application and sets up references to the active assembly document.
• Provides a user interface for selecting and configuring flanges, including selecting flange types, materials, and tube outer diameters (OD).
• Manages the addition of flanged components to an assembly and applies constraints to position and orient these components correctly.
• Includes functions for checking and resolving interferences between components, updating part parameters, and restoring assembly defaults.

SQLite.cs

• Defines FlangeIdentifier and FlangeDatabase classes for managing flanged component data.
• Provides methods to retrieve and filter flange data from the SQLite database based on user selections.
• Implements functionalities to get unique values for flange attributes (type, material, tube OD) and to update options dynamically based on current selections.

FilePaths.cs

• Contains static file path definitions used to locate various resources required by the application, such as part files, face area data, and standard pipe size tables.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Autodesk Inventor installed and licensed.
• .NET Framework installed.
• SQLite database containing flange data.

Setup

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone <repository-url>

2. Open the project in Visual Studio:

   • Open Visual Studio.
   • Select "Open a project or solution" and navigate to the cloned repository.

3. Configure file paths:

   • Ensure that the file paths defined in FilePaths.cs are correct and point to the appropriate directories on your system.

4. Run the application:

   • Set Program1.cs as the startup file.
   • Build and run the project in Visual Studio.

Usage

1. Main Menu:

   • The application starts with a main menu displaying options to select flanges for different positions on a tubing cross.
   • Use the menu to select and configure flanges.

2. Flange Selection:

   • Select flange types, materials, and tube OD from the available options.
   • The application filters options dynamically based on current selections.

3. Assembly and Constraints:

   • Selected flanges are added to the assembly with appropriate constraints.
   • The application checks for interferences and updates part parameters as needed.

4. Restore Defaults:

   • Option to restore the assembly and part parameters to their default values.

Database Interaction

• The application interacts with an SQLite database to retrieve and store flange data.
• Ensure that the database file is located at the path specified in FilePaths.cs and contains the required tables and data.

Additional Information

• Logging: The application logs messages to the console for various operations, such as adding constraints, checking for interferences, and updating parameters.
• Error Handling: Basic error handling is implemented to manage exceptions during file operations and database interactions.

Future Enhancements

• Implement a graphical user interface (GUI) for easier interaction.
• Add support for additional flange types and configurations.
• Improve error handling and logging mechanisms.
• Integrate with a web-based frontend for real-time user interactions.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgements

• Figgle for ASCII art generation.
• SQLite for database management.
• Autodesk Inventor for CAD and assembly management.

---

For any issues or contributions, please open an issue or submit a pull request on the project's GitHub repository.