Creating the Mapping Tables

atarget.gif (1372 bytes) This task shows you how to add new subclasses and physical parts. These are done through the addition of tables created in the appropriate directory. The process for HVAC Design is described here. The process is the same for other applications, just use the correct directories. Also note that the functions may be different in other applications.

When new object classes (subclasses) are added to the Feature Dictionary they must be "mapped"  - the subclasses must be mapped to the physical part types. Only by mapping the new classes will they become available in the Browser during parts placement. For applications that use parametric parts the mapping is done by creating tables containing relevant data.

HVAC Design has four functions available to it, to which you can add object classes if you want to. You cannot add more functions. The four functions are: flat oval, rectangular corner, round and rectangular. Each of these is linked to object classes. The function 'Round', for instance, has six object classes: branch, branch connection, duct, inline, reducer and valve. This task shows you how to add an object class to a function. You can also add a physical part to one of the object classes.

You must follow the existing file naming convention and table structure.

ascenari.gif (1364 bytes) 1. The tables are contained in a specification. Using the sample specification A_GA_W01 as an example, the tables are in the directory ...intel_a\startup\EquipmentAndSystems\HVAC\MaterialSpecification\A-GA-W01. Each function has a CATProduct associated with it. The CATProduct files in turn are associated to the text tables that contain the data. To add an object class, create a file using a text editor like Notepad, and name it according to existing conventions. The file naming structure is (Specification)-FuncPhys(Function)-(Object Class).txt. For instance, if you are adding the object class 'terminus' to the function 'Round', and in the specification A-GA-W01, you would name the file A-GA-W01-FuncPhysRound-Terminus.txt.
2. Once you have created the file you can add data to it. The file contents should also follow the existing structure, as shown below.

 

Under FunctionName list the object class, add the minimum and maximum sizes you want, and list the physical parts to which the object class is linked. Do not change the table structure or column headings. Use the tab key to move between columns, and do not add leading or trailing spaces to your entries.

You need to create a file for each function to which you are adding the object class - the file name should reflect the function. If you are adding the object class terminus to all four HVAC functions then you will end up with four files having four different file names.

To add one or more physical parts to an object class, add a line to the table.

  3. After creating the text file you should link it to the CATProduct. To link, drag the CATProduct file onto the viewer and expand it in the specifications tree. (Your customizing settings need to be correct. Click Tools - Options - Infrastructure - Product Structure - Tree Customization and activate Parameters and Relations.)

  4. Click the Design Table button to bring up the Design Table dialog box.

  5. Enter the function name in the Name field (it should be as entered in the CATfct file) and check the option Create a design table from a pre-existing file.
  6. Click OK and, in the File Selection dialog box that displays, navigate to the file you created. Select the file and click Open.
  7. In the design table that displays, uncheck the option Activity. Click OK. The text file is now linked to the CATProduct. You will need to repeat this step for all text files that you have created.
You must enter 'internal' function and part type names. To obtain the internal names open the feature dictionary in the feature dictionary editor and click the Generate Report button. Specify a location for the file. In the report, the name shown against 'Object Key' - under each function or part type - is the internal name that you need to use.

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