underware-openscad

What this skill does

# Underware OpenSCAD Code Generation

Generates OpenSCAD code for parametric cable management channels compatible with OpenGrid/Multiboard wall-mounted systems.

## Required Reading Before Generating Code

**Authoritative source (fetch every time):**

- **QuackWorks Underware Repository**: https://github.com/AndyLevesque/QuackWorks/tree/main/Underware
  - Reference implementation for all channel types
  - Licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
  - Active development with bug fixes and enhancements

**Related documentation:**

- Hands on Katie guide: https://handsonkatie.com/underware-2-0-the-made-to-measure-collection/
- For system compatibility, see the home-organization skill

## Core Understanding (Critical Architecture)

### What Makes Underware Different From Generic Cable Channels

**Two-part snap system**: Every channel consists of separate Base + Top pieces:

- **Base**: Mounts to wall/surface with various mounting methods
- **Top**: Clips onto base, removable for cable access
- **Snap profile**: Precision-engineered interlock (~3mm overlap)
- **Why this matters**: User can route cables, snap on tops, remove tops later without unmounting

**Path-sweep construction**: All channels use BOSL2 `path_sweep()` for complex geometries:

```openscad
// Profile defines cross-section shape
// Turtle commands define path through space
path_sweep(baseProfile(widthMM = 25), turtle(["move", lengthMM]))
```

**Profile scaling for width**: Multi-unit channels expand by stretching center rectangle:

```openscad
// 1-unit channel: 25mm wide (standard profile)
// 2-unit channel: 50mm wide (profile halves moved apart, rectangle fills gap)
function baseProfile(widthMM = 25) =
    union(
        left((widthMM-25)/2, selectBaseProfile),  // Left half
        right((widthMM-25)/2, mirror([1,0], selectBaseProfile)),  // Right half mirrored
        back(3.5/2, rect([widthMM-25+0.02, 3.5]))  // Center fill rectangle
    );
```

**Grid-based dimensioning**: All dimensions in 25mm grid units (OpenGrid/Multiboard standard):

- `Grid_Size = 25` (constant, do not modify)
- `Channel_Width_in_Units = 1` → 25mm wide channel
- `Channel_Length_Units = 5` → 125mm long straight channel

### BOSL2 Dependencies (Required)

All channel files require:

```openscad
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/rounding.scad>
include <BOSL2/threading.scad>
```

**Why these specific libraries:**

- `std.scad`: Core geometry operations (path_sweep, turtle, attachable)
- `rounding.scad`: Smooth corners on profiles
- `threading.scad`: Threaded snap connector generation

## Channel Type Selection Framework (Decision Layer)

### By Cable Routing Need

| Routing Need                        | Channel Type             | Key File                               | Read Subpage            |
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------------ | -------------------------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Straight run with cord exits        | I Channel                | `Underware_I_Channel.scad`             | ./straight-runs.md      |
| 90° corner, independent arm lengths | L Channel                | `Underware_L_Channel.scad`             | ./corners-junctions.md  |
| 3-way intersection                  | T Channel                | `Underware_T_Channel.scad`             | ./corners-junctions.md  |
| 4-way cross                         | X Channel                | `Underware_X_Channel.scad`             | ./corners-junctions.md  |
| Split one path to two               | Y Channel (Branch Split) | `Underware_Branch_Split_Channel.scad`  | ./corners-junctions.md  |
| Smooth diagonal transition          | S Channel                | `Underware_S_Channel.scad`             | ./curves-transitions.md |
| Quarter/half/full circle            | C Channel                | `Underware_C_Channel.scad`             | ./curves-transitions.md |
| 45° angled corner                   | Mitre Channel            | `Underware_Mitre_Channel.scad`         | ./curves-transitions.md |
| Vertical level change               | Height Change Channel    | `Underware_Height_Change_Channel.scad` | ./curves-transitions.md |

### By Use Case Examples

| User wants to                        | Recommended approach        | Notes                                                              |
| ------------------------------------ | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Route desk power cables horizontally | I Channel with cord cutouts | Use `Both Sides` cutouts for multiple exit points                  |
| Turn corner around desk edge         | L Channel                   | Set `L_Channel_Length_in_Units_Y/X_Axis` independently             |
| Create cable junction box            | T or X Channel              | T for 3-way, X for 4-way crossroads                                |
| Branch to two monitor cables         | Y Channel                   | `Y_Output_Direction = "Forward"` keeps both outputs same direction |
| Gradually shift cable run diagonally | S Channel                   | Bezier curve, specify `Units_Over` and `Units_Up`                  |
| Route around circular desk leg       | C Channel                   | Set `Arc_Angle` for quarter (90°) or half (180°) circle            |
| Transition cables up/down wall       | Height Change Channel       | Smooth vertical transitions                                        |

### When Pattern Is Unclear

**Ask these questions:**

1. **Path shape**: Straight, corner, curve, or multi-junction?
2. **Exit points**: Where do cables enter/exit the channel?
3. **Direction changes**: 90°, 45°, or smooth curve?
4. **Mounting surface**: Flat wall, under desk, around obstacles?

**Default**: When unclear, use I Channel (straight) - user can connect multiple segments later.

## Universal Parameters (All Channels)

### Required Parameters (Always Define)

```openscad
/*[Choose Part]*/
Base_Top_or_Both = "Both"; // [Base, Top, Both] - Export control

/*[Channel Size]*/
Channel_Width_in_Units = 1;          // Width in grid units (25mm each)
Channel_Internal_Height = 12;        // Interior height 12-72mm (6mm increments)

/*[Mounting Options]*/
Mounting_Method = "Threaded Snap Connector";
// Options: Threaded Snap Connector, Direct Multiboard Screw,
//          Direct Multipoint Screw, Magnet, Wood Screw, Flat
```

### Mounting Method Selection

| Method                  | Use When                            | Parameters Needed                     | Print Orientation                |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| Threaded Snap Connector | OpenGrid/Multiboard with connectors | None (default)                        | Base flat, Top upside-down       |
| Direct Multiboard Screw | Screw directly into board holes     | None                                  | Base flat (pre-drilled holes)    |
| Direct Multipoint Screw | Honeycomb Storage Wall              | None                                  | Base flat (larger holes)         |
| Magnet                  | Curved surfaces, repositionable     | `Magnet_Diameter`, `Magnet_Thickness` | Base flat (magnet recesses)      |
| Wood Screw              | Direct wall/desk mounting           | `Wood_Screw_Thread_Diameter`          | Base flat (countersink holes)    |
| Flat                    | Adhesive mounting, testing          | None                                  | Base flat (no mounting features) |

**Common mistake**: Using `Flat` for production installs. This removes all mounting features - only use for adhesive mounting or prototyping.

### Advanced Options (Modify Rarely)

```openscad
/*[Advanced Options]*/
Grid_Size = 25;                      // ALWAYS 25 for OpenGrid compatibility
Profile_Type = "Original";           // [Original, v2.5] - BETA: v2.5 inverse clip
Flex_Compensation_Scaling = 0.99;    // For wide/tall channels, reduce flex
Additional_Holding_Strength = 0.0;   // [0:0.1: