I have a superclass TubeClass with a number of properties, one of which is outsideDiameter. From this superclass, I derive two subclasses, StraightTubeClass and BentTubeClass. Both of these classes inherit the property outsideDiameter. So far so good...
I would now like to create a third class, UTubeClass, which again inherets from TubeClass. Now, UTubeClass comprises two straight legs of tube and a 180° bend. It also inherits the outsideDiameter property. So now I have a construction something like
MyUTube = UTubeClass;
MyUTube.outsideDiameter = 100
MyUTube.someOtherProperties = 'foo'
MyUTube.straightLeg.outsideDiameter = 100
MyUTube.bend.outsideDiameter = 100
Ideally the outsideDiameter property would be the same in all places. I can figure out how to create a set method for UTubeClass such that when I set the property of outside diameter it is synchronised across all three usages, eg
MyUTube = UTubeClass;
MyUTube.outsideDiameter = 500;
MyUTube.outsideDiameter = 500
MyUTube.straightLeg.outsideDiameter = 500
MyUTube.bend.outsideDiameter = 500
However, it is still possible to break this and independently set the value of the straight leg or bend outside diameter, eg
MyUTube = UTubeClass;
MyUTube.outsideDiameter = 500;
MyUTube.outsideDiameter = 500
MyUTube.straightLeg.outsideDiameter = 500
MyUTube.bend.outsideDiameter = 500
MyUTube.straightLeg.outsideDiameter = 1000;
So, is there a way to prevent this behavour, or should I be approaching the problem differently.
