# File lib/meta_search/builder.rb, line 251
    def build_or_find_association(name, parent = @join_dependency.join_base, klass = nil)
      found_association = @join_dependency.join_associations.detect do |assoc|
        assoc.reflection.name == name &&
        assoc.parent == parent &&
        (!klass || assoc.reflection.klass == klass)
      end
      unless found_association
        @join_dependency.send(:build, Polyamorous::Join.new(name, @join_type, klass), parent)
        found_association = @join_dependency.join_associations.last
        # Leverage the stashed association functionality in AR
        @relation = @relation.joins(found_association)
      end

      found_association
    end