A forward construction method for designing pipe support and hanger models

Abstract

This invention discloses a forward construction method for designing pipe support and hanger models. The method involves constructing a component family, which is a parameterized family of components that make up pipe support and hanger models with different structural forms. A pipe model is constructed, and the centerline of the pipe model is identified using Dynamo software. Based on the centerline, the placement point group of the centerline is analyzed using Dynamo software, and the parameterized component families in the component family are retrieved. Based on the placement point group, various component families are placed sequentially on the pipe to obtain the pipe support and hanger model. The beneficial effect of this invention is that by establishing parameterized families of components that make up pipe support and hanger models with different structural forms, and combining these families with the Dynamo software platform, the method directly calls the component families required by the model to be built for combination, thereby improving the speed and efficiency of pipe support and hanger model construction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of model building technology, and more specifically, to a forward construction method for designing pipe support and hanger models. Background Technology

[0002] Revit is currently a mainstream modeling software in BIM technology. Through the Revit platform, a full lifecycle model of a construction project can be built based on engineering visualization. Dynamo is a visual programming program based on Revit, enabling rapid and accurate modeling of complex engineering models that are impossible to achieve in Revit.

[0003] Currently, Revit+Dynamo is widely used in municipal road and bridge engineering. Taking linear projects like roads, bridges, and tunnels as an example, the process involves first establishing a building family for the road, bridge, and tunnel project on the Revit platform, and then batch placing each component in the model based on its actual coordinates on the Dynamo platform. However, this technique is mostly used when existing 2D CAD drawings are available, requiring the input of relevant coordinates and parameters for model building. Therefore, when using existing techniques to build pipe support and hanger models, it is usually necessary to first organize the relevant horizontal coordinates, elevation data, and family parameter data from the 2D drawings to build the relevant model. However, this is a process of reverse model building in 3D, which reduces the efficiency of model building. Furthermore, the structures of supports and hangers are different, and the structures can be single-pipe or multi-pipe. Therefore, establishing a highly detailed parametric family of supports and hangers requires a large amount of work and is complex. In view of this, this application is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is that the reverse modeling process of constructing pipe support and hanger models based on data related to two-dimensional drawings in the prior art reduces the efficiency of model construction; secondly, the structural forms of pipe support and hanger models are varied, and the process of creating a parametric family of supports and hangers as a whole is relatively complex; the purpose is to provide a forward construction method for designing pipe support and hanger models, which can improve the speed and efficiency of constructing pipe support and hanger models.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A forward construction method for designing pipe support and hanger models, comprising the following steps:

[0007] Construct a component family, which is a parameterized component family of pipe support and hanger components;

[0008] Build a pipe model in Revit and identify the centerline of the pipe model using Dynamo software;

[0009] Based on the centerline, using Dynamo software, according to the spacing of the supports and hangers of the pipe model to be built, the placement point group of the centerline is analyzed. According to the specific structural form of the support and hanger model to be created, the required parametric component families in the component family are retrieved. Based on the placement point group and the contact and mating surfaces of each component's physical logic, the various component families are sequentially placed and assembled on the pipe to obtain the pipe support and hanger model.

[0010] Traditionally, when building pipe support and hanger models, the process typically involves first compiling relevant horizontal coordinates and elevation data from 2D drawings, and then using Dynamo to batch import and build related models based on this data. However, this method is only suitable for reverse engineering based on 2D drawings and is not suitable for forward design modeling, which offers higher modeling efficiency. Furthermore, pipe support and hanger structures vary widely and are complex, making the creation of a complete parametric family a relatively large undertaking. This invention provides a forward construction method for pipe support and hanger model design. By establishing parametric families of components that make up pipe support and hanger models with different structural forms, and combining these families with the Dynamo software platform, the method directly calls and combines these component families, improving the speed and efficiency of pipe support and hanger model construction.

[0011] Preferably, the component family includes a clamp component family, a boom component family, an angle steel component family, and a channel steel component family.

[0012] Preferably, the parameters set for the clamp component family include the outer diameter of the pipe and the diameter of the clamp strip; the parameters set for the hanger component family include the hanger diameter and the hanger length; the parameters set for the angle steel component family include the angle steel thickness, the angle steel width, the distance of the angle steel to the left of the pipe centerline, and the distance of the angle steel to the right of the pipe centerline; and the parameters set for the channel steel component family include the channel steel thickness, the channel steel width, the distance of the channel steel to the left of the pipe centerline, and the distance of the channel steel to the right of the pipe centerline.

[0013] Preferably, the construction of the component family is performed in Revit software.

[0014] Preferably, the pipeline model is constructed in Revit software.

[0015] Preferably, the specific method for generating the centerline is as follows:

[0016] Build a pipeline model;

[0017] The centerline is obtained by analyzing and calculating the pipeline model using the Element.Get Location node in the Dynamo software.

[0018] Preferably, the method for constructing the pipe support model includes:

[0019] A: Based on the centerline, calculate the position information of the first placement point group, where the first placement point group is a set of position information points for the placement of the component family;

[0020] B: Based on the location information of the first placement point group, retrieve the M-type component family from the component family and place the first-type component family at the location of the placement point group;

[0021] C: Based on the physical connection logic of the components of the support and hanger equipment, calculate the contact surface between the nth type of component family and the (n+1)th type of component family, and calculate the position information of the (n+1)th placement point group on the contact surface. Place the (n+1)th type of component model on the (n+1)th placement point group until the M type of component family is placed, and obtain the sub-pipe support and hanger model, n = 1, 2, 3...M-1;

[0022] D: Adjust the direction of the sub-pipe support model to be consistent with the direction of the pipe model to obtain the pipe support model.

[0023] Preferably, the sub-step of calculating the position information of the first placement point group based on the centerline includes:

[0024] Based on the centerline, the starting point of the centerline is obtained using Dynamo software, and the corresponding position points on the centerline are calculated from the starting point according to the spacing between the supports and hangers to obtain the first placement point group.

[0025] Preferably, the specific sub-steps of steps B to C include:

[0026] Call the clamp component family and place the clamp component family in the first placement point group;

[0027] Identify the bottom surface of the clamp component family, denoted as plane D1, and project the first placement point group onto plane D1 to obtain point group A2. Call the angle steel component family to place on point A2.

[0028] Identify the bottom surface of the angle steel component family, denoted as plane D2. After offsetting the first placement point group to both sides by the design distance, project it onto the D2 surface to obtain point group A3. Call the hanging rod component family and place it on point A3.

[0029] Identify the top surface of the hanger component family, denoted as plane D3. Project the first placement point group onto plane D3 to obtain point group A4. Call the channel steel component family and place it on point A4 to obtain the sub-pipe support model.

[0030] Preferably, when the constructed pipe support model is a multi-pipe support model, when performing placement calculations on the clamp component family, in step A, multiple pipe centerlines are identified to obtain the first placement point group, and then steps B to D are performed sequentially.

[0031] Preferably, the specific operations of step D include:

[0032] The angle between the centerline tangent vector and the Y-axis is calculated as the rotation angle. Based on the rotation angle, the sub-pipe support model is rotated until all families of models are arranged along the centerline tangent direction to obtain the pipe support model.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0034] This invention provides a forward construction method for designing pipe support and hanger models. By establishing parameterized families of components that make up pipe support and hanger models with different structural forms, and combining these families with the Dynamo software platform, the method directly calls the component families for assembly, thereby improving the speed and efficiency of pipe support and hanger model construction. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the construction method;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an angle steel model;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a channel steel model;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the clamp structure;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a boom model;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a single-tube hanger structure;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-tube hanger model. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this invention are only for explaining this invention and are not intended to limit this invention.

[0044] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary to practice the invention. In other embodiments, well-known structures, circuits, materials, or methods have not been specifically described in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

[0045] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment," "an example," or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the phrases "an embodiment," "an example," "an example," or "an example" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable combination and / or sub-combination. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the illustrations provided herein are for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0046] In the description of this invention, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal", "high", "low", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0047] This embodiment discloses a forward construction method for designing pipe support and hanger models. This embodiment constructs the pipe support and hanger model by establishing parameterized families of components required for support and hanger models with different structural forms, combining these families with the Dynamo software platform, and directly calling the component families for assembly. The method flow is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it specifically includes:

[0048] Component families are constructed, which are parameterized families of components of pipe support and hanger models with different structural forms. In this embodiment, the component families include clamp component families, hanger component families, angle steel component families, and channel steel component families; the construction of the component families is performed in Revit software.

[0049] The parameters set for the clamp component family include the outer diameter of the pipe and the diameter of the clamp strip; the parameters set for the hanger component family include the hanger diameter and the hanger length; the parameters set for the angle steel component family include the angle steel thickness, the angle steel width, the distance of the angle steel to the left of the pipe centerline, and the distance of the angle steel to the right of the pipe centerline; and the parameters set for the channel steel component family include the channel steel thickness, the channel steel width, the distance of the channel steel to the left of the pipe centerline, and the distance of the channel steel to the right of the pipe centerline.

[0050] Based on Revit, a family of pipe support components was created, including parametric families of components such as clamps, hangers, angle steel, and channel steel. The design parameters of each component were simultaneously compiled and entered into an Excel spreadsheet to prepare for parametric control in Dynamo batch modeling. For example, the main parametric family parameters for clamps are set as the pipe outer diameter and clamp strip diameter; for angle steel and channel steel, the main parametric family parameters are set as the angle steel / channel steel thickness, width, distance to the left of the pipe centerline, and distance to the right of the pipe centerline. For hangers and bolts, the main parametric family parameters are set as the hanger bolt diameter and hanger bolt length. Through variations in these family parameters and the assembly of components, various structural forms of pipe supports and hangers can be combined in Dynamo with fewer and simpler parameter settings, such as single-pipe channel steel supports, single-pipe angle steel supports, multi-pipe supports, and hangers. The various types of components in the pipe support component family can be refined by referring to the atlas "03S402 Indoor Pipe Supports and Hangers," and the constructed component family model is as follows: Figures 2-5 As shown.

[0051] Construct a pipeline model and identify the centerline of the pipeline model using Dynamo software;

[0052] The specific method for generating the centerline is as follows: construct a pipe model; select the pipe in Dynamo and calculate the centerline of the pipe, specifically including: using the Select.Model Element node to select the pipe for which supports and hangers need to be installed, and then calculating the centerline of the pipe according to the Element.Get Location node, denoted as S1.

[0053] Based on the centerline, using Dynamo software, place point groups according to the spacing of the pipe model supports and hangers to be built. According to the specific structural form of the support and hanger model to be created, retrieve the parameterized component families in the component families. Based on the placement point groups and the physical logic contact surfaces of each component, assemble and place various component families on the pipe in sequence to obtain the pipe support and hanger model.

[0054] The method for constructing the pipe support and hanger model includes:

[0055] A: Based on the centerline, calculate the position information of the first placement point group, where the first placement point group is a set of position information points for the placement of the component family;

[0056] The sub-step of calculating the position information of the first placement point group based on the centerline includes: obtaining the starting point of the centerline using Dynamo software based on the centerline, and calculating the corresponding position points on the centerline from the starting point according to the spacing between the supports and hangers, thereby obtaining the first placement point group.

[0057] The sub-steps are explained in detail below:

[0058] Based on the Dynamo platform, the `Curve.Point At Parameter` node is used to calculate the starting point for the family placement on curve S1. Then, the `Curve.Points At Equal Segment Length From Point` node is used to calculate the corresponding position points on the curve S1 based on the spacing of the supports and hangers, starting from the starting point. Finally, the `List.Create` node is used to calculate the set of points, denoted as A1. Simultaneously, the `Plane.By Original Normal` node is used to calculate the plane containing point A1 and parallel to the X and Y axes, denoted as the standard plane. Relevant design data is obtained from a pre-prepared Excel spreadsheet using the `List.Get Item At Index` node.

[0059] If a multi-pipe support is being created, which has multiple pipes, the centerlines of the multiple pipes need to be identified and placement points created to obtain a set of placement points. This involves repeating step A to obtain the set of placement points for the multi-pipe support.

[0060] B: Based on the position information of the first placement point group, retrieve the M-type component family from the component family and place the first-type component family at the position of the placement point group; (the first placed component family is not limited to a fixed order and can be any component, depending on the corresponding modeling logic.)

[0061] C: Based on the physical connection logic of the components of the support and hanger equipment, calculate the contact surface between the nth type of component family and the (n+1)th type of component family, and calculate the position information of the (n+1)th placement point group on the contact surface. Place the (n+1)th type of component model on the (n+1)th placement point group until the M type of component family is placed, and obtain the sub-pipe support and hanger model (n = 1, 2, 3...M-1).

[0062] The specific sub-steps of steps B to C include:

[0063] Call the clamp component family and place the clamp component family in the first placement point group;

[0064] Identify the bottom surface of the clamp component family, denoted as plane D1, and project the first placement point group onto plane D1 to obtain point group A2. Call the angle steel component family to place on point A2.

[0065] Identify the bottom surface of the angle steel component family, denoted as plane D2. After offsetting the first placement point group to both sides by the design distance, project it onto the D2 surface to obtain point group A3. Call the hanging rod component family and place it on point A3.

[0066] Identify the top surface of the hanger component family, denoted as plane D3. Project the first placement point group onto plane D3 to obtain point group A4. Call the channel steel component family and place it on point A4 to obtain the sub-pipe support model.

[0067] The sub-steps are explained in detail below:

[0068] Based on the Dynamo platform, the clamp family components are loaded using the Family Type node and then batch-loaded and placed using the FamilyInstance.By Point node.

[0069] Based on the Dynamo platform, the placed clamp family instance is transformed into a geometric solid using the Element.Geometry node. Then, the surface of the geometric solid is decomposed into individual faces using the Element.Explode node. The bottom surface of the clamp family is selected using the List.Get ItemAt Index node. The distance between the bottom surface and the standard plane is calculated using the Geometry.Distance To node. The plane containing the bottom surface is then offset by the aforementioned distance using the Plane.Offset node, denoted as plane D1. Point A1 is projected onto plane D1 using the Point.Project node, resulting in a set of points denoted as A2. The angle steel family component is then loaded using the Family Type node. The base (angle steel family) is placed based on point A2 using the Family Instance.By Point node. Specifically, the upper surface of the angle steel is used as the modeling base point when creating the angle steel family.

[0070] Based on the Dynamo platform, the Element.Geometry node is used to convert the placed base (angle steel family) instance into a geometric solid. Then, Element.Explode is used to decompose the surface of the geometric solid into individual faces. The List.GetItem At Index node is used to select the bottom surface of the placed base (angle steel family). The Geometry.Distance To node is used to calculate the distance between the bottom surface and the standard plane. Then, Plane.Offset is used to offset the standard plane by the above distance to obtain the plane where the bottom surface is located, denoted as plane D2. The Curve.Offset node is used to offset line S1 to obtain lines S2 and S3. Based on lines S2 and S3, points a2 and a3 are calculated using the same steps as generating point A1 in step A. The Point.Project node is used to project points a2 and a3 onto plane D2 to obtain a set of points denoted as A3. Then, the Family Type node is used to load the hanger family component. The Family Instance.By Point node is used to place the hanger family based on the above points A3. Specifically, when creating a family of booms, the top surface of the lower bolt of the boom is used as the modeling base point.

[0071] Based on the Dynamo platform, the placed boom family instance is converted into geometric properties using the Element.Geometry node. The Element.Explode node is then used to decompose the geometric surface into individual faces. The List.Get ItemAt Index node is used to select the surface where the boom family and the top connector combine. The Geometry.Distance To node is used to calculate the distance between the contact surface and the standard plane. The Plane.Offset node is used to offset the standard plane by the above distance to obtain the plane containing the combined contact surface, denoted as plane D3. The Point.Project node is used to project point A1 onto plane D3, resulting in a set of points denoted as A4. The Family Type node is then used to load the channel steel family component. The top component (channel steel family) is placed based on point A4 using the Family Instance.ByPoint node. Specifically, when creating the channel steel family, the upper surface of the bottom of the channel steel is used as the modeling base point.

[0072] D: Adjust the direction of the sub-pipe support model to be consistent with the direction of the pipe model to obtain the pipe support model.

[0073] The specific operations of step D include: calculating the angle between the centerline tangent vector and the Y-axis as the rotation angle; rotating the sub-pipe support model according to the rotation angle until all families of models are arranged along the centerline tangent direction to obtain the pipe support model, and the final model is as follows. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown.

[0074] The sub-steps are explained in detail below:

[0075] The angle between the Y-axis and the tangent vector of line S1 is calculated using the Vector.Angle With Vector node. The placement orientation of the clamp family, base (angle steel family), and top component (channel steel family) is adjusted uniformly using the Family Instance.Set Rotation node. The Element.Set Parameter By Name node is used to parameterize the constructed support model by using the organized support and hanger size design parameters and support and hanger layout spacing parameters Excel table, thus obtaining the pipe support and hanger model.

[0076] This embodiment primarily involves first calculating the placement of one component within a part. After placement, the contact surface between the next component and the currently placed component is calculated. Then, the placement points on the contact surface are calculated, and the contacting components are placed and combined at these points. The mating surfaces of the parts are used for positioning, and this process is repeated to complete the creation of the entire part model. Of course, when creating a component family, the physical logic of the placement order should be organized to determine the base point for the creation of each component family.

[0077] This embodiment provides a forward construction method for designing pipe support and hanger models. The method involves establishing parameterized families of components required for different structural forms of support and hanger models, combining these families with the Dynamo software platform, and directly calling and assembling the component families to construct the pipe support and hanger model. Compared to reverse modeling based on batch import of horizontal coordinate data and elevation data from two-dimensional drawings, this method is more efficient. The modeling steps in this invention are all automatically calculated and placed by a programming program built with Dynamo software. This program is applicable to different project situations; simply adjusting the support and hanger component size design parameters in the Excel sheet and the type of families called into the program is sufficient to build accurate support and hanger models suitable for different projects. The program calculation process of this invention does not require additional input of component elevation information; it directly places, assembles, and combines components based on the physical connection logic of the support and hanger equipment components, thus improving the efficiency of model construction.

[0078] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A forward construction method of a piping support hanger model design, characterized by, The method steps include: Construct a component family, which is a parameterized component family of pipe support and hanger components; Construct a pipeline model and identify the centerline of the pipeline model using Dynamo software; Based on the centerline, using Dynamo software, the placement point group is analyzed according to the spacing of the supports and hangers of the pipe model to be built; according to the specific structural form of the support and hanger model to be created, the required parametric component families in the component family are retrieved; based on the placement point group, the contact surface of the previously placed component is identified in sequence, the placement point is projected onto the contact surface to obtain the placement point of the next component, and the various component families are placed and assembled on the pipe in sequence to obtain the pipe support and hanger model.

2. The forward construction method of a piping support model design according to claim 1, wherein, The component families include clamp component families, hanger component families, angle steel component families, and channel steel component families.

3. The forward construction method of a piping support model design according to claim 2, wherein, The parameters set for the clamp component family include the outer diameter of the pipe and the diameter of the clamp strip; the parameters set for the hanger component family include the hanger diameter and the hanger length; the parameters set for the angle steel component family include the angle steel thickness, the angle steel width, the distance of the angle steel to the left of the pipe centerline, and the distance of the angle steel to the right of the pipe centerline; and the parameters set for the channel steel component family include the channel steel thickness, the channel steel width, the distance of the channel steel to the left of the pipe centerline, and the distance of the channel steel to the right of the pipe centerline.

4. The forward construction method of a piping support model design according to claim 1, wherein, The component family was constructed in Revit software.

5. The forward construction method of a piping support model design according to claim 1, wherein, The specific method for generating the centerline is as follows: Building a pipe model in Revit software; The centerline is obtained by analyzing and calculating the pipeline model using the Element.Get Location node in the Dynamo software.

6. The forward construction method of a piping support model design according to claim 3, wherein, The method for constructing the pipe support and hanger model includes: A: Based on the centerline, calculate the position information of the first placement point group, where the first placement point group is a set of position information points for the placement of the component family; B: Based on the location information of the first placement point group, retrieve the M-type component family from the component family and place the first-type component family at the location of the placement point group; C: Based on the physical connection logic of the components of the support and hanger equipment, calculate the contact surface between the nth type of component family and the (n+1)th type of component family, and calculate the position information of the (n+1)th placement point group on the contact surface. Place the (n+1)th type of component model on the (n+1)th placement point group until the M type of component family is placed to obtain the sub-pipe support and hanger model, n=1, 2, 3…M-1; D: Adjust the direction of the sub-pipe support model to be consistent with the direction of the pipe model to obtain the pipe support model.

7. The forward construction method of a piping support model design according to claim 6, wherein, The sub-step of calculating the position information of the first placement point group based on the centerline includes: Based on the centerline, the starting point of the centerline is obtained using Dynamo software, and the corresponding position points on the centerline are calculated from the starting point according to the spacing between the supports and hangers to obtain the first placement point group.

8. The forward construction method of a piping support model design according to claim 7, wherein, The specific sub-steps of steps B to C include: Call the clamp component family and place the clamp component family in the first placement point group; Identify the bottom surface of the clamp component family, denoted as plane D1, and project the first placement point group onto plane D1 to obtain point group A2. Call the angle steel component family to place on point A2. Identify the bottom surface of the angle steel component family, denoted as plane D2. After offsetting the first placement point group to both sides by the design distance, project it onto the D2 surface to obtain point group A3. Call the hanging rod component family and place it on point A3. Identify the top surface of the hanger component family, denoted as plane D3. Project the first placement point group onto plane D3 to obtain point group A4. Call the channel steel component family and place it on point A4 to obtain the sub-pipe support model.

9. The forward construction method of a piping support model design according to claim 8, wherein, When the constructed pipe support model is a multi-pipe support model, when executing step A, the center lines of multiple pipes are identified to obtain the first placement point group, and then steps B to D are executed in sequence.

10. The forward construction method for designing a pipe support and hanger model according to claim 8, characterized in that, The specific operations of step D include: The angle between the centerline tangent vector and the Y-axis is calculated as the rotation angle. Based on the rotation angle, the sub-pipe support model is rotated until all families of models are arranged along the centerline tangent direction to obtain the pipe support model.

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