CATIA-based embedded pipeline automatic design method

By performing secondary development in CATIA's CAA component library, an automated design method for buried pipelines is provided, which solves the problems of low design efficiency and difficulty in guaranteeing accuracy, and realizes efficient and accurate pipeline design.

CN121120943APending Publication Date: 2025-12-12NORTHWEST ENGINEERING CORPORATION LIMITED
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511311195.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-15
Publication Date
2025-12-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing CATIA software suffers from low design efficiency, difficulty in ensuring accuracy, and difficulty in modifying designs when designing buried pipelines, resulting in extended design cycles and susceptibility to human error.

Method used

Based on the CAA component library of CATIA, a secondary development method is provided for the automated design of buried pipelines. The method includes steps such as receiving buried pipe parameters, recursively searching sub-nodes, creating a geometric set, performing matrix transformation and projection calculations, and generating a pipeline solid model. The automated design is achieved through an interactive interface and the EKL engine.

Benefits of technology

It greatly reduces the workload of users manually laying pipelines, improves design efficiency and accuracy, simplifies the maintenance process, and enhances design quality.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a CATIA-based buried pipeline automatic design method. The method comprises the following steps: receiving pipe burying parameters including a father node and start-stop geometry, and storing the pipe burying parameters into a structural body array; recursively retrieving reference objects of which all sub-types are buried pipes under the father node, so that the name of the newly created buried pipe is unique; creating a geometric figure set under the father node; performing matrix transformation and projection calculation on the start-stop geometry to generate a feature point set; creating a new electrical branch geometry after deleting the same-name old electrical branch under the father node, and copying the feature point set to a geometric figure set of the new electrical branch geometry; eKL is executed, and a pipeline entity model is generated with the feature point set, the new electrical branch geometry and the pipeline diameter as parameters; and updating the PLM tree to complete the design. According to the method, a complete buried pipeline automatic design system is constructed, compared with a traditional method, the method has the advantages of being high in efficiency, small in error, easy to maintain and the like, the overall quality of buried pipeline design is improved, and more reliable and efficient technical support is provided for modern engineering design.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of CATIA 3D modeling technology, specifically involving an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA. Background Technology

[0002] CATIA V6 is a comprehensive software developed by Dassault Systèmes of France, integrating 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) functions. With its innovative architecture, support for cloud collaboration, intelligent design tools, and comprehensive and powerful design capabilities, CATIA V6 delivers an unprecedented design experience and is widely used in numerous fields such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, and machinery manufacturing.

[0003] As design projects continue to expand in scale, the field of buried pipeline design has gradually exposed a series of problems that urgently need to be addressed, such as low design efficiency, difficulty in guaranteeing accuracy, and difficulty in design modifications. Currently, CATIA V6's native modules do not include dedicated tools for buried pipeline design, forcing engineers to manually perform a series of tedious operations such as curve drawing, structural cutting, and interference checks. This traditional design method not only extends the design cycle but is also highly susceptible to human error, seriously affecting the quality and efficiency of the design. It fails to meet the stringent requirements of modern engineering for efficient and accurate design.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA's CAA (Component Application Architecture) library. This method aims to solve the problems of low efficiency, large errors, and difficult maintenance in traditional buried pipeline design, thereby improving the overall quality and efficiency of buried pipeline design and providing more reliable and efficient technical support for modern engineering design. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA, which solves the problems of low quality and efficiency in existing buried pipeline design methods.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Receive the buried pipe parameters, including the parent node and start and end geometry, and store them in a structure array; Step 2: Recursively search all reference objects with the subtype of buried pipe under the parent node to ensure that the name of the newly created buried pipe is unique; Step 3: Create a set of geometric shapes under the parent node; Step 4: Perform matrix transformation and projection calculations on the start and end geometry to generate a feature point set; Step 5: After deleting the old electrical branch with the same name under the parent node, create a new electrical branch geometry and copy the feature point set to the geometry set of the new electrical branch geometry; Step 6: Execute EKL to generate a solid model of the pipe using the feature point set, the geometry of the new electrical branch, and the pipe diameter as parameters; Step 7: Update the PLM tree to complete the design.

[0007] The invention is further characterized by: In step 1, the target assembly node is selected as the parent node in the structure tree through the interactive interface, the topological relationship of the parent node is obtained through the CATIPLMNavOccurrence interface, and the start and end geometry is captured by the CATIMmiMechanicalFeature interface.

[0008] The buried pipe parameters in step 1 also include cable association information. If a cable is selected, the cable reference object is obtained through the GetRelatedReference method of the CATIPLMNavOccurrence interface, and the cable attributes are parsed through the GetValueAsString method of the CATCkeObjectAttrReadServices interface. Then, the matching pipe material model and nominal size are automatically filled in according to the preset rules.

[0009] Step 1 uses vector <processinfo>The design parameters for each pipeline are dynamically stored and managed using a structure array, and the pipeline data is displayed in tabular form using a CATDlgMultilist control. If pipeline parameters need to be modified, the index of the target pipeline parameter row is obtained using the GetSelect method of the CATDlgMultilist control, and the corresponding vector is updated using the SetColumnItem method. <processinfo>The data in the structure array is updated in the interactive interface by synchronously calling the UpdateDisplay function; if a pipeline data needs to be deleted, the vector is cleared synchronously by using the RemovePosition method. <processinfo>The structure array and the corresponding entries in the interface table.

[0010] In step 2, the GetFather method of the CATIPLMNavOccurrence interface is used to recursively trace back to the top-level parent node. The ListChildren method is used to recursively traverse all child nodes. Combined with the CATCkeObjectAttrReadServices interface, the naming attributes of the buried pipe subtype objects are obtained in batches and compared with the existing name list. If a duplicate name is found, a unique name is automatically generated and the vector is updated. <processinfo>Array of structures.

[0011] In step 3, the CATIMmiUseSetFactory interface is called under the parent node to create a geometry set named "Pipe Burying Process Element", and four sub-geometry sets are created and named sequentially within the geometry set: Geometry set 1: Stores the start and end geometry input in step 1; Geometric Set 2: Stores offset surfaces generated by matrix transformations; Geometric Shape Set 3: Stores feature points generated through matrix transformations; Geometric Set 4: Stores the set of feature points obtained from projection calculations.

[0012] Step 4 specifically includes the following steps: Step 4.1: Calculate the absolute inverse matrix of the starting and ending geometry of Step 1 using the CATMathTransformation interface, and perform translation using the SetTransformation method of the CATICGMDynTransformation interface to realize the coordinate transformation of feature points and surfaces, thereby obtaining feature points in a unified coordinate system. Step 4.2: Generate an offset plane based on the set burial depth value using the CreatePlane method of the CATIGSMUseFactory interface; Step 4.3: Project the feature points onto the offset plane to form the feature point set of the pipeline center path.

[0013] Step 5 specifically involves: using the name output in Step 2 as a unique identifier, deleting the old electrical branch with the same name under the parent node through the RemoveProduct method of the CATIPLMProducts interface, then creating a new electrical branch geometry using CATIEhiPLMReferenceFactory, and finally using the CopyFeature function to losslessly copy the feature point set generated in Step 4 to the geometry set under the new electrical branch geometry, while preserving the geometric constraints.

[0014] Step 6 specifically involves: obtaining the EKL parametric engine runtime environment through the CAAOpenPLMComponent function, converting the feature point set, new electrical branch geometry, and pipe diameter into an EKL-compatible format, calling the CATICkeFunction interface, and using the feature point set, new electrical branch geometry, and pipe diameter as input parameters to execute EKL and generate a pipe solid model.

[0015] Step 7 specifically involves calling the GlobalPLMUpdate method of the CATIPLMUpdateEngine interface to refresh the entire product structure tree, reflecting the newly created buried pipe object and its associated data, thus completing the automated design of the buried pipeline.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: Based on the CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines, this invention constructs a complete automated design system for buried pipelines, which can greatly reduce the workload of users manually laying pipelines in large-scale design projects. Compared with traditional methods, it has the advantages of high efficiency, small error and simple maintenance, thus improving the overall quality of buried pipeline design and providing more reliable and efficient technical support for modern engineering design. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the user interface when the CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines is applied. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0019] Example 1 This invention provides an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following steps: Step 1: Receive the buried pipe parameters through the interactive interface, including parent node, start and end points / surfaces, and cable association information.

[0020] Step 2: When a cable is selected, its reference properties are automatically obtained and the matching material type and nominal size are derived.

[0021] Step 3: Use vector <processinfo>The structure array dynamically manages pipeline data, and bidirectional editing is achieved through CATDlgMultilist.

[0022] Step 4: Recursively search all buried pipe subtype references under the parent node to ensure the uniqueness of the name.

[0023] Step 5: Create a dedicated container (geometry set) under the selected parent node to store intermediate data for geometry processing.

[0024] Step 6: Perform matrix transformation and projection calculations on the input geometry to generate a feature point set.

[0025] Step 7: After deleting the old electrical branch with the same name, create a new branch and copy the feature points to its geometry set.

[0026] Step 8: Call the EKL engine to generate a pipe entity using feature point set, electrical branch reference, and pipe diameter as parameters.

[0027] Step 9: Update the product structure tree using the GlobalPLMUpdate method to achieve PLM system integration. Trigger a full refresh of the product structure tree using the CATIPLMUpdateEngine interface.

[0028] Example 2 This invention provides an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA. Based on Example 1, step 1 preferably includes the following solutions: When receiving buried pipe parameters through the interactive interface, the CATIPLMNavOccurrence interface is used to accurately obtain the parent node topology relationship, and the CATIMmiMechanicalFeature interface is combined to realize intelligent capture of start and end points / areas. For cable association information, a dynamic data binding mechanism is developed to establish a real-time association between the cable selector and the parameter input box.

[0029] Example 3 This invention provides an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA. Based on Example 1, step 2 preferably includes the following: When a cable selection operation is detected, the cable PLM reference is obtained through the GetRelatedReference method of the CATIPLMNavOccurrence interface. The cable PLM attributes (such as outer diameter, type, etc.) are parsed using the GetValueAsString method of the CATCkeObjectAttrReadServices interface. A preset cable-pipe matching rule library is established, which stores a mapping table of correspondence between cable attributes and recommended pipe materials and nominal sizes. Then, based on the preset cable-pipe matching rule library, the matching pipe material model and nominal size are selected. After matching the pipe parameters, the data is bound to the CATDlgCombo drop-down control in real time.

[0030] Example 4 This invention provides an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA. Based on Example 1, step 3 preferably includes the following scheme: Using vector <processinfo>A structure array is used to dynamically store and manage pipeline parameters. Each structure contains seven fields recording complete design parameters. A tabular display is implemented using the CATDlgMultilist control, employing a two-way binding mechanism with methods such as SetColumnItem and GetSelect to support real-time data addition, deletion, modification, and querying, ensuring strict synchronization between the interface and the data source. To modify input parameters, the target row index is obtained using the GetSelect method of the CATDlgMultilist control, and the corresponding vector is updated using the SetColumnItem method. <processinfo>The data in the structure array is updated by calling the UpdateDisplay function; when a pipeline data is deleted, the vector is cleared simultaneously using the RemovePosition method. <processinfo>Ensure data consistency by matching the structure array with the corresponding entries in the interface table.

[0031] Example 5 This invention provides an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA. Based on Example 1, step 4 preferably includes the following scheme: A recursive retrieval algorithm is created. The GetFather method of the CATIPLMNavOccurrence interface is used to trace back to the top-level parent node. The ListChildren method is used to recursively traverse all references under the node whose subtype is "embedded pipe". The naming attributes of the "embedded pipe" subtype objects are obtained in batches by the CATCkeObjectAttrReadServices interface. A name table is built for fast deduplication.

[0032] Example 6 This invention provides an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA. Based on Example 1, step 5 preferably includes the following: Under the selected parent node, the CATIMmiUseSetFactory interface is called to create a dedicated container for "embedded pipe process elements", using a hierarchical storage architecture: Geometric Set.1 (Device Point): Stores the original feature points / faces; Geometric Shapes Set 2 (Offset Surface): Stores matrix transformation surfaces and offset surfaces; Geometric Shape Set 3 (Copy Points): Stores matrix transformation points; Geometric Set 4 (Projection Points): Saves the final set of projection points.

[0033] Example 7 This invention provides an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA. Based on Example 1, step 6 preferably includes the following: The absolute inverse matrix of the selected feature points is calculated using the CATMathTransformation interface. The SetTransformation method of the CATICGMDynTransformation interface is used to perform translation to realize the coordinate transformation of the feature points and surfaces, thus achieving coordinate system unification. Based on the burial depth value, the CreatePlane method of the CATIGSMUseFactory interface is used to create an offset plane. The points are then projected onto the offset plane in sequence to obtain the projection points as the buried pipe path.

[0034] Example 8 This invention provides an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA. Based on Example 1, step 7 preferably includes the following: An intelligent reconstruction system for electrical branches is established. The RemoveProduct method of the CATIPLMProducts interface is used to completely delete the old branches with the same name under the selected parent node. The CATIEhiPLMReferenceFactory is used to create new electrical branch geometry. Then, the CopyFeature function is used to achieve lossless copying of feature points, while retaining all geometric constraints.

[0035] Example 9 This invention provides an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA. Based on Example 1, step 8 preferably includes the following: The EKL parameterization engine is invoked, and the EKL runtime environment is obtained through the CAAOpenPLMComponent function. The feature point set is converted into an EKL-compatible list, and the new electrical branch geometry and pipe diameter are also converted into an EKL-compatible format. The CATICkeFunction interface is called, and the electrical branch geometry, point set, and diameter are used as input parameters to call EKL to generate the branch pipe.

[0036] Example 10 This invention provides an automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA, such as... Figure 2 As shown, secondary development is performed using CATIA's CAA component library. Users first activate the buried pipe design function in the 3D view, then select the parent node of the pipe to be laid in the structure tree. Next, in the interactive interface, pipe parameters (including two modes: "Lay only current pipe" and "Batch lay related pipes") and pipe properties (physical properties include "material type" and "nominal size," while geometric properties include four parameters: start point, end point, path surface, and burial depth) are set as needed. Users complete the pipe design through the following steps: Step 1: Select the target assembly node as the parent node in the structure tree.

[0037] Step 2: Set the basic pipeline parameters in the interactive interface: Enter the pipeline name (automatic serial number generation is supported); select the start and end points / surfaces (multiple selection and box selection are supported); set the burial depth value.

[0038] Then, the optimal pipeline path is automatically calculated using the "intelligent derivation" function. If the calculation result meets the requirements, the "generate pipeline" function is executed to create a pipeline entity that meets the requirements at the specified location. The system provides the following functions: automatically updating all associated projection calculations when the burial depth value is modified; synchronously correcting derived parameters such as wall thickness when the material type is adjusted; and automatically maintaining the original topology relationship when the parent node is changed.

[0039] Through the above methods, the characteristics of the CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines in this invention are reflected in the following aspects: 1. Based on the CAA component library of CATIA V6, the proposed automated design method for buried pipelines can greatly reduce the workload of users manually laying pipelines in large-scale design projects.

[0040] 2. Provides a method to display the selected automated design path for buried pipelines in the toolbar, and provides methods for adding and deleting.

[0041] 3. Provide a method for modifying the name of buried pipelines.

[0042] 4. Provides methods for obtaining all geometric features under the geometric figure set and geometric tool set.

[0043] 5. Provides a quick method for adding and laying buried pipes multiple times.

[0044] 6. Provides a method for selecting the starting point, starting face, ending face, and path face at any location.

[0045] 7. Provide a preview function to preview the path of the pipe to be buried to ensure that the new object name meets the requirements.< / processinfo> < / processinfo> < / processinfo> < / processinfo> < / processinfo> < / processinfo> < / processinfo> < / processinfo>

Claims

1. An automated design method for buried pipelines based on CATIA, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Receive the buried pipe parameters, including the parent node and start and end geometry, and store them in a structure array; Step 2: Recursively search all reference objects with the subtype of buried pipe under the parent node to ensure that the name of the newly created buried pipe is unique; Step 3: Create a set of geometric shapes under the parent node; Step 4: Perform matrix transformation and projection calculations on the start and end geometry to generate a feature point set; Step 5: After deleting the old electrical branch with the same name under the parent node, create a new electrical branch geometry and copy the feature point set to the geometry set of the new electrical branch geometry; Step 6: Execute EKL to generate a solid model of the pipe using the feature point set, the geometry of the new electrical branch, and the pipe diameter as parameters; Step 7: Update the PLM tree to complete the design.

2. The CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, the target assembly node is selected as the parent node in the structure tree through the interactive interface, the topological relationship of the parent node is obtained through the CATIPLMNavOccurrence interface, and the start and end geometry is captured by the CATIMMiMechanicalFeature interface.

3. The CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The buried pipe parameters in step 1 also include cable association information. If a cable is selected, the cable reference object is obtained through the GetRelatedReference method of the CATIPLMNavOccurrence interface, and the cable attributes are parsed through the GetValueAsString method of the CATCkeObjectAttrReadServices interface. Then, the matching pipe material model and nominal size are automatically filled in according to preset rules.

4. The CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, a vector is used. <processinfo>The design parameters for each pipeline are dynamically stored and managed using a structure array, and the pipeline data is displayed in tabular form using a CATDlgMultilist control. If pipeline parameters need to be modified, the index of the target pipeline parameter row is obtained using the GetSelect method of the CATDlgMultilist control, and the corresponding vector is updated using the SetColumnItem method. <processinfo>The data in the structure array is updated in the interactive interface by synchronously calling the UpdateDisplay function; if a pipeline data needs to be deleted, the vector is cleared synchronously by using the RemovePosition method. <processinfo> The structure array and the corresponding entries in the interface table.< / processinfo> < / processinfo> < / processinfo> 5. The CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, the GetFather method of the CATIPLMNavOccurrence interface is used to recursively trace back to the top-level parent node, and the ListChildren method is used to recursively traverse all child nodes. The naming attributes of the buried pipe subtype objects are then retrieved in batches using the CATCkeObjectAttrReadServices interface and compared with the existing name list. If a duplicate name is found, a unique name is automatically generated and the vector is updated. <processinfo> Array of structures.< / processinfo> 6. The CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step 3, the CATIMmiUseSetFactory interface is called under the parent node to create a geometry set named "Pipe Burying Process Element", and four sub-geometry sets are created and named sequentially within the geometry set: Geometry set 1: Stores the start and end geometry input in step 1; Geometric Set 2: Stores offset surfaces generated by matrix transformations; Geometric Shape Set 3: Stores feature points generated through matrix transformations; Geometric Set 4: Stores the set of feature points obtained from projection calculations.

7. The CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step 4 specifically includes the following steps: Step 4.1: Calculate the absolute inverse matrix of the starting and ending geometry of Step 1 using the CATMathTransformation interface, and perform translation using the SetTransformation method of the CATICGMDynTransformation interface to realize the coordinate transformation of feature points and surfaces, thereby obtaining feature points in a unified coordinate system. Step 4.2: Generate an offset plane based on the set burial depth value using the CreatePlane method of the CATIGSMUseFactory interface; Step 4.3: Project the feature points onto the offset plane to form the feature point set of the pipeline center path.

8. The CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step 5 specifically involves: using the name output in step 2 as a unique identifier, deleting the old electrical branch with the same name under the parent node through the RemoveProduct method of the CATIPLMProducts interface, then creating a new electrical branch geometry using CATIEhiPLMReferenceFactory, and finally using the CopyFeature function to losslessly copy the feature point set generated in step 4 to the geometry set under the new electrical branch geometry, while preserving the geometric constraints.

9. The CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step 6 specifically involves: obtaining the EKL parameterization engine runtime environment through the CAAOpenPLMComponent function, converting the feature point set, new electrical branch geometry, and pipe diameter into an EKL-compatible format, calling the CATICkeFunction interface, and using the feature point set, new electrical branch geometry, and pipe diameter as input parameters to execute EKL to generate a pipe solid model.

10. The CATIA-based automated design method for buried pipelines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Step 7 specifically involves calling the GlobalPLMUpdate method of the CATIPLMUpdateEngine interface to refresh the entire product structure tree, reflecting the newly created buried pipe object and its associated data, and completing the automated design of buried pipelines.