BIM Conduit Kit Determination from Construction Drawings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD and BIM software, such as AUTODESK REVIT, are limited in determining the required vendor-specific kits and logistics from construction drawings, leading to inefficiencies in ordering and cost estimation due to lack of detailed assembly information and vendor-specific data.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a server and graphical user interface (GUI) to analyze drawings, identify assemblies, and add metadata symbols, allowing for vendor-specific kit determination and logistics management, including automatic symbol recognition and metadata insertion, to generate a bill of materials and purchase orders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If generic REVIT templates are used for conduit visualization, then design visualization is improved, but fabrication accuracy and vendor-specific kit determination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the generic conduit template into multiple discrete conduit sections with specific connection types (e.g., hubless couplings, mechanical couplings). Each section is defined with precise parameters such as length, diameter, and connection methodology, transforming a single visualization element into multiple fabrication-ready components that can be accurately manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining conduit assemblies with all necessary connection details, coupling types, and assembly instructions before the actual construction process. This allows the BIM model to contain complete fabrication information upfront, eliminating the need for later interpretation and ensuring vendor-specific kits can be accurately determined from the model data.
2Measurement precision
If detailed vendor-specific assembly information is added to CAD/BIM drawings, then kit determination accuracy is improved, but drawing complexity and time to create drawings deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal conduit assembly template that can represent multiple specific conduit configurations through parameterization. A single template structure can accommodate different connection types, lengths, and diameters by modifying parameters rather than creating separate detailed drawings for each variant, thus maintaining accuracy while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to define different conduit assembly variations. Instead of adding complex graphical details for each vendor-specific configuration, the system modifies parameters such as connection type, assembly method, and component specifications within the BIM model, allowing precise kit determination through data parameters rather than visual complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual analysis of drawings to determine vendor kits is performed, then flexibility in vendor selection is maintained, but time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by creating a systematic process where the BIM model automatically generates conduit assembly specifications that feed into vendor kit selection. The model provides structured data about connection types, assembly methods, and component requirements, which feedback loops allow users to filter and select from multiple vendor options based on predefined criteria, maintaining flexibility while automating the analysis process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the BIM model to automatically extract and organize all necessary information for vendor kit determination. The system self-generates bills of materials, assembly instructions, and vendor comparison data from the parametric model, reducing manual analysis time while preserving the ability to evaluate multiple vendors based on the structured information provided by the model.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods presented herein provide a server that receives a drawing. The server matches assembly types to elements in the drawing and inserts a symbol overlay into the drawing. The symbol overlay includes metadata identifying the assembly types in the drawing. The assembly types are matched to assemblies, including kits, based on user-identified criteria, such as vendor and building codes. The system can then determine logistics for delivering the kits, automatically staggering shipment where dictated by build order of the kits.