Building Options Configurator for Dynamic Structural Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing options configurators in the construction industry are rigid and lack flexibility, limiting their ability to define options specific to different regions or segments of a company, and are constrained by preconfigured component merging combinations, which can lead to cost overruns and reduced profitability.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for an options configurator that enables the definition of tailored option sets for specific regions or segments, allowing dynamic resolution of structural bridging components without relying on preconfigured combinations, integrating modeling and administrative aspects to provide flexible control over options and generate building information models based on user selections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If typical options configurators rigidly apply predetermined options, then the system structure is simple and easy to manage, but the flexibility and adaptability to define options specific to different segments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides options into hierarchical levels (primary options and secondary options) and organizes them into option sets that can be selectively applied to different plan segments. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a structured framework while enabling flexible customization at multiple levels, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically resolves structural bridging components based on selected options rather than using preconfigured combinations. This dynamic resolution capability allows the configurator to adapt to various option combinations in real-time, providing flexibility without requiring a completely rigid predetermined structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If typical options configurators use preconfigured component merging combinations, then the configuration process is simplified, but the ability to handle custom option combinations is limited and may lead to cost overruns
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically resolves structural bridging components based on the selected options without requiring manual configuration of merging combinations. The configurator self-determines the appropriate components and their relationships, enabling custom option combinations while maintaining ease of use through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from fixed preconfigured combinations to dynamic parameter-based resolution. By using parameters to define option relationships and allowing dynamic determination of bridging components, the system achieves both adaptability to custom combinations and ease of configuration through parameter-driven automation.
3Productivity
If builders provide numerous customization options to attract buyers, then customer satisfaction and sales potential increase, but the risk of cost overruns and reduced profitability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of option feasibility and cost implications before final configuration. By evaluating option combinations in advance and identifying potential cost overruns or construction difficulties beforehand, the system enables builders to offer attractive customization options while maintaining control over costs and profitability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing an options configurator may include receiving an indication of a hierarchical structure of building plan options applicable to an enterprise, enabling a user to define option sets including selected ones of the building plan options, enabling the user to associate different ones among the option sets with corresponding different entities within the enterprise based on distinguishing characteristics of the respective different entities, and providing for generation of building information models and their derivatives based on selected options within an option set. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided.