Non-destructive CAD Element Splitting for Location-Based Construction Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction planning in the field of automated CAD model-based construction planning and scheduling is limited by the need for extensive manual work when design changes occur, as existing systems fail to automate the assignment of tasks to locations and coordination of construction activities effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for location-based planning that allows CAD model elements spanning multiple locations to be non-destructively split, enabling changes to location parameters without regenerating the original element, by using a construction activity location system, element splitting system, and construction sequence system to associate tasks with locations and generate schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CAD model elements spanning multiple locations are manually managed, then design changes can be accommodated, but extensive manual work is required and changes cannot be readily modeled and tested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments CAD model elements into location-specific portions by automatically dividing elements that span multiple locations. This segmentation allows each location to have its own subset of construction tasks and elements, enabling independent modification and testing of design changes in specific locations without affecting the entire model, thus reducing manual work time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic segmentation and association of CAD elements with locations before construction planning begins. By pre-dividing elements and assigning them to specific locations based on geometric analysis, the system eliminates the need for extensive manual rework when design changes occur, as the framework is already prepared to accommodate location-specific modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elements spanning multiple locations are split destructively, then location parameters can be changed, but the original element is lost and must be regenerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates copies of the original CAD elements for each location rather than destructively splitting the original. Each location receives a copy of the element that can be independently modified, and the system maintains references to the original element. This copying approach allows location parameter changes without losing the original element definition, eliminating the need for regeneration while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a nested structure where location-specific element instances are contained within the broader context of the original CAD element. Each location holds a nested copy or reference of the element, allowing independent manipulation at the location level while maintaining the parent element's integrity. This nesting enables flexible location parameter changes without affecting or losing the original element.
3Productivity
If construction planning is automated using CAD models, then productivity increases, but task assignment to locations and coordination of activities remains manual
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically performs task assignment to locations and coordination of construction activities based on the segmented CAD elements. The system analyzes element locations, automatically assigns appropriate construction tasks to each location, and coordinates activities across locations without manual intervention. This extends automation from merely modeling to full planning execution, maximizing productivity while achieving complete automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for location-based management of construction is provided. A plurality of location systems generate one or more locations where construction activities associated with one or more elements in each location can be performed. A construction activity location system associates each of a plurality of construction tasks with one of the locations. An element splitting system receives an element selection and associates one or more construction tasks of the element with two or more locations. A construction activity association system associates one or more of the plurality of construction tasks with one or more of the other construction tasks. A construction sequence system generates a sequence of construction tasks based on the layer associated with each construction task and based on the other construction tasks associated with each construction task.