CAD Plugin for Automated Hanger Placement with Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD and BIM technologies lack the capability to accurately and automatically place hangers for pipe or ductwork, leading to inefficiencies and potential code violations during construction.
Innovation Solution
A plugin for CAD programs like REVIT that includes collision detection functionality, allowing for the automatic placement of hangers based on stored hanger parameters and ensuring that placements do not intersect with other structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hangers are placed manually in the field, then flexibility in placement is maintained, but time consumption increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary hanger placement calculations and collision detections during the design phase before construction begins. The plugin automatically determines optimal hanger locations and generates placement instructions, eliminating the need for manual field measurements and adjustments, thereby improving accuracy while reducing time loss.
2Manufacturing precision
If hanger placement is left to field workers, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plugin provides automated hanger placement functionality that serves itself by automatically calculating positions, detecting collisions with other building elements, and generating placement instructions. This self-service approach maintains precision through algorithmic accuracy while keeping operations simple through automated guidance, eliminating the need for complex manual calculations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hangers are placed without collision detection, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to intersections with other structures
Solution Approach 1:
The plugin implements a feedback mechanism that continuously detects potential collisions between hangers and other building elements during the design phase. When a collision is detected, the system provides feedback by highlighting the conflict and suggesting alternative positions, allowing designers to resolve issues before construction without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
4Productivity
If automated hanger placement is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plugin is designed as a multi-functional tool that handles hanger placement, collision detection, and design review within the existing CAD environment. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated plugin, the system improves productivity through automation while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding redundant separate tools.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples herein describe systems and methods for hanger placement for computer-aided design (“CAD”). A plugin can provide a hanger placement option on a graphical user interface (“GUI”) of the CAD program. When the option is selected, the plugin can choose hanger locations on a run of ductwork or piping based on hanger parameters and collision detection. This can include testing hanger locations by building an array between the selected item and the ceiling of a plan in the GUI, and testing for collisions with other objects at each point in the array. If a collision is detected, a new hanger location is tested. The new hanger location can be selected based on the hanger parameters, such as by incrementing the interval between hangers while staying within a maximum interval.