Automated Pipe Selection in CAD Sprinkler Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems face challenges in efficiently resolving conflicts between various components in large building designs, such as sprinkler and HVAC systems, leading to time-consuming and complex conflict resolution processes, especially when multiple subcontractors work on parallel modifications, resulting in numerous conflicts that require extensive design reviews and meetings.
Innovation Solution
The development of an add-on feature for CAD software that automates conflict resolution by allowing users to select and resolve conflicts using an 'Arm Around' method, which reroutes pipes to avoid obstructions, and a 'Smart Pipe' system that automatically determines pipe types and connections, reducing manual intervention and streamlining the design process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple subcontractors work on parallel modifications to CAD drawings, then productivity increases, but the number of conflicts between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conflict detection by automatically identifying potential conflicts between components before finalizing the design. The conflict detection module scans the CAD drawing for overlapping or interfering elements, allowing subcontractors to resolve issues proactively rather than reactively during review meetings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to subcontractors about conflicts detected in their designs. The conflict resolution module generates detailed reports highlighting specific conflicts, their locations, and potential resolutions, enabling continuous improvement of the design without requiring extensive review meetings.
2Reliability
If extensive design review and meetings are held to resolve conflicts, then conflict resolution quality improves, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service conflict resolution by providing subcontractors with automated conflict detection and detailed conflict reports. Subcontractors can independently identify and resolve conflicts using the system's tools and guidance, eliminating the need for extensive review meetings and expert intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual review meetings with an automated computer-based conflict detection and resolution system. The system automatically scans for conflicts, generates reports, and provides resolution guidance, substituting human review processes with intelligent automation that is both faster and more thorough.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual pipe selection and routing is performed, then flexibility and adaptability improve, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Smart Pipe system performs self-service by automatically determining pipe types, sizes, and routing based on the CAD drawing's existing components and design parameters. The system analyzes the drawing data and autonomously selects appropriate pipes, eliminating the need for manual selection while maintaining design flexibility through configurable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as pipe type, size, material, and routing automatically based on detected conflicts and design requirements. The Smart Pipe module adjusts these parameters dynamically as it resolves conflicts and optimizes the design, providing both speed and adaptability through parameter-driven automation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses for automatically determining an object type in a computer automated design application, and more particularly to automatically determining and drawing the pipe type of a pipe in a sprinkler system CAD drawing. The present invention allows a user to make various pipe parameter choices and decisions up front, and to then draw each individual pipe without having to each time make the numerous selections and decisions required to determine that pipe's proper type. The present invention may also be used to determine other component types in non-piping related CAD designs, such as electrical wiring, for example.