Framing Layout Tool With Constraint-Based Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces challenges in determining optimal framing layouts for structures due to the complexity of variables and constraints, leading to time-consuming, expensive, and error-prone processes, especially with the lack of flexibility in current CAD systems to efficiently generate and compare multiple framing plans that meet customized needs.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced framing layout tool that analyzes initial floor or wall geometry and engineering data to identify regions and zones, generates solutions data, harmonizes them, and filters based on user-selected constraints, providing ranked framing plan solutions that consider physical and code requirements, cost, and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current CAD systems are used to generate framing plans, then basic framing layouts can be created, but the systems lack flexibility to efficiently generate and compare multiple framing plans that meet customized needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the framing plan generation process into distinct modules: a data processing module that handles input geometry and engineering data, a constraint management module that stores and retrieves constraints, and a solution generation module that creates multiple framing plans. This segmentation enables the system to efficiently generate and compare multiple customized framing plans while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple variables and constraints are considered in framing plans, then customized needs can be met, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing constraints in a structured data structure during system initialization, rather than processing them individually during each framing plan generation. The constraint management module pre-organizes geometric constraints, material constraints, and code requirements, allowing the solution generation module to quickly retrieve and apply relevant constraints when generating multiple framing plans, significantly reducing design process time while maintaining accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If changes are made in one portion of the framing plan, then customization can be achieved, but ripple effects require reworking the entire global framing plan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling the constraint management module to store and retrieve constraints specific to different regions or zones of the structure. When a change is made in one portion of the framing plan, the system can selectively reprocess only the affected local area and its related constraints, rather than reworking the entire global framing plan. This localized processing maintains customization capability while preserving design efficiency.
4Reliability
If comprehensive constraints and parameters are evaluated, then optimal framing plans can be identified, but it is virtually impossible for human beings to take into consideration all possible framing plans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual human evaluation with an automated computer-based evaluation system. The data processing module systematically evaluates multiple framing plans against stored constraints and parameters, using algorithmic processing to identify optimal solutions. This substitution enables comprehensive evaluation of all possible framing plans with consistent reliability, eliminating the limitations of human capacity while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated computational processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for generating a set of framing plan solutions for a building construction project uses a combination of code-based, physical, and performance attribute constraints, parameters, and variables and a ranking system that together provide framing plan alternatives selected from a calculated set of all possible framing plans. The framing plan alternatives are selected in a logical manner that considers constraints that are required as well as user selected and weighted constraints. The set of framing plan alternatives are then ranked according to input from the designer and/or customer regarding the relative importance of each of the constraints, parameters, and variables of the building construction project.