Network Simulation Using 2D Plan Views for 3D Pipe Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Creating an accurate pipe network model for compressed air systems in factories requires significant three-dimensional operations, which are challenging for users without expertise, leading to inefficiencies in modeling and simulation.

Innovation Solution

A network simulation device and method that allows users to create a pipe network model using two-dimensional projections, simplifying the input of three-dimensional coordinate values by utilizing two-dimensional plan views and reducing the need for complex three-dimensional operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If three-dimensional operations are performed on the CAD device to create a pipe network model, then the accuracy of the flow calculation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the significant effort required to acquire expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow calculation accuracyVSAvoidmodeling operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a two-dimensional plan view representation of the three-dimensional pipe network. Instead of requiring users to perform complex 3D operations, the system copies the essential layout information into a 2D format that is much easier to create and manipulate, while still preserving the necessary spatial relationships for accurate flow calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the problem from three-dimensional space to two-dimensional space by creating plan views of the pipe network. This dimensionality change simplifies the user interface and operation while maintaining the essential geometric information needed for accurate calculations through coordinate transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If three-dimensional operations are performed on the CAD device to create a pipe network model, then the accuracy of the flow calculation is improved, but the time required for model creation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow calculation accuracyVSAvoidmodel creation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a 2D plan view copy of the 3D pipe network layout, which can be generated much more quickly than performing full 3D modeling operations. This copying approach preserves the essential spatial information while dramatically reducing the time investment required for model creation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary coordinate transformation and projection operations to convert 3D coordinates into 2D plan view coordinates before the main modeling process. This preliminary action simplifies subsequent operations and reduces the overall time required for model creation while maintaining calculation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the pipe network model strictly reflects the three-dimensional layout, then the flow calculation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for three-dimensional coordinate handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow calculation accuracyVSAvoidcoordinate system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces the complexity by projecting three-dimensional coordinates onto a two-dimensional plane, creating plan views that eliminate the need for users to directly handle 3D coordinate systems. The transformation mathematically preserves the necessary spatial relationships while simplifying the operational interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a coordinate transformation mechanism as an intermediary between the simple 2D plan view input and the 3D flow calculation requirements. This intermediary automatically handles the complex coordinate conversions, allowing users to work with simple 2D layouts while maintaining accurate 3D calculation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3267340B1Network simulation device, network simulation method, and network simulation program
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 HITACHI IND EQUIP SYST CO LTD
  • EP3267340B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3267340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3267340B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A network simulation device (2) of the present invention: accepts an input of first plane information (41) being positional information on a network projected onto a coordinate plane having any two dimensions out of three dimensions as coordinate axes; creates network model information (31) which defines a coordinate value of the remaining one dimension as unknown based on the accepted first plane information; accepts selection of the element having the coordinate value defined as unknown by a user from the elements which appear in the first plane information; accepts an input of second plane information (42) being positional information on the network projected onto a coordinate plane having any two dimensions including the remaining one dimension as coordinate axes; and determines a numerical value of the coordinate value defined as unknown of the selected element in the created network model information based on the accepted second plane information.