Polygon-Overlap Pipeline Grouping for Reproducible Network Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for grouping pipelines in pipe networks, such as replacing high-priority pipelines, are inefficient, complex, and lack reproducibility, especially when pipelines are scattered, and manual grouping by workers is difficult to evaluate and unsuitable for large-scale networks.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline grouping apparatus and method that automatically groups pipelines based on indicators like total pipeline length, installation cost, elevation difference, or residual chlorine level, using a controller to set base points, generate polygons, calculate overlapping areas, and regroup if necessary to optimize construction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual grouping operation is performed by workers based on experience, then grouping results can be obtained, but the operation is very complicated, requires a certain amount of time and effort, and lacks reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical grouping operation with an automated computer-based system. The controller automatically groups pipelines based on predetermined conditions (such as pipeline attributes, spatial relationships, and hydraulic characteristics) without requiring worker intervention, thereby eliminating the time and effort previously spent on manual grouping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the pipeline grouping is performed automatically by the controller based on pre-set criteria. The system serves itself by using its own computational resources and algorithms to perform the grouping task without external human input, achieving both time savings and reproducibility.
2Ease of operation
If manual grouping operation is performed by workers, then grouping results can be obtained, but the results lack reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the grouping process from a subjective human decision-making process to an objective parameter-based automated process. By defining specific parameters (pipeline attributes, spatial coordinates, hydraulic parameters) and predetermined conditions, the system ensures that the same input always produces the same grouping result, achieving complete reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated controller replaces human workers in the grouping decision-making process. The controller consistently applies the same algorithms and criteria to all pipeline grouping tasks, eliminating the variability and subjectivity inherent in manual operations, thereby ensuring reproducible results across different workers and different time periods.
3Productivity
If pipelines are grouped based on scattered high renewal priority locations, then work efficiency can be maintained, but the grouping becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pipeline network into distinct groups based on spatial proximity and attribute similarity. The controller identifies clusters of pipelines that meet specific criteria (such as being within a certain distance threshold and sharing similar characteristics), creating manageable segments that simplify the overall grouping complexity while maintaining work efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by allowing different grouping criteria and parameters to be applied to different regions or segments of the pipeline network. Each group can have its own specific characteristics and optimization parameters, enabling the system to handle scattered high-priority pipelines effectively without imposing a single complex grouping scheme on the entire network.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline grouping apparatus includes a grouping controller configured or programmed to group a plurality of pipelines of a pipe network based on a prescribed indicator, an overlapping group extractor configured or programmed to extract groups including polygons overlapping each other from groups grouped by the grouping controller, each of the polygons encompassing pipelines belonging to a same group, an overlapping area calculator configured or programmed to calculate an overlapping area between overlapping polygons extracted by the overlapping group extractor, and an update controller configured or programmed to regroup, by the grouping controller, pipelines encompassed by the overlapping polygons if the overlapping area calculated by the overlapping area calculator satisfies a first specified condition.