Unified Building Design System for Multi-Disciplinary Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional construction systems are inefficient due to the need for multiple devices and software applications, increasing costs and complexity, and are not well-suited for adapting to design changes, requiring significant additional manpower and time.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic design system that automatically generates and modifies building design models, incorporating inputs from multiple users and automatically updating designs based on changes, using a single application to reduce user input and software requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different devices and software applications are used to enable each worker to perform their respective design operations, then each worker can contribute their specific design skills and knowledge, but the cost and complexity of the building design process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate design applications (architectural design, HVAC design, electrical design, plumbing design) into a single integrated construction system. This single application provides a unified interface where all workers can contribute their specialized design skills while the system automatically manages the complexity of coordinating different design disciplines, thereby reducing the number of separate software applications needed while maintaining full design worker contribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The construction system is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: it handles architectural floorplan creation, HVAC equipment selection and routing, electrical outlet placement and wiring, and plumbing fixture installation and piping. This multi-functional system replaces multiple specialized applications, allowing each worker type to contribute their expertise through a single unified interface rather than requiring separate software for each discipline
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different devices and software applications are used for building design, then each worker can perform their respective operations, but additional manpower is needed to combine the designs into a single usable design
Solution Approach 1:
The construction system implements self-service automation where the system automatically combines the designs of different workers without requiring additional manual intervention. The system autonomously integrates architectural floorplans with HVAC equipment placements, electrical wiring layouts, and plumbing fixture installations, automatically resolving conflicts and coordinating designs across disciplines. This eliminates the need for additional manpower to manually combine designs, as the system performs the integration automatically
3Adaptability or versatility
If design conversion operations are performed to convert different design outputs into a common format, then designs can be integrated, but the conversion operations are time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The construction system performs preliminary action by establishing a common data format and unified project structure at the beginning of the design process. All workers contribute their designs directly into this pre-configured common format through the single application interface, eliminating the need for subsequent conversion operations. The system is set up in advance to natively support all design disciplines in a unified format, preventing the need for time-consuming conversions later in the process
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single modification to the design is made, then design adaptability is improved, but significant extra manpower and time are required to reevaluate and modify all affected phases
Solution Approach 1:
The construction system implements automated feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor design parameters and automatically propagate changes throughout the entire design model. When a modification is made (such as changing room placement or equipment specifications), the system automatically detects the change, reevaluates all affected design phases, and updates the entire design model accordingly. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for manual reevaluation of all affected phases, maintaining high design adaptability while preserving productivity
5Ease of operation
If multiple different software applications are used for building design, then each worker can use their preferred tool, but the number of applications increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The construction system is designed as a universal platform that accommodates all worker preferences within a single application. It provides specialized interfaces and tools for architects, HVAC engineers, electrical engineers, and plumbers, allowing each worker type to use familiar workflows and design methodologies while remaining within one unified software environment. This eliminates the need for multiple separate applications while still accommodating each worker's preferred operating style
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices for automatic generation of a design model of a building. To illustrate, a computing device may generate a design model, such as a three-dimensional model of a building, based on criteria and layout information. The design model may indicate a layout of one or more rooms (or other spaces), locations of one or more hallways, doors, windows, furniture, fixtures, or a combination thereof, within the building. The computing device may perform a load analysis based on the design model and enable selection of equipment to be included in the building based on the load analysis. Virtual models of the equipment, and connections between the equipment, may be automatically added to the design model by the computing device, thereby reducing user input and cost, and improving speed, associated with the building design process.