3D Utility Network Model Dynamic View Updates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD applications require tedious and labor-intensive processes to modify and update 2D graphical representations of utility networks, as changes need to be replicated across multiple views, leading to time-consuming and error-prone editing, with crude 2D objects failing to accurately represent real-world components.
Innovation Solution
A method to create and edit three-dimensional models of utility networks using interconnected network part objects, allowing for dynamic resizing and automatic updates across all views, with properties managed as a single set and displayed on a GUI, enabling efficient composition and documentation generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple 2D views are created independently to represent the utility network, then each view can be customized for specific documentation needs, but any modification requires individual updates across all views making the process tedious and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent 2D views into a single unified 3D model. The 3D model serves as a master representation that automatically generates and updates all 2D views (plan views, profile views, cross-sections) simultaneously. This eliminates the need to edit each view separately while maintaining the ability to customize different view types for specific documentation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D model acts as a universal object that serves multiple functions: it is the source for generating various 2D views, stores all component information centrally, and enables automatic updates across all representations. This single 3D object replaces multiple independent 2D drawings, providing both customization and efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If 2D drawing objects are used to represent utility network components, then the representation is simple and easy to create, but the objects fail to accurately portray real-world characteristics and require extensive annotations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D drawing objects to 3D model objects, adding the third dimension to represent utility network components. This dimensional enhancement allows the models to accurately portray real-world characteristics such as pipe diameters, conduit dimensions, and component geometries without requiring extensive 2D annotations, while still maintaining ease of creation through standardized 3D primitives.
3Ease of operation
If changes are made to one view, then that specific view is updated, but other views must also be updated individually requiring the user to determine what other changes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where modifications to the 3D model are instantly propagated to all 2D views. The software automatically determines what changes are needed in each view based on the 3D model update, eliminating the need for users to manually analyze and replicate changes across multiple views.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D model performs self-service by automatically generating and updating all dependent 2D views when modified. The system autonomously handles the propagation of changes, calculating and applying necessary updates to plan views, profile views, and cross-sections without requiring user intervention or determination of what other changes are needed.
4Loss of information
If 2D drawing objects with labels are used, then engineering and construction documentation can be generated, but modifications to attributes and annotations must be replicated individually within each view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all component attributes, labels, and documentation information from multiple separate 2D views and consolidates them into a single centralized 3D model. This centralization allows all information to be managed from one location, eliminating the complexity of replicating modifications across multiple views while maintaining complete engineering and construction documentation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus and article of manufacture for modeling a variety of three-dimensional (3D) utility networks constructed from individual network part elements. In one embodiment, users may construct a utility network by selecting and assembling a network of inter-connected parts, where each part is selected from a pipe and structure list. Connectivity among parts is established through part placement. Structure and connected pipe properties may be managed as a single property set. As parts are placed in the utility network, auto-sizing logic resizes existing structures to connected pipes. Pipes and structures are represented by part model data that defines a set of common behavior and properties. When a user modifies part model data or property sets or moves inter-connected parts, a logic component resizes and automatically updates any associated two-dimensional and three-dimensional views of the utility network.