Utility Network Path Design Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility network design software requires significant user involvement, knowledge, and time to manually define paths around obstructions, leading to delays and inaccuracies in utility network design.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that use a processor to identify obstructions, determine demand and source points, and automatically determine connection paths and required equipment for utility networks, reducing user involvement and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual path definition is used to route utility around obstructions, then design accuracy is improved, but user time and expertise requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic path determination itself without requiring user intervention. The processor automatically identifies obstructions, calculates optimal paths around them, and generates routing solutions, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring external user expertise for each routing decision.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of drawing and adjusting paths is replaced with an automated computational system. The processor uses algorithms to automatically determine optimal paths around obstructions, substituting human manual operations with automated computational mechanics that achieve the same routing function more efficiently.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual equipment selection is required, then design precision is improved, but device complexity and user expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single automated platform: obstruction identification, path determination, and equipment selection. This universal system handles all aspects of utility network design, eliminating the need for separate manual processes and reducing overall system complexity despite performing multiple sophisticated functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically selects appropriate equipment based on the determined path and utility requirements. The processor independently evaluates equipment needs and makes selections without requiring user intervention, allowing the system to self-determine equipment specifications based on design parameters.
3Productivity
If preconfigured design templates are used, then design speed is improved, but adaptability to specific geographic constraints decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic path determination that adapts to specific geographic constraints rather than using static preconfigured templates. The processor automatically adjusts routing paths based on identified obstructions and site-specific conditions, making the design process both fast and adaptable to unique constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by determining paths specific to each geographic area's unique characteristics rather than using uniform templates. The processor identifies local obstructions and constraints and generates customized routing solutions tailored to each specific location, maintaining both speed and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use in designing a utility network to provide a utility to a geographic area. A computer system determines a demand point within the geographic area at which to provide the utility. The computer system also determines a source point to provide the utility to the utility network. A connection path through the geographic area is determined, connecting the source point to the demand point. In addition, a bill of materials may be generated, indicating a set of equipment required to convey the utility from the source point to the demand point along the determined connection path.