Window Glass Takeoff and Cable Layout Using 3D Frame Bite
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of enclosures with optically-switchable windows often overlooks frame bite, leading to inaccurate bill of materials (BOM) calculations and challenges in routing cables for power and control, which can prolong the takeoff process and increase complexity.
Innovation Solution
A computer system is used to obtain a virtual 3D model of the enclosure, categorize windows based on features, determine frame bite, and calculate the total amount of glass, while also facilitating cable routing by grouping windows into clusters and providing output data for accurate cable length and number.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement and calculation methods are used for windows, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but measurement precision and productivity are reduced due to overlooked frame bite and manual errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated computer-based system that uses virtual 3D models to automatically calculate glass measurements. The system programmatically determines frame bite and computes total glass requirements, eliminating manual measurement errors and significantly improving both measurement precision and productivity through automated processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and uses a virtual 3D model (a digital copy) of the enclosure to perform measurements and calculations. This virtual model allows for repeated, error-free measurements of frame bite and glass areas without physically measuring each window, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining productivity through automated computation
2Ease of operation
If cable routing is performed without systematic grouping, then individual cable paths can be determined, but device complexity and time consumption increase due to lack of optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent groups multiple windows into clusters and routes cables to each cluster rather than treating each window individually. This merging approach simplifies the cable routing process by reducing the number of separate cable paths needed, thereby improving ease of operation while systematically managing complexity through automated clustering algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal cable routing system that can handle multiple windows through standardized cluster-based approaches. The system applies the same clustering and routing logic across different window configurations, making the cable layout process more systematic and easier to execute while reducing overall complexity through pattern recognition and reuse
3Manufacturing precision
If frame bite is not accounted for in measurements, then the takeoff process is simpler, but manufacturing precision and material accuracy deteriorate leading to incorrect BOM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and measurement of frame bite within the virtual 3D model before final glass quantity calculations are made. By determining frame bite measurements in advance during the modeling phase, the system ensures accurate glass quantity calculations without requiring complex manual adjustments later, thereby improving manufacturing precision while managing complexity through automated preliminary processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual frame bite measurement and calculation methods with automated computer-based determination within the virtual model. The system programmatically identifies frame bite dimensions and incorporates them into glass quantity calculations, improving manufacturing precision through consistent automated application while reducing the complexity of manual measurement and calculation procedures
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a computer system may obtain a virtual three-dimensional (3D) model of the enclosure, the virtual 3D model having a plurality of windows. The computer system may categorize the plurality of windows of the virtual 3D model into a plurality of window types based at least in part on one or more features of the plurality of windows. The computer system may determine a frame bite for one or more windows in a set of window types comprising one or more of the plurality of window types. The computer system may determine a total amount of glass for the windows in the set of window categories, wherein the determined total amount of glass accounts for the determined frame bite for the one or more windows in the set of window groups. The computer system may provide, with the computer system, output data indicative of the determined total amount of glass for the windows in the set of window types.