Research and system development of 3D pipe layout

Architecture of the three-dimension (3D) pipe layout system was designed, and the method of searching for control points on path of the pipes where the spheres had no collision with other parts of the product was put forward, which was based on a series of spheres of which diameters were equal to the diameters of the pipes. Based on the control points, some key technologies were studied including space position planning, automatic search of path, and path modification. Then constraints were completed in checking the result of the pipe layout, such as connectivity, min-bend radius and so on. The results of pipe-layout could be made as solid parts, and be exported as Bill of Material (BOM). In order to improve the efficiency of layout, the extendable standard connector library was established. Finally, an example of laying pipes was provided to verify the feasibility of the 3D pipe layout system.