Automatic pipe layout design and optimization method based on improved A^* algorithm

To solve the pipe layout problem of low efficiency and relying on experience in complex mechanical and electrical products, an automatic pipe layout design and optimization method based on A^* algorithm was proposed. The engineering constrains were analyzed and the layout space was decomposed into grids. The heuristic function of A^* algorithm was constructed based on length, bend number and direction. Aiming at the improvement of specific constraints such as safety, installation and fixing, the automatic searching of pipe routing was realized. After obtained the initial routing, a dichotomy was used to select key points. To ensure the pipe could be manufactured, a path optimization method based on manufacturing constraints was adopted. A pipe automatic routing and optimizing prototype system was developed and some experiments were applied to verify the efficiency of the proposed method.