IfcDistributionPort related to IfcTypeObject

Developers
1

Hello there. I have a question about the placement of an IfcDistributionPort.

In this case, the IfcDistributionPort (#292) is associated to a TypeObject, IfcAirTerminialType(#286). The IfcAirTerminialType(#286) is used to define the IfcAirTerminal (#331).
The IfcDistributionPort (#292) has a local placement (#291).

Should the IfcDistributionPort (#292) be placed in the space of the IfcAirTerminal (#331)?
In case the IfcAirTerminialType(#286) is referenced by multiple IfcAirTerminial elements, should the port be placed in each local space of the element?

Thank you for your help.

Toni Qin

/* The air terminal occurrence is instantiated, with reference to its type. */
#331= IFCAIRTERMINAL('1mF0_JbLzBtAZ0GUOlCFEx',#209,$,$,$,#376,#336,$,.NOTDEFINED.);
#333= IFCRELDEFINESBYTYPE('3N14r06YX9o8jZ1KyiNaMP',#209,$,$,(#331),#286);

#286= IFCAIRTERMINALTYPE('1FESQ2M9vC7xYWZpI_LlCh',#209,'Acme Diffuser 1234','Ceiling diffuser',$,(#260,#269),(#285),$,$,.DIFFUSER.);
#287= IFCRELNESTS('3AlMGNAK5EXBgBfP5B8O1x',#209,$,$,#286,(#292));


#292= IFCDISTRIBUTIONPORT('0lCGSOGtb4mu56WSeYuzNg',#209,'Inlet',$,$,#291,$,.SINK.,.DUCT.,.AIRCONDITIONING.);

#291= IFCLOCALPLACEMENT($,#290);
3

I use IfcDistributionPort in types (here IfcAirTerminalType) and also in every instance (here IfcAirTerminal).
I use it inside types as a template and inside instances for connectivity between the instances (of different types).

4

Thank you, Bernhard, for sharing the usage.
When referenced by a Type object (IfcAirTerminalType), can I treat the IfcDistributionPort a Type object as well? (I don’t see there is a Type for IfcDistributionPort).
When display, should we show this Type referenced IfcDistributionPort (a position) in a graphic view? For example in this file, there are four IfcDistributionPort objects. Three are referenced by Elements, one is referenced by a Type. I think we should show three port positions in the graphic view, not the one for the Type object. Would like to hear your thoughts.
Thanks.
Toni

5

Hi Toni,

IfcDistributionPort is derived from IfcProduct (5.1.3.10 IfcProduct - IFC4.3.1.0 Documentation)
IfcTypeProduct has no derived element for Ports (5.1.3.48 IfcTypeProduct - IFC4.3.1.0 Documentation)
IfcTypeProduct inherits e.g. IfcDistributionElementType (5.4.3.17 IfcDistributionElementType - IFC4.3.1.0 Documentation)

I would display ports of IfcAirTerminal in a view for instances (the model)
and ports of IfcAirTerminalType in a view for Type-definitions.

Hope this helps.
Bernhard

6

Thank you again, Bernhard!
Those are reasonable expectations for how to display the Port in different views.
We can handle them accordingly.