AutoCAD MEP 2022 toolset is an object-based CAD application. When you design in the application, you use large collections of objects that represent the real-world components in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Examples of these objects include segments of duct, pipe, cable tray, and plumbing lines; fittings of all types; and equipment—called multi-view parts or MvParts in the software—such as air handling units, electrical transformers, and drinking fountains.
AutoCAD MEP 2022 toolset objects are composed of lines, arcs and other standard AutoCAD objects, but they also contain information that allows them to function like the real-world components that they represent, to relate intelligently to one another, and to display in a 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional (3D) context. The objects have specially designed connection points called connectors that enable them to connect intelligently to appropriate objects and transfer information, such as shape, size, and system.
As an example, you can insert a variable air volume (VAV) box into an HVAC system drawing, and then draw a duct from one of its connectors. When you draw the duct, the software detects the size and shape of the connector on the VAV box and draws an appropriate duct segment as shown.
Drawing duct from a VAV box
To continue the example, you can draw and connect additional duct segments, fittings, and HVAC equipment that are all intelligently connected in the same manner. As you do so, the software inserts and adjusts the objects in the run to maintain their connectivity. For example, it inserts appropriately-sized fittings as you lay out duct segments. It also inserts an appropriately-sized transition fitting if you change the size of a segment.
The ability of the software to detect the attributes of objects and act accordingly to maintain the connectivity of the system is an important aspect of the software. It enables you to design fully connected systems quickly and preserves their connectivity when you modify them.