Method and system for detecting a structure of a scaffold
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023734972
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-06-28
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-07
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Method and system for detecting the structure of a scaffold
[0002] The invention relates to a method for detecting the structure of a scaffold using a virtual image of the scaffold. The invention further relates to a system for detecting the structure of a scaffold.
[0003] In the field of construction technology, scaffolding is an integral part of the construction or renovation of buildings or industrial facilities. Modern scaffolding comprises a variety of different scaffolding components, which are connected in a modular system during the construction of the scaffold. This allows scaffolding to be adapted to the requirements of different construction sites, and scaffolding can reach very great heights.
[0004] One challenge in scaffolding construction is that scaffolding must be erected according to a specified design plan or erection scheme to ensure the necessary stability. The correct erection of the scaffolding is demonstrated as part of a stability verification, which must include, among other things, manufacturer information, type tests, and applicable standards. However, especially with very large scaffolding on large construction sites or industrial facilities, the scaffolding is continuously expanded, with other parts of the scaffolding sometimes even being dismantled during the project phase. Nevertheless, it must be ensured that the scaffolding meets the necessary stability requirements at all times.
[0005] Another challenge in modern scaffolding construction lies in asset management and crew planning. To ensure smooth operations on the construction site or in an industrial facility, it is advantageous to have up-to-date information on material utilization and material composition available at all times. This is also essential for project management, so that progress reports can be created, crew planning can be carried out, and performance indicators can be generated for various trades and / or participating companies. Invoicing can also be very complex on large projects, so automatic, uniform recording of materials and assembly work, including approval for use, is desirable. Renting out scaffolding to individual trades and issuing individual invoices for these are also desirable or necessary on modern projects.This is not possible with state-of-the-art scaffolding, or only with great effort.
[0006] Document DE 200 05 975 U1 discloses formwork or scaffolding components that can be used on a construction site and are provided with an identification feature. Transponders are attached to the formwork or scaffolding components as carriers of the identification feature. The identification features are used to inventory the formwork or scaffolding components before the formwork or scaffolding is erected and after the formwork or scaffolding is dismantled, to keep track of the number of formwork or scaffolding components made available and the duration they were available, and to monitor whether the components made available, or older or damaged components of the same or a similar type, are being returned.By providing transponders, the identification features can be read wirelessly using a portable or stationary reader, which simplifies reading and is also possible when the parts are stacked on top of each other for transport. The reading of the identification features is not carried out by the scaffolding erectors, but takes place before the scaffolding assembly begins and a second time after the scaffolding has been dismantled. The read identification features are not used beyond the inventory of the formwork or scaffolding parts. In particular, there are no plans to use the identification features to record the assembly of the scaffolding and to create a virtual image of the scaffolding from which all the individual parts of the scaffolding used and their connections to one another can be seen from the identification features.
[0007] Document WO 2022 / 098630 A1 does not relate to scaffolding construction, but rather deals with the inventory of objects, namely tintable windows, in an already constructed building and with verifying whether an existing electronic inventory of these objects corresponds to reality. For this purpose, after the building has been constructed, a person or a drone is sent around the building to record the actual installed objects. The objects recorded by the person or drone can then be compared with the electronic inventory.
[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a method and a system for detecting the structure of a scaffold, which avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the invention is intended to contribute to ensuring the necessary stability of the scaffold during its construction and to being able to verify this at any time. The invention solves the stated object by a method for detecting the structure of a scaffold, comprising the steps:
[0009] Providing scaffolding components,
[0010] Attaching RFID elements to the scaffolding components, wherein article master data relating to the associated scaffolding component is stored in the RFID elements before or after their attachment to the scaffolding components, Providing at least one portable RFID reader which is designed to read the article master data stored in the RFID elements within its detection range, Providing a computer unit which is designed for wireless communication with the at least one RFID reader,
[0011] Erection of the scaffolding with the scaffolding components by scaffolders, whereby at least one scaffolder is equipped with the RFID reader,
[0012] Reading the article master data stored in the RFID elements of the scaffolding components during the erection of the scaffolding and transferring the read article master data to the computer unit,
[0013] Determining the scaffolding components used in the construction of the scaffolding and their connection to one another from the article master data received from the at least one RFID reader and creating a virtual image of the scaffolding from the determined scaffolding components using the computer unit.
[0014] Preferably, at least the scaffolding components used in the construction of the scaffolding, their connection to one another and the creation of the virtual image of the scaffolding, optionally also the reading and transmission of the article master data to the computer unit are determined in real time.
[0015] If the virtual image of the scaffolding is made available in a data storage system accessible via a computer network or remote data connection, preferably a cloud storage system, it can be used by individuals and companies involved in the project and evaluated in a variety of ways. For example, it can be used to create required reports and documents, conduct static checks and documentation, and perform inventory measures and billing for the use of the scaffolding. The virtual image of the scaffolding enables billing of the erection work and the scaffolding based on components and / or its area and / or volume. This billing can also be automated from the virtual image of the scaffolding.The usage and evaluation options of the virtual image of the scaffolding are expanded if the article master data includes at least the type of scaffolding component and / or its length as well as optionally administrative data, such as the manufacturer and the production date of the scaffolding component.
[0016] Scaffolding components are usually manufactured according to national or international standards. Such standards specify which types of scaffolding components can be provided, such as standards, which are vertically arranged tubular supports referred to as "vertical standards", frame girders, diagonally arranged elements, so-called "diagonals or diagonal elements", which as truss elements do not directly carry loads but only transfer them to other scaffolding components, beams, in particular horizontal beams, so-called horizontal ledgers, scaffold feet, base jacks, head jacks, decks, access hatches, ladders, etc. The standards also specify the length of at least some of the scaffolding components mentioned, as well as the grid spacing dimensions at which scaffolding components should be connected to one another. In order to comply with such grid spacing dimensions, scaffolding components, such asUprights, beams, and frame girders usually have several connection points spaced from one another in a grid based on the stand dimensions, at which they can be connected to other scaffolding components. For example, uprights and frame girders intended for vertical arrangement have connection points for connecting to horizontal ledgers or diagonal elements. For this reason, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that at least some of the scaffolding components are provided with several RFID elements that are arranged at or near predefined connection points of the scaffolding components with other scaffolding components, wherein an identification of the connection point to which the RFID element is assigned is optionally stored in the article master data of the RFID element. In the field of scaffolding construction, the connection points are also referred to as node points or system connection points.In a further refinement of this embodiment of the invention, the detection range of the RFID reader is configured such that it can only detect a limited number of RFID elements, e.g., only one, of several RFID elements attached to a scaffolding component. This facilitates the creation of the virtual image of the scaffolding because it is clearly defined or easily determined via the evaluation software which connection point of a scaffolding component was detected by the RFID reader and with which other scaffolding components a connection is possible at this point.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention for recording the structure of a scaffold, a plausibility check is provided when creating the virtual image of the scaffold. When creating the virtual image of the scaffold, consideration is given to which types of scaffold components can be connected to one another and, if applicable, at which connection points, and in which position the types of scaffold components can be installed in the scaffold. When creating the virtual image of the scaffold, only those scaffold components that meet these criteria are taken into account. The information required to carry out this plausibility check regarding the connectability of the scaffold components and the possible positions of the scaffold components can be stored in a database, which is accessed when creating the virtual image of the scaffold.This information can also be stored in predefined algorithms that are executed in the computer unit when creating the virtual image of the scaffolding. Finally, this information can also be generated by artificial intelligence-based, in particular self-learning, programs that are executed in the computer unit. When executing the algorithms or artificial intelligence-based programs, these programs search for evidence of the presence of attachments. In a further embodiment of the invention, additional information is manually transmitted to the programs. For example, when erecting the scaffolding, it may be necessary for structural reasons not to have a diagonal element directly attached to the connection point of a vertical post or horizontal bar.Such a non-standard attachment can then be manually checked and incorporated into the virtual image of the scaffold. Further plausibility checks can also be defined from the item master data.
[0018] In order to ensure that only those scaffolding components that have actually already been installed in the scaffolding are taken into account when creating the virtual image of the scaffolding, and not those scaffolding components that are still being transported to their installation position (carried by the scaffolding erector or moved by cranes), a further embodiment of the invention provides that when creating a virtual image of the scaffolding from the identified scaffolding components, only those scaffolding components are taken into account that do not move significantly in relation to one another or are at rest in relation to one another. This is preferably determined by repeatedly reading in the article master data of the RFID elements at intervals in time and comparing the read-in article master data. RFID elements whose article master data is being read in for the first time or which can no longer be recorded are deemed not to meet the criterion of the associated scaffolding component not moving significantly.
[0019] To carry out the method according to the invention, the invention also provides a system for detecting the structure of a scaffold, comprising: scaffolding components, RFID elements that can be fastened or are fastened to the scaffolding components, wherein article master data relating to the associated scaffolding component can be stored in the RFID elements before or after they are fastened to the scaffolding components, at least one portable RFID reader that is designed to read out the article master data stored in the RFID elements within its detection range, at least one computer unit that is designed for wireless communication with the at least one RFID reader, wherein the computer unit has a processor, a program memory, a data memory and a communication interface for communication with the RFID reader.
[0020] Preferably, the wearable RFID reader can be attached to the scaffolder's work clothing or integrated into the work clothing so as not to interfere with the scaffolder's demanding work. Ideally, the scaffolder should not even notice the RFID reader while working.
[0021] It is preferred that the RFID reader be embodied as an active RFID tag with an antenna. Such active RFID tags are provided with a built-in power supply, e.g., batteries or rechargeable batteries, as is known in the art.
[0022] It is also preferred that the RFID elements be implemented as passive RFID tags. Such passive RFID tags are available from a variety of manufacturers. They do not have their own power supply, but are supplied with energy for data transmission via the electromagnetic field emitted by the RFID reader. Furthermore, passive RFID tags are small, inexpensive, and robust.
[0023] Active and passive RFID tags are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore require no further explanation.
[0024] The RFID reader preferably has a user interface for manual data entry. This allows the scaffolder to enter data during the scaffolding erection process that is useful for creating a virtual representation of the scaffolding, such as a non-standard arrangement of scaffolding components in relation to other scaffolding components.
[0025] For the further use and evaluation of the created virtual image of the scaffold, it is advantageous if the computer unit is configured to communicate with a data storage device, preferably a cloud storage device, via a computer network or a remote data connection.
[0026] The invention also provides a computer program comprising instructions that cause the system according to the invention to execute the steps of the method according to the invention when the computer program is loaded into the program memory of the computer unit. The computer program can be stored on data carriers for distribution and execution in the computer unit, but it can also be transmitted via a data carrier signal.
[0027] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.
[0028] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a scaffold under construction according to the invention;
[0029] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the system according to the invention; and Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the computer unit and the programs executed therein.
[0030] With reference to Fig. 1, a scaffold 1 under construction is first described, wherein Fig. 1 only shows a representative section of the scaffold 1. The scaffold consists of various types of scaffold components 2-6, namely vertically arranged uprights 2, which are connected to horizontal transoms 3 and a diagonal element 5, as well as cover elements 6 placed on the horizontal transoms 3 and scaffold feet 4, on which the uprights 2 rest. The scaffold feet 4 are provided with spindles in order to create height compensation on uneven surfaces. Although only some of the possible types of scaffold components are shown in this figure, it is understood that a scaffold 1 according to the invention can comprise all conventional scaffold components, which can be combined with one another depending on the existing structural conditions. The uprights 2 and the scaffold feet 4 are provided with connection points 7, which, for example,are designed as flanges to which other scaffolding components can be connected. The distances between the connection points 7 are standardized and are usually 0.5 m.
[0031] The vertical standards 2, the horizontal bars 3, the scaffolding feet 4, the diagonal element 5 and the cover elements 6 are provided with RFID elements 10 in which article master data about the respective scaffolding component has been stored. It should be noted that the standards 2, the horizontal bars 3 and the diagonal element 5 are each equipped with several RFID elements 10, which are positioned at or near the connection points 7 of these scaffolding components and, in addition to the article master data about the scaffolding component, also contain information about the connection point 7 at which they are attached. The scaffolding feet 4 and the cover elements 6 have only one RFID element 10. Typical article master data includes at least the type of scaffolding component and / or its length and optionally administrative data, such as the manufacturer and the production date of the scaffolding component. The RFID elements 10 are designed as passive RFID tags.
[0032] Fig. 2 schematically shows the assembly of the scaffold 1 by a scaffolder 11. The scaffolder 11 is standing on a deck element 6 and has already connected vertical posts 2 and horizontal bars 3 to one another, each of which has RFID elements 10 in which article master data about the respective scaffold component 2, 3 is stored. The scaffolder 11 wears an RFID reader 12 on his arm, which is designed to read the article master data from those RFID elements 10 that are within its detection range 13. In this exemplary embodiment, the portable RFID reader 12 is built into a cuff that the scaffolder 11 has wrapped around his forearm. Alternatively, the RFID reader 12 can also be embedded directly in the work clothing of the scaffolder 11, for example in a glove.The RFID reader 12 is designed as an active RFID tag and configured such that its detection range 13 is so small that it can only detect a limited number of RFID elements 10 from a scaffolding component 2-6 at a time.
[0033] During scaffolding erection, the RFID reader 12 reads the RFID elements 10 located within its detection range 13 continuously or at predetermined intervals and wirelessly transmits the read article master data to a computer unit 20. Additionally, the RFID reader 12 is equipped with a user interface, e.g., buttons, for manual data entry. This manually entered data is also transmitted from the RFID reader to the computer unit 20. In a further embodiment of the invention, the RFID reader 12 can be integrated into a device similar to a smartphone, wherein software applications run in the device and the scaffolder 11 can interact with the software applications via a touch-sensitive display.Using this software application, the scaffolder 11 can transmit all information relating to the scaffold 1 and also receives information such as the framework conditions to be observed, the number of scaffolders 11 working on erecting the scaffold, the weather, current images of the scaffold, the structure and the surrounding area, etc. As shown schematically in Fig. 3, the computer unit 20 has a processor 21, a program memory 22, a data memory 23 and a communication interface 24 for communication with the RFID reader 12. Furthermore, the computer unit 20 can have a network interface 25 and / or an interface 26 for remote data connection, e.g. a radio telephone interface, for data communication with a data storage device 27, in particular a cloud storage device. The computer unit 20 can be, for example, a computer, a laptop computer or a smartphone.
[0034] The computer unit 20 determines the scaffolding components 2-6 used in the construction of the scaffolding 1 and their connection to one another from the article master data received from the RFID reader 12 and creates a virtual image of the scaffolding 1 from this information. The computer unit sends the determined virtual image of the scaffolding 1 via the network interface 25 and / or the interface 26 for remote data connection to a data storage device 27, in the present embodiment a cloud storage device, where the virtual image of the scaffolding can be used for analyses, reports, tests, etc.
[0035] When creating the virtual image of scaffolding 1, the computer unit 20 performs plausibility checks, which take into account which types of scaffolding components 2-6 can / may be connected to one another and, if applicable, at which connection points 7 scaffolding components 2-6 can be connected to one another, and whether the recognized types of scaffolding components 2-6 are installed in the permissible position in scaffolding 1. When creating the virtual image of the scaffolding, only those scaffolding components 2-6 that meet these criteria are taken into account.
[0036] The principle of the present invention is that the relative position of scaffolding components 2-6 to one another is detected by reading their article master data from the RFID elements 11. In the situation shown in Fig. 2, the RFID reader 12 reads an RFID element 10 of the post 2 and an RFID element 10 of the horizontal bar 3, from which it is concluded that these two scaffolding components 2, 3 are connected to one another. If the read article master data also contains information about the positioning of the RFID elements 10 on the scaffolding components 2, 3, the creation of the virtual image of the scaffold 1 is simplified, but this is not absolutely necessary. The scaffolder 11 moves within the scaffold 1 while erecting the scaffold 1, as a result of which different groups of RFID elements 10 are constantly being detected, which are within the detection range 13 of the RFID reader 12. From these different detected groups of RFID elements 10 orThe overall image of the scaffold can be compiled and continuously monitored using their article master data. Furthermore, the scaffolding builder 11 can manually enter additional information into the RFID reader 12 that is useful for creating the virtual image of the scaffolding 1.
[0037] In order to ensure that only those scaffolding components 2-6 are recorded which are already installed in the scaffolding 1, i.e. which do not move or only move slightly in relation to one another, the article master data are read in several times and compared with one another at such short intervals that the RFID elements 10 of non-moving scaffolding components 2-6 are read out several times within the detection range 13 of the RFID reader 12.
[0038] The information required for the described plausibility checks regarding the connectability of the scaffolding components 2-6 and the possible positions of the scaffolding components 2-6 can be stored in a database (not shown), which the computer unit 20 accesses when creating the virtual image of the scaffolding 1. They can also be stored in predefined algorithms that are stored in the program memory 22 of the computer unit 20 when creating the virtual image of the scaffolding 1 and are executed by the processor 21. Finally, this information can also be generated by artificial intelligence-based, in particular self-learning, programs that are executed in the computer unit 20. Combinations of the described information acquisition methods are also possible.
[0039] The created virtual image of scaffolding 1 offers the advantage that all article master data of scaffolding components 2-6, the positioning of all installed parts, the progress of assembly and dismantling activities, and the occupancy or use of individual trades can be centrally accessed. Every change to scaffolding 1 is recorded in real time using the method according to the invention and displayed in the virtual image. The virtual image can be made centrally available to all companies involved in the construction process. The creation and updating of the virtual image of the scaffolding in real time thus represents a major advance over previous planning models. For scaffolding with special requirements (support scaffolding and / or scaffolding above a certain height and complexity), scaffolding planning models are created in advance and subsequently implemented on site.Of course, it cannot be determined from the planning model whether the structural implementation corresponds to the planning model. Instead, after the scaffolding has been completed, the scaffolding must be checked for compliance with the planning model and, if necessary, the plan must be adjusted or the scaffolding modified if deviations are identified. In contrast to the state of the art, the virtual image of the scaffolding created according to the invention corresponds to reality at all times. In addition, all companies involved in the project preferably also receive a progress report. The responsible company can coordinate all trades that will use scaffold 1 during the project and rent or invoice the trades individually. The companies involved in the project preferably also receive real-time information on the currently installed scaffolding components 2-6, from which they can determine which scaffolding components are still in stock.Thanks to real-time inventory, scaffolding components can be reordered whenever necessary. This not only avoids material shortages but also reduces costs that would arise from excessive material storage. Thanks to the possible automated measurement of assembly and dismantling times, the performance of individual assembly teams or companies can be compared and individual key performance indicators can be created. This data can be used to optimize bids and crew planning. Scaffolding manufacturers can also create safety certificates based on the virtual image and incorporate on-site changes without delay. Companies that provide services related to the assembly and dismantling of scaffold 1 can be integrated into the project process in real time and adjust their resources if necessary. Scaffolding components 2-6 can also no longer be removed from scaffold 1 unnoticed.This prevents collapses. Any deviation from the previously issued safety certificate can be automatically recorded and displayed in the virtual image.
Claims
Claims:
1. A method for detecting a structure of a scaffold (1), comprising the steps of: providing scaffold components (2-6), Attaching RFID elements (10) to the scaffolding components (2-6), wherein article master data relating to the associated scaffolding component (2-6) is stored in the RFID elements (10) before or after their attachment to the scaffolding components (2-6), providing at least one portable RFID reader (12) designed to read the article master data stored in the RFID elements (10) within its detection range (13), providing a computer unit (20) designed for wireless communication with the at least one RFID reader (12), erecting the scaffold (1) with the scaffolding components (2-6) by scaffolders (11), wherein at least one scaffolder (11) is equipped with the RFID reader (12), reading the article master data stored in the RFID elements (10) of the scaffolding components (2-6) during the erection of the scaffold (1), and transmitting the read article master data to the computer unit (20), Determining the scaffolding components (2-6) used in the construction of the scaffolding (1) and their connection to one another from the article master data received from the at least one RFID reader (12) and creating a virtual image of the scaffolding (1) from the determined scaffolding components (2-6) by means of the computer unit (20), wherein preferably at least the scaffolding components (2-6) used in the construction of the scaffolding (1), their connection to one another and the creation of the virtual image of the scaffolding (1), optionally also the reading and transmission of the article master data to the computer unit (20) take place in real time.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by providing the virtual image of the framework for further use and, optionally automated, evaluation in a data storage (27) accessible via a computer network or a remote data connection, preferably a cloud storage.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the article master data comprise at least the type of scaffolding component (2-6) and / or its length and optionally administrative data, such as the manufacturer and the production date of the scaffolding component.
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the scaffolding components (2-6) are provided with a plurality of RFID elements (10) which are arranged at or near predefined connection points (7) of the scaffolding components (2-6) with other scaffolding components (2-6), wherein optionally an identification of the connection point (7) to which the RFID element (10) is assigned is stored in the article master data of the RFID element (10).
5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the detection range (13) of the RFID reader (12) is configured such that it can detect only a limited number, for example only one, of several RFID elements (10) attached to a scaffolding component (2-6).
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when creating the virtual image of the scaffolding, consideration is given to which types of scaffolding components (2-6) can be connected to one another and, if appropriate, to which connection points (7) and in which position the types of scaffolding components can be installed in the scaffolding, wherein when creating the virtual image of the scaffolding, only those scaffolding components which meet these criteria are taken into account.
7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the information about the connectability of the scaffolding components (2-6) and the possible positions of the scaffolding components is stored in a database which is accessed when creating the virtual image of the scaffolding, and / or that this information is stored in predefined algorithms which are executed in the computer unit (20) when creating the virtual image of the scaffolding, and / or that this information is generated by programs based on artificial intelligence, in particular self-learning programs, which are executed in the computer unit (20).
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when creating a virtual image of the scaffolding from the determined scaffolding components (2-6), only those scaffolding components are taken into account which do not move significantly with respect to one another, which is preferably determined by repeatedly reading in the article master data at intervals of time and comparing the read-in article master data.
9. System for detecting a scaffold structure, comprising: scaffold components (2-6), RFID elements (10) that are fastened or can be fastened to the scaffolding components (2-6), wherein article master data relating to the associated scaffolding component (2-6) can be stored in the RFID elements (10) before or after they are fastened to the scaffolding components, at least one portable RFID reader (12) that is designed to read the article master data stored in the RFID elements (10) within its detection range (13), at least one computer unit (20) that is designed for wireless communication with the at least one RFID reader (10), wherein the computer unit (20) has a processor (21), a program memory (22), a data memory (23) and a communication interface (24) for communication with the RFID reader (12), wherein the system is configured to carry out the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 8.
10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the portable RFID reader (12) can be attached to the work clothing of the scaffolder (11) or is integrated into the work clothing or is worn as a separate cuff.
11. System according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the RFID reader (12) is designed as an active RFID tag with antenna.
12. System according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the RFID elements (10) are designed as passive RFID tags.
13. System according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the RFID reader (12) has a user interface for manual input of data.
14. System according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the computer unit (20) is configured to communicate with a data storage device (27), preferably a cloud storage device, via a computer network or a remote data connection.
15. A computer program comprising instructions which cause the system of claims 9 to 14 to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 when the computer program is loaded into the program memory (22) of the computer unit (20).
16. A data carrier on which the computer program according to claim 15 is stored.
17. A data carrier signal transmitting the computer program according to claim 15.