Methods for assembling and disassembling structures

Abstract

A method for assembling a structure includes the steps of arranging a spool of malleable wire, defining a wire deposition path to obtain a specific structure, and depositing the wire along the deposition path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assembling and disassembling a structure, and a system for implementing the assembling and disassembling methods.

[0002] The term "structure" refers to all those basic structural elements adapted to define the framework of a building for temporary use, such as an exhibition pavilion. Therefore, the present invention is particularly applicable (but not limited) to the field of assembling and disassembling buildings for temporary use.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, when a building is assembled and its service life ends, a temporary building is disassembled.

[0004] Depending on the actual usage situation and the materials used, there are problems in handling various components. In particular, not all components can be recovered, and a large amount of resource waste can occur due to problems in waste management.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem of the present invention is to provide an assembling method, a disassembling method, and a system that can overcome the drawbacks caused by the prior art.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an assembling method, a disassembling method, and a system that enable a structure for temporary use to be obtained rapidly and then easily disassembled.

[0007] Therefore, a further object of the present invention is an assembling method, a disassembling method, and a system that can reuse construction materials for future structure assembly, and that further enable the use of excellent performance materials that are usually not used because they are expensive and difficult to obtain, in addition to obvious advantages.

[0008] The identified technical problems and objectives are substantially achieved by assembly methods, disassembly methods and systems having the technical features set forth in one or more of the claims of the appended patent claims. Dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] In particular, the identified technical challenges and objectives are essentially achieved by the method of assembling the structure.

[0010] The method includes the step of positioning a wire spool, which can be conventionally defined in the terminology of the present invention as a “malleable” wire, that is, readily modified in its geometric configuration and / or cohesive state in order to be shaped and “guided” in a particular deposition or undeposition direction (such deposition or undeposition direction will define a part of the structure subsequently defined by the wire itself).

[0011] To further clarify the scope of the present invention, it should be noted that the range of “malleable wires” that can be used in the present invention may include, for example, certain thermoplastic materials that are not fully malleable at room temperature but become so when subjected to appropriate heat treatment. In some cases, materials that satisfy this definition may be (overall) thermoplastic polymers or carbon fibers (which are usually neither malleable nor thermoplastic), and may even be generally considered to be composite materials formed from carbon fibers coated with a suitable “malleable” polymer as understood in the present invention (which may be so-called PEEK).

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of positioning the spool thus includes positioning a spool of wire which is at least partially made of a thermoplastic material or which in any case has “reversible” behavior in a plastic coating / solidification process (such material may be formed in the form of a composite material, i.e., it may be made of a material combined with continuous or discontinuous fibers of a material that is not necessarily thermoplastic).

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of arranging a spool includes arranging a wire spool having a core made of a resistant material and a surface portion made of a malleable material.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of arranging a spool includes arranging a wire spool having a core and a coating that defines the extent of the core. Preferably, the core may be made of continuous fibers of a first material, and the coating may be made of a second material, the first material being "higher melting" than the second material (i.e., it may be more thermally resistant to the plastic coating).

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of arranging a spool includes arranging a wire spool, the surface portion of which is made of a thermoplastic material (or in any case, whose aggregated state is reversibly reconfigurable within its plastic coating / solidification cycle), possibly in a composite form (i.e., such that it consists of a core composed of one or more fibers of a material that is not necessarily thermoplastic, covered with a coating that has substantially thermoplastic behavior).

[0016] The method also includes the step of defining a path for accumulating wire to obtain a specific structure.

[0017] The sedimentation path includes curved sections and path junctions.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the wire deposition path defines a three-dimensional design corresponding to the structure to be manufactured.

[0019] Therefore, the method includes performing a step of depositing the wire along a deposit path. Such a deposit step includes heating the wire to a softening temperature in the curved section to shape the wire.

[0020] In other words, in the three-dimensional design portion corresponding to one or more edges of a structure, the wire is heated to make it malleable and deformable in order to conform to the desired structure.

[0021] Furthermore, the deposition step includes heating the wire to its melting point at the joint to join different portions of the deposited wire. In other words, at the edges and / or portions where structures overlap and / or join, the wire is heated so that it joins with the already deposited portion of the wire.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of heating the wire to a softening temperature is performed by heating the wire to a temperature between 20°C and 500°C.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of heating the wire to its melting point is performed by heating the wire to a temperature between 30°C and 600°C.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of defining a deposition path is performed by defining a structural grid arranged adjacent to one another to define a structure.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, in the step of defining the deposition path, one or more curved portions coincide with the joint portions.

[0026] The identified technical problems and objectives are also achieved by a method for disassembling a structure made by an assembly method according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] The disassembly method includes the steps of heating the wire to a temperature suitable for separating the joined wire portions, heating the wire to a temperature suitable for straightening and correcting the surface of the formed wire portions, and rewinding the wire spool.

[0028] The heating step (and the recovery step, i.e., the step of recovering the wire that previously formed the structure and returning the wire to its "malleable" state again) is performed by tracing the deposition path of the wire spool in reverse.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the disassembly method includes the step of placing an annular body suitable for fitting onto the wire. Further, the method includes sliding the annular body along the wire while tracing the deposition path in reverse, heating the annular body to separate the joined wire portions, and / or straightening and correcting the surface of the formed wire portions.

[0030] The specified technical problems and objectives are further achieved by a system for the assembly and disassembly of structures, a robotic system comprising heating means, and adapted to perform one or more steps of an assembly method according to one or more aspects of the invention and one or more steps of a disassembly method according to one or more aspects of the invention, the system comprising a robotic system.

[0031] Further features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following illustrative, and thus non-limiting, description of an exemplary embodiment of the assembly method, disassembly method and system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] Such description is shown below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative and thus non-limiting purposes only. [Figure 1-2] [[ID=?]]Different structures obtained by the method which is the subject of the invention. [Figure 3A-3B] Different embodiments of the wire for realizing the structure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] It seems there is a small issue with the "" line where the Chinese text is not recognized as such. I've translated it as best as possible based on the context. If you can correct that part, it would be great for a more accurate translation.Figures 1 and 2 show two structures 1 obtained by the assembly method that is the subject of the present invention.

[0034] The term "structure 1" refers to all of those basic structural elements adapted to define the framework of a building or facility for temporary use, such as the basic structure of an exhibition pavilion or sculpture.

[0035] This method includes the step of positioning a spool of malleable wire 2.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of arranging the spool includes arranging a spool of wire 2 made of PEEK, PA, or PP. In other words, the method includes arranging a spool of wire 2, in which the wire 2 itself is made of a single material, as shown in Figure 2A.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of arranging the spool includes arranging a spool of wire 2 having a core 2a made of a resistant material and a surface portion 2b made of a malleable material, for example, as shown in Figure 2B.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of arranging the spool includes arranging a spool of wire 2 whose core 2a is made of LCP, carbon, glass, metal, or basalt fiber.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of arranging the spool includes arranging a spool of wire 2 whose surface portion 2b is made of PEEK, PA, or PP.

[0040] The method also includes a step of defining a wire loading path 3 for obtaining a specific structure 1, the loading path 3 may preferably comprise one or more curved portions 3a and joint portions 3b of the loading path 3, as incidental needs.

[0041] According to one aspect of the present invention, the deposition path 3 of the wire 2 defines a three-dimensional design corresponding to the resulting structure.

[0042] According to one aspect of the present invention, in the step of defining the deposition path 3, one or more curved portions 3a coincide with the joint portion 3b.

[0043] In particular, the deposition path 3 comprises an initial deposition section 3c and a final deposition section 3d.

[0044] Furthermore, the deposition path 3 comprises various curved sections 3a and straight sections interposed between the first deposition section 3c and the final deposition section 3d.

[0045] Preferably, one or more joint portions 3b may coincide with the first deposit portion 3c and / or the final deposit portion 3d.

[0046] Preferably, the first depositional portion 3c may coincide with the final depositional portion 3d.

[0047] Preferably, the deposition path 3 is defined such that the portion of the wire 2 does not occupy the internal volume of the structure 1. In other words, the deposition path 3 is defined such that the wire 2 is deposited only on the surface portion of the final structure 1.

[0048] In Figures 1 and 2, for the sake of simplicity, the joint 3b is shown as it is present, but it is not actually depicted.

[0049] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of defining the deposition path 3 is performed by defining a structural grid arranged adjacent to one another to define the structure 1.

[0050] For example, Figure 1 shows a deposition path 3 that defines a pyramidal structure 1 whose upper end simultaneously defines a curved portion 3a, a joint portion 3b, and a final deposition portion 3d.

[0051] Figure 2 shows the deposition path 3 that defines the cubic structure 1.

[0052] Therefore, this method includes the step of depositing wire 2 along the deposit path 3.

[0053] Such a step involves heating the wire 2 to a softening temperature at the curved portion 3a in order to shape the wire 2. In other words, at the portion of the three-dimensional design corresponding to one or more edges of the structure 1, the wire 2 is heated to make it malleable and deformable in order to conform to the desired structure.

[0054] If wire 2 is made of a single material as shown in Figure 3A, this heating step is performed in such a way that only the surface portion of wire 2 is softened.

[0055] If the wire 2 has a core 2a and a surface portion 2b as shown in Figure 3B, this heating step is performed at a temperature suitable for softening only the surface portion 2b of the wire 2 itself, without affecting the core 2a.

[0056] Furthermore, the deposition step includes heating the wire 2 to its melting point at the joint portion 3b to join different portions of the deposited wire 2. In other words, at the edges and / or portions where the structures 1 overlap and / or join, the wire 2 is heated so that it joins to an already deposited portion of the wire 2.

[0057] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of heating the wire 2 to a softening temperature is performed by heating the wire 2 to a temperature between 20°C and 500°C (for example, depending on the choice of material, the aforementioned temperature range may be between 60°C and 300°C).

[0058] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of heating the wire 2 to its melting point is performed by heating the wire 2 to a temperature between 30°C and 600°C (for example, depending on the choice of material, the aforementioned temperature range may be between 150°C and 450°C).

[0059] The present invention also relates to a method for disassembling a structure 1 made by the assembly method described above.

[0060] The disassembly method includes the steps of heating the wire 2 to a temperature suitable for separating the joint portion of the wire 2, heating the wire 2 to a temperature suitable for straightening and correcting the surface of the molded portion of the wire 2, and rewinding the spool of the wire 2.

[0061] In other words, the disassembly method includes separating the joint portion 3b, straightening and correcting the surface of the curved portion 3a, and returning the wire 2 to its original state before assembly.

[0062] The heating step is performed by retracing the deposition path 3 of the wire 2 spool.

[0063] According to one aspect of the present invention, the disassembly method includes the step of positioning an annular body suitable for fitting the wire 2. The method further includes sliding the annular body along the wire 2 in reverse along the deposition path 3, heating the annular body to separate the joint portion of the wire 2, and / or straightening the surface of the formed portion of the wire 2.

[0064] In other words, the disassembly method is carried out by the annular body, which, once fitted to the wire 2, is slid along the wire 2 and brought to an appropriate temperature to separate the joint portion 3b and straighten and correct the surface of the curved portion 3a.

[0065] The present invention also relates to a system for assembling and disassembling a structure 1.

[0066] The system comprises a robotic arm equipped with heating means, which is adapted to perform one or more steps of the assembly method described above and is also adapted to perform one or more steps of the disassembly method described above.

[0067] In other words, the robot arm is equipped with at least one loading device adapted to load the wire 2 along the loading path 3. Furthermore, the robot arm is equipped with a device for separating the joint portion 3b and a device for straightening and correcting the surface of the curved portion 3a. Preferably, the robot arm is equipped with an annular body.

[0068] In other words, this system enables construction and deconstruction using a hybrid system based on additive manufacturing plants.

[0069] Advantageously, the present invention can overcome the drawbacks arising from the prior art.

[0070] Advantageously, the present invention allows for the construction and dismantling of structure 1 without the need to recycle materials, since the materials are reused.

[0071] This is beneficial from environmental, economic, and regulatory perspectives, as it prevents the raw materials from becoming waste at the end of their use, thus avoiding the risks of cumbersome management procedures imposed by existing bureaucratic and regulatory organizations.

[0072] Advantageously, wire 2 can be recovered by winding it onto a spool that is awaiting reuse.

[0073] Advantageously, according to the present invention, it is possible to temporarily construct the lattice structure 1.

Claims

1. A method for assembling structure (1), - The step of positioning a spool of malleable wire (2), - A step of defining a deposition path (3) of the wire (2) in order to realize a specific structure (1), wherein the deposition path (3) includes a curved portion (3a) and a joint portion (3b) of the deposition path (3), i.e., the wire (2), - The process includes the step of depositing the wire (2) along the deposit path (3), The aforementioned step of depositing is - A substep of heating the wire (2) to the softening temperature at the curved portion (3a) in order to shape the wire, - An assembly method comprising the substep of heating the wire to a melting temperature at the joining portion (3b) in order to join different portions of the deposited wire (2).

2. The assembly method according to claim 1, wherein the step of heating the wire (2) is performed by heating the wire (2) to a softening temperature between 20°C and 500°C, preferably between 60°C and 300°C.

3. The assembly method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of heating the wire (2) is performed by heating the wire (2) to a melting temperature between 30°C and 600°C, preferably between 150°C and 450°C.

4. The assembly method according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of defining the deposition path (3) is performed by defining a structural grid arranged adjacent to one another to define the structure (1).

5. The assembly method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the step defining the deposition path (3), one or more curved portions (3a) coincide with the joint portion (3b).

6. The assembly method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the step of arranging the spool of wire (2) includes arranging the spool of wire (2) which is made of PEEK and / or PA and / or PP.

7. The assembly method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein the step of arranging the spool of wire (2) includes arranging the spool of wire (2) having a core (2a) of a resistant material and a surface portion (2b) of a malleable material.

8. The assembly method according to claim 7, wherein the step of arranging the spool of the wire (2) includes arranging the spool of the wire (2), wherein the core (2a) is made of PEEK and / or PA and / or PP and the surface portion (2b) is made of LCP and / or carbon and / or glass and / or metal and / or basalt fiber.

9. A method for disassembling a structure formed by an assembly method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, - The step of heating the wire (2) to a temperature suitable for separating the joint portion of the wire (2), - The step of heating the wire (2) to a temperature suitable for straightening and correcting the surface of the formed portion of the wire (2), - Includes the step of rewinding the spool of the wire (2), The disassembly method is carried out by retracing the deposition path (3) of the spool of the wire (2) in reverse, wherein the heating step is performed.

10. - The step of arranging an annular body suitable for fitting the wire (2), - A step of sliding the annular body along the wire (2) while retracing the deposition path (3), The disassembly method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of heating the annular body to separate the joined wire portion (2) and / or straightening the surface of the molded wire portion (2).

11. A system for assembling and disassembling a structure, comprising a robotic system, the robotic system preferably comprising a robotic arm, a heating means and adapted to perform one or more steps of the assembly method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, and adapted to perform one or more steps of the disassembly method according to claim 9 or 10.

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