Method for producing, controlling and / or monitoring at least one element for a supporting structure, element for a supporting structure, and supporting structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing, controlling and / or monitoring at least one element (1) for a supporting structure (7) which is made up of a plurality of elements (1, 2) that differ in terms of their design and / or functionality, wherein the at least one element (1) is produced in an additive manufacturing method, in particular in a 3D printing method. According to the invention, the at least one element (1) is assigned data relating to its individual design and / or functionality, and at least some of the data and / or at least one identifier linked to the data for identifying the element (1) within the supporting structure (7) is / are introduced into the element (1) as machine-readable information (3). The invention further relates to an element (1) for a supporting structure (7), and to a supporting structure (7) having at least one element (1) according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Method for manufacturing, controlling and / or monitoring at least one element for a supporting structure, element for a supporting structure and supporting structure

[0002] The invention relates to a method for producing, controlling and / or monitoring at least one element for a supporting structure according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to an element for a supporting structure, which is preferably a statically effective element, for example a facade node, as well as a supporting structure composed of several elements, which comprises at least one element according to the invention.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] In the construction industry, building structures and projects have been becoming increasingly complex for years. At the same time, individual building elements are becoming increasingly customized and must meet specific, case-specific requirements. Additive manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing, enable the industrially optimized production of many customized building elements. These building elements are often visually similar but differ in their properties. One example is load-bearing structures that comprise nodes and members that are subject to different loads depending on their positioning. Incorrect positioning can have fatal consequences for the stability of the structure, resulting in low error tolerance and high demands on the executing trades. In addition, information relevant to the installation of the building element is often not available on the construction site, or is only available incompletely.This information is often based on structural plans and / or paper documents, which are difficult to handle on site, especially in adverse weather conditions.

[0005] However, the increasing complexity of building structures and projects poses challenges not only for the tradesmen executing the work on site. These challenges begin in the planning phase, particularly when multiple specialist planners are involved, and continue through the manufacture of the individual building elements, their delivery and installation, and finally, inspection and monitoring after installation. Inspection serves to verify whether the individual building element has been installed correctly. Monitoring is generally ongoing and is intended to prevent undue deformation or even failure of the building element, for example, due to excessive loads and / or premature aging. Monitoring individual building elements allows for early detection of any potential impacts on the entire structure, so that countermeasures can be taken.

[0006] Across all life cycle phases of a building element—from planning through production and installation to demolition and subsequent disposal—the availability and exchange / sharing of information relating to the building element play a crucial role. Digitalization facilitates this process by making information quickly and readily available to a wide range of people from diverse organizations. A key step in advancing digitalization is the widespread introduction of Building Information Modeling (BIM). This concept, which centrally consolidates project-related information, has so far been used primarily for project planning.

[0007] According to a 2023 study commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and conducted by Fraunhofer IESE, a major hurdle lies in the fragmentation of the construction industry. This includes, in particular, the fragmentation into different trades and the sometimes complex and non-transparent distribution of contracts to subcontractors within a trade. Due to a lack of compatibility, information and data are stored multiple times in different levels of detail and formats, which leads to contradictory planning statuses when they are retrieved. On the other hand, there is a high risk that essential information will be lost. This loss of information, in turn, has an impact on all later life phases of a building element, so that after the handover of the building, the client only has access to a fraction of the information that would otherwise be required for monitoring and, if necessary,Repair work would be of great benefit.

[0008] The present invention addresses the problem of technically and administratively simplifying the manufacture, control, and / or monitoring of at least one element of a complex structure, in particular a supporting structure. To achieve this problem, the method having the features of claim 1 is proposed. Advantageous further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims. Furthermore, an element for a supporting structure and a supporting structure comprising at least one element according to the invention are specified.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] A method is proposed for producing, controlling, and / or monitoring at least one element for a supporting structure composed of multiple elements differing in terms of their design and / or functionality, wherein the at least one element is produced using a generative manufacturing process, in particular a 3D printing process. According to the invention, data relating to the at least one element is assigned to its individual design and / or functionality, and at least some of the data and / or at least one identifier linked to the data for identifying the element within the supporting structure is / are incorporated into the element as machine-readable information.

[0011] With the help of the proposed method, information relevant for the manufacture, control and / or monitoring of at least one element can be made available directly or indirectly. Direct availability exists, for example, if the machine-readable information comprises at least part of the data assigned to the element. The data itself is then the information that can be read directly from the element by machine. Direct access to the data has the advantage that a connection to an information technology network or an external database is unnecessary, since the data can be stored and retrieved locally. Direct availability also exists if the machine-readable information is an identifier, as this enables identification of the element within the structure.Furthermore, relevant information can be provided indirectly via the at least one identifier, as it is linked to the data assigned to the element. Indirect access to the data has the advantage that it can be managed externally or centrally and continuously updated as needed.

[0012] The data relating to the individual design and / or functionality of at least one element may include installation information, such as the installation position in the supporting structure, material information, and / or physical load limits. Furthermore, the data may include the manufacturer's name, the date of manufacture, a serial or batch number, and / or CAD model data, as well as complete assembly instructions.

[0013] To incorporate data and / or at least one identifier into the element as machine-readable information, a form of representation must be chosen that allows machine readability. Digital formats are particularly suitable. These can be stored on a storage medium, such as a flash memory or magnetic carrier, which is then incorporated into the element. However, a written or pictorial representation of the information, for example, in the form of an embossed or relief mark, possibly in coded form, is also possible.

[0014] By incorporating at least part of the data assigned to the element and / or at least one identifier linked to the data into the element, it is ensured that information relevant to the manufacture, inspection, and / or monitoring of the element is not lost and is thus available to everyone at any time. The circle of persons can also be restricted to those with special authorization, for example, planners, construction trades, and / or users. In this way, anyone involved in the manufacture, inspection, and / or monitoring of at least one element of a load-bearing structure can be granted access to the information required for this purpose, directly, i.e., without delay. It is also possible to derive any legal requirements, which generally only exist in analog form, from the assigned data and make them available.

[0015] The scope of application of the present invention is not limited to the construction sector, but also includes other technical fields, such as mechanical engineering. A supporting structure within the meaning of the present invention is therefore understood to be any technical artifact that has a supporting, in particular load-bearing, function. The data assigned to at least one element of the supporting structure are preferably parameter values, in particular physical, mechanical, and / or chemical parameter values.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one element that is manufactured, inspected and / or monitored according to the method is a statically effective element, for example a facade node. With a statically effective element, the error tolerance is particularly low, so that the advantages of the proposed method become particularly clear here. If a statically effective element, such as a facade node, is not installed in the intended position, this can endanger the stability of the entire supporting structure. After installation, it must also be ensured that a predetermined load limit of the statically effective element is not exceeded. If the supporting structure is modified, for example, this can lead to increased loading and thus to the load limit of the statically effective element being exceeded.This can be prevented by controlling and / or monitoring the statically effective element. Sensors, simulations, and / or calculations can be helpful, as can the data assigned to the element.

[0017] Preferably, the data assigned to the at least one element comprise data relevant for the manufacture of the element, in particular design, material and / or manufacturing data, data relevant for the assembly of the element, in particular position and / or connection data within the supporting structure, data relevant for the control and / or monitoring of the element, in particular physical parameters and / or load limits, and / or data relevant for the disposal of the element, in particular data on environmental compatibility.

[0018] Data relevant to the manufacture of the element, in particular manufacturing data, can include the manufacturer, place of manufacture, and / or date of manufacture, as well as the manufacturing process and / or specific manufacturing techniques used, various manufacturing parameters, and materials used, including their formulation. This data typically remains with the manufacturer, making it difficult or even impossible to obtain at a later date. If, for example, an inspection of the element reveals that it needs to be replaced, the data relevant to the manufacture of the element can be used for re-manufacturing or production.

[0019] Data relevant for the assembly of the element may include, in addition to identification data, data on the positioning of the element within the structure, in particular with regard to the installation location and the orientation of the element in relation to adjacent elements and / or in relation to a higher-level coordinate system, for example in relation to a horizontal and / or vertical axis. Data relevant for the inspection and / or monitoring of the element may include the compressive and / or tensile strength, flexural rigidity, density, weight, corrosion resistance, maximum temperature and / or humidity load as physical parameters and / or load limits of the element. Based on this data, a situation assessment can be carried out as part of the inspection or monitoring, which helps to uncover and address safety-related deficiencies.They enable root cause research and enable those responsible to make informed decisions.

[0020] Data relevant to the disposal of the element is particularly required during the conversion and / or dismantling of the supporting structure. The time at which this data can be used may therefore be a long time after the time at which the data is stored. Information can be lost during this time for many reasons, such as the insolvency of a company involved, and ultimately no longer be available at the relevant time. This leads to a blurred picture of the situation when planning conversion and / or dismantling, possibly resulting in higher costs. With the help of the proposed procedure, however, the data remains available and can be taken into account when disposing of the element in compliance with legal requirements. This applies analogously if the element is recycled instead of disposed of.

[0021] Preferably, at least a portion of the data assigned to the at least one element is stored as a digital command and / or documentation data record. This is then incorporated into the element as machine-readable information and / or linked to the at least one identifier incorporated into the element as machine-readable information. The digital command and / or documentation data record can then be machine-read or retrieved either directly or indirectly via the at least one identifier. Indirect reading or retrieval enables access to a large amount of data, as this data can be stored in an internal and / or external database. Access to this data merely requires a link to this database.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, it is therefore proposed that at least some of the data assigned to the element and / or the at least one identifier be linked to an internal and / or external database. An “internal database” is understood here to be a database of a participating engineering firm or manufacturer of the element or supporting structure. An “external database” is understood here to be a database that centrally collects and stores relevant data from various data sources, such as in Building Information Modeling (BIM). The use of such an external database may even be required by law. The same applies to an external database for creating a CO2 passport or other ID card or certificate.By linking the data assigned to the element and / or at least one identifier to such an external database, all parties involved can be granted access to the information stored in the database. Furthermore, the information can be managed centrally. This ensures that the data is highly up-to-date, as it can be updated and / or supplemented.

[0023] Preferably, at least some of the data assigned to the element and / or the at least one identifier is / are incorporated into the at least one element in coded form. This coding enables a reduction in the volume of data to be incorporated into the element and thus in the required storage space. This facilitates the insertion of the data. Furthermore, machine readout of the data can be simplified by selecting a suitable coding. The same applies to the at least one identifier, which - alternatively or additionally - is incorporated into the element in coded form. There are no limits to the specific coding form. It can be in the form of a barcode or QR code, binary or hexadecimal, electromagnetic coding, or a file format commonly used in computer-aided processing.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least part of the data assigned to the element and / or the at least one identifier be incorporated into the at least one element in the form of a material change and / or a material addition, a three-dimensional structure, for example an embossing or relief mark, a geometric configuration, a manipulation of the structural properties of the material, an electronic identifier and / or a storage medium containing the data or the identifier in digital form.

[0025] The proposed methods of incorporation are particularly advantageous because, on the one hand, they enable machine readability and, on the other hand, they can be easily implemented in a generative manufacturing process, so that the data or at least one identifier can be incorporated into the element as machine-readable information during its manufacture. The chosen method of incorporation depends, among other things, on how the information incorporated into the element is to be subsequently read by machine.

[0026] If the introduction takes the form of a material change, a material can be used that has special physical properties, such as reflective properties or particularly good thermal conductivity. The most valuable differences in the properties of the materials used are used to achieve the greatest contrast. In the case of reflective properties, the material can be illuminated for machine readout of the information. The illumination can be within a specific electromagnetic spectrum, for example, the visible, infrared, and / or ultraviolet spectrum. When introducing the material into the element, a customized pattern can be selected to encode the information, thus requiring minimal space. A similar result can be achieved by changing a material property, such as the microstructure.

[0027] If the incorporation takes the form of a three-dimensional structure, for example, an embossed or relief mark, a structure can be chosen that may be visible to the naked eye, thus enabling the element to be distinguished from other similar elements or identified. Machine-reading the information is therefore easy to implement. The same applies if a specific geometric design is used as an identifier. This can be the geometric design of the entire element or a specific area of ​​the element.

[0028] If the data is to be introduced in the form of an electronic identifier, RFID technology can be used, for example.

[0029] Inserting the data in the form of a storage medium is particularly advantageous because it can store large amounts of data directly in the element. Flash memory is a particularly suitable storage medium. Another example – based on the concept of compact discs from computer technology – is inserting a storage medium that has a data track on one surface that can be read with a laser. The storage medium can be made of polycarbonate, in particular. Data storage based on magnetization is also possible, as is known from audio tapes, magnetic stripe cards, or hard disk technology. The storage medium can also be inserted into the element subsequently. For this purpose, the element can have a corresponding recess or opening.

[0030] The various methods of introducing the data or at least one identifier can be used individually or in different combinations. When combining different methods of introducing the data or identifier, the method of machine reading the data or identifier may also differ.

[0031] Preferably, the data incorporated into the element and / or the at least one identifier incorporated into the element are read out using a mobile electronic device, for example using a camera, in particular a thermal camera, a scanner, in particular a 3D scanner or a CT scanner, and / or an active transmitter / receiver system, preferably in the radio frequency range. A camera is now integrated into every mobile phone, making reading possible for a large group of people. The function of a thermal camera is available as an application for mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, and can be easily downloaded. The same applies to the function of a scanner. Transmitter / receiver systems, in particular in the radio frequency range, are also known and available in electronics stores.

[0032] A mobile electronic device, such as a handheld or VR headset, is advantageously used for reading the data. These devices are simple and convenient to operate. Furthermore, they can be easily transported from site to site, making them versatile. Devices that do not need to be held in the hand are particularly advantageous, leaving the hands free to perform tasks on the construction site, such as positioning and securing the element in the supporting structure. This increases comfort and work safety.

[0033] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in order to control and / or monitor the at least one element, a target state is retrieved via the data incorporated into the element and / or the at least one identifier incorporated into the element and compared with an actual state. This comparison can be used to detect an error, for example incorrect positioning and / or alignment of the element in the supporting structure. In order to avoid damage to the supporting structure, the error can then be corrected promptly. The correction can, for example, consist of changing the installation position and / or alignment of the element or reducing excessive stress on the element, for example due to loads, temperature and / or humidity. The actual state is preferably recorded optically and / or by sensors. For example, the actual state can be recorded by visual inspection or with the aid of an imaging process.If the actual state is defined by at least one parameter, it can be recorded using suitable sensors arranged on the element or supporting structure. For example, an element's strain can be recorded using an integrated strain sensor. In this case, as part of the element's control and / or monitoring, a measured value provided by the strain sensor can be compared with a maximum permissible strain value assigned to the element, which can be read or retrieved directly or indirectly via the at least one integrated identifier. In this way, even changing or dynamic actual states can be recorded and subjected to control and / or verification.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that a visual, acoustic, and / or haptic warning message be generated if the actual state deviates from the desired state. The warning message ensures that the deviation is not overlooked but reliably detected. The detected error can thus be quickly remedied to prevent consequential damage. The warning message is preferably generated using the mobile electronic device used to read the data and / or the at least one identifier. In this case, the control and / or monitoring of the element requires only this one mobile electronic device.

[0035] The inspection and / or monitoring of at least one element may reveal that the element needs to be replaced. As a further development measure, it is therefore proposed that when at least one element is replaced, at least some of the data assigned to the element is read out or retrieved directly and / or indirectly via the at least one identifier incorporated into the element and used to produce a replacement element. The data can therefore be data relevant to the production of the element, in particular design, material and / or manufacturing data, such as the manufacturing process used and / or specific manufacturing techniques used. This ensures that the replacement element has the same properties as the original element. Furthermore, the data can be used to reproduce any number of the element.Preferably, the replacement element is manufactured – analogously to the original element – ​​using a generative manufacturing process, particularly a 3D printing process. In this case, the read or retrieved data can be used directly as production data, which significantly reduces the data-related and administrative effort between determining a necessary replacement and completing the replacement element. Especially in additive manufacturing, the specific manufacturing process and associated specific manufacturing parameters play a crucial role in achieving the desired properties and design. Thanks to the proposed process, this information remains permanently available and retrievable.

[0036] Furthermore, an element, in particular a statically effective element, for a supporting structure is proposed, which has been manufactured using a generative manufacturing process, in particular a 3D printing process. The element can be, for example, a facade node. According to the invention, data relating to its individual design and / or functionality are assigned to the element, and at least some of this data and / or at least one identifier linked to the data for identifying the element within the supporting structure is / are incorporated into the element as machine-readable information. According to the method according to the invention described above, the element can be manufactured, controlled and / or monitored using the data or the at least one identifier. The data required for this purpose can be read out or retrieved either directly or indirectly via the at least one identifier.For reading or retrieving, a mobile electronic device, for example a camera, in particular a thermal camera, a scanner, in particular a 3D scanner or a CT scanner, and / or a transmitter / receiver system, preferably in the radio frequency range, can be used.

[0037] Preferably, the data assigned to the element include data relevant for the manufacture of the element, in particular design, material and / or manufacturing data, data relevant for the assembly of the element, in particular position and / or connection data within the supporting structure, data relevant for the control and / or monitoring of the element, in particular physical parameters and / or load limits, data relevant for the disposal of the element, in particular data on environmental compatibility, and / or data relevant for the new manufacture of the element.

[0038] This data may be in the form of at least one instruction and / or documentation data record incorporated into the element and / or linked to at least one identifier incorporated into the element. In both cases, this data is accessible at the element itself in order to use this data to manufacture, control, and / or monitor the element or a replacement element.

[0039] The data can be read out or retrieved before, during, or after the element has been installed in the supporting structure, allowing for inspection and / or testing of the element at any time. For example, the correct installation position can be retrieved before installation. After installation, it is then possible to check whether the element has been installed correctly. The inspection or testing can be carried out directly on-site at the element or at the supporting structure. Access to the data is still possible long after the element has been installed, allowing for testing over its entire service life. The inspection or testing is preferably carried out using one of the methods according to the invention described above.

[0040] The identification function can also be used for other construction and / or administrative processes. For example, by retrieving data linked to the at least one identifier, it can be immediately determined whether the installation of the element requires further connection work, such as the installation of pipes and / or cables. Furthermore, the data linked to the at least one identifier can be used for orientation on the construction site, for example, to determine the floor, section, and / or sector on or in which the installation location is located. This is particularly advantageous for particularly complex construction projects or buildings.

[0041] Preferably, at least a portion of the data assigned to the element and / or the at least one identifier is / are incorporated into the at least one element in coded form. Coding allows space to be saved when inserting the data or the at least one identifier.

[0042] Furthermore, at least some of the data assigned to the element and / or the at least one identifier is / are preferably incorporated into the at least one element in the form of a material change and / or an addition of material, a three-dimensional structure, for example an embossing or relief mark, a geometric configuration, a manipulation of the structural properties of the material, an electronic identifier and / or a storage medium containing the data or the identifier in digital form. The introduction can take place according to one of the previously described methods according to the invention, for example simultaneously with the production of the element. Alternatively or additionally, at least some of the data and / or the at least one identifier can also be subsequently incorporated into the element, so that existing elements can be upgraded to become an element according to the invention.

[0043] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least some of the data assigned to the element and / or the at least one identifier is / are linked to an externally stored command and / or documentation data record and / or a database. The database can be either an internal or an external database. The proposed link ensures access to a very large amount of data, as this can be outsourced. This means that the machine-readable information incorporated into the element can be limited to a single identifier that is linked to the externally stored data in order to grant access to this data. An externally stored command and / or documentation data record and / or an external database also has the advantage that they can be managed centrally and continuously updated.This may be necessary if, for example, the requirements for the element change due to a modification of the supporting structure.

[0044] Furthermore, a supporting structure is proposed which is composed of several elements differing in terms of their design and / or functionality and which comprises at least one element according to the invention. With the aid of the at least one element according to the invention, a control and / or inspection of the supporting structure can also be carried out. This applies in particular if the at least one element is a statically effective element, for example a facade node. In this case, for example, an incorrect installation position of the element can have an impact on the stability of the supporting structure. The control and / or inspection carried out with the aid of the at least one element thus increases safety during the erection of the supporting structure and in the period thereafter.

[0045] The invention and its advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0046] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a supporting structure, a supporting structure composed of several elements differing in terms of their design and / or functionality, of which at least one element is designed according to the invention,

[0047] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an element according to the invention for a supporting structure, which is a facade node,

[0048] Fig. 3 shows a possible representation of an identifier that can be incorporated into an element according to the invention as machine-readable information,

[0049] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the possible links of an identifier incorporated in an element according to the invention with various data sources or databases and

[0050] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the sequence of a method according to the invention for controlling an element according to the invention within a supporting structure.

[0051] Detailed description of the drawings

[0052] Figure 1 shows a supporting structure 7 that is composed of various elements 1, 2. The supporting structure 7 is a facade construction that includes facade nodes as the first elements 1 and struts connected to the facade nodes as further elements 2. Since the supporting structure 7 is irregularly constructed, the facade nodes differ in terms of their individual design. In particular, the number of struts connected to a facade node can vary. This has an impact on the shape and the load of the respective facade node. This is because each facade node forms a statically effective element 1 within the supporting structure 7. In order to save material and thus weight, each facade node can be individually designed with regard to its load limit.It is therefore extremely important that each facade node is installed in the correct position in order not to compromise the stability of structure 7.

[0053] However, the correct installation position is not always obvious, especially if no relevant information is available on-site or is difficult to obtain. Due to the lack of such information, it is usually not possible to check whether the correct installation position has been selected after the structure has been erected.

[0054] To improve information availability, an element 1 for a supporting structure 7, such as a facade node, can be designed according to the invention. For this purpose, data relating to its individual design and / or functionality are assigned to the element 1, and at least part of this data and / or at least one identifier is / are incorporated into the element 1 as machine-readable information 3.

[0055] As shown by way of example in Figure 2, the machine-readable information 3 can be introduced into the element 1 by changing the material. This means that a material 4 is introduced into the element 1 that differs from another material 5 from which, for example, the element 1 is made. The material 4 can, for example, be a metal and the material 5 a plastic, or vice versa. Other material combinations are also conceivable. The material 4 can - as shown in Figure 2 - be introduced over a large area, so that the change in material is visually hardly noticeable. In this case, the specific shape of the area serves as an additional identifier. The element 1 shown in Figure 2, which is also a facade node, has three connection geometries 6 for connecting struts, which cannot be changed either in terms of their shape or their material.Therefore, only the intermediate surface is suitable for making the material change. Since this surface usually remains visible even after the installation of element 1, the information introduced by the material change can be read by machine at any time.

[0056] A material 4 serving as an identifier can also be incorporated into the element 1 in a customized pattern, similar to a QR code or the like. An example of such a pattern is shown in Figure 3. Such a pattern can also be used to encode the information, so that the placement of the pattern or the machine-readable information on the element 1 requires less space. Any basic geometric shapes can be used, which in turn can be combined in numerous variations.

[0057] To incorporate the machine-readable information 3, a material 4 can also be used that has certain properties, such as reflective properties. In this case, by illuminating the material 4, the individual pattern can be recognized and the information 3 read out. The material 4 can be illuminated, for example, using thermal radiation (IR radiation) or electromagnetic radiation (EM waves). A thermal camera or a scanner, in particular a 3D scanner or CT scanner, can be used as a reading device.

[0058] The machine-readable information 3 can contain at least part of the data assigned to the element 1 and / or be linked to the data via an identifier. In this case, the data can be stored outside of the element 1, for example, in an internal and / or external database 10, 11. The element 1 can also be identified via the identifier.

[0059] Identification of an element 1 according to the invention can also generally be generated by detecting specific contrast patterns from the visible spectrum. For example, the individual characteristics of a topology-optimized geometry can be helpful in this regard. Furthermore, density variations on uncovered surfaces of the element 1 are conceivable. In principle, any type of geometric and / or structural change can be used to identify the element 1.

[0060] A corresponding identifier can be incorporated into element 1 during its production, whereby element 1 is manufactured using a generative manufacturing process. The data required for this can also be incorporated into element 1, for example, as a command and / or documentation data set, or linked to an identifier incorporated into element 1. If element 1 needs to be replaced at a later date, the data can be used to produce a replacement element.

[0061] In today's facade designs, specific mechanical-physical parameters are often derived for each individual facade node using parametric topology optimization, such as dimensions and physical properties such as compressive and tensile strength and / or flexural rigidity. These parameters can be incorporated as data into the facade node, making them locally available. Alternatively, a link to this data can be established via at least one identifier, allowing it to be stored outside of Element 1. The identifier enables access to this data at any time.

[0062] The data assigned to the facade node can also contain a digital model of the facade structure, which indicates the target position of the facade node. After completion of the facade structure, it can be scanned with a suitable electronic device 15 and compared with the digital model. If the comparison reveals a deviation, this can be displayed on the device 15, for example, by highlighting the at least one facade node that was installed in an incorrect position.

[0063] The block diagram in Figure 4 shows the possible links between an identifier incorporated into an element 1 according to the invention and various data sources or databases 10, 11. The identifier is incorporated as machine-readable information 3 into a statically effective element 1 of a supporting structure 7. The supporting structure 7 is part of a construction project 8 that can be assigned to a specific construction sector 9. Via the identifier, the element 1 is linked to a first database 10 on a server 12, which is an internal database 10. This database 10 is assigned to this one construction project 8. The database 10 can contain, in particular, manufacturing data Di provided by an element manufacturer 14 and / or data D2, D3, D4 provided by an engineering office 13 involved in the construction project 8. The data D2 can be, for example, assembly data.They provide the on-site contractor responsible for erecting the supporting structure 7 with the information required for this purpose, for example with regard to the specific installation location and / or the alignment of element 1 within the supporting structure 7. The further data can be control data D3 and / or monitoring data D4. With the help of the control data, the correct position / alignment of element 1 can be checked after installation. With the help of the monitoring data, it can be monitored throughout the entire life cycle 16 of element 1 to determine whether, for example, a specified load limit of element 1 is adhered to. At the end of the life cycle 16 of element 1, the dismantling and disposal of element 1 can be specified with the help of further data, in particular disposal data D5.If element 1 needs to be replaced at the end of its life cycle 16, a replacement element can be manufactured using the manufacturing data Di, which is identical to element 1 due to the use of the same data Di. The manufacturing data Di can therefore also be restoration data. As Figure 4 further shows, required data from the internal database 10 can be transferred to external databases 11 (often required by law). Conversely, data from external databases 11 can also be imported into the internal database 10 and stored and used for further processing.

[0064] Figure 5 shows a further diagram illustrating, by way of example, the process of checking an element 1 according to the invention installed in a supporting structure 7. This process requires a device 15 with the aid of which the information 3 incorporated into the element 1 can first be read out mechanically. This can in particular be a mobile device 15, for example a handheld device or VR glasses. The machine-readable information 3 incorporated into the element 1 is linked to data assigned to the element 1, which data relate to the individual design and / or functionality of the element 1. Access to this data is obtained via the device 15. In the example shown, the data is stored in an internal database 10 on a server 12. Via a further data source, the server 12 has access to control data D3, which can be compared with the data in the internal database 10.If the data match, the inspection result is positive and no action is required. If the data do not match, this indicates an error. This can be indicated visually and / or acoustically by a corresponding warning signal on device 15.

[0065] As already mentioned, the invention is not limited to supporting structures in the construction sector, but also includes other supporting structures, for example supporting structures of vehicles and / or aircraft as well as supporting structures of ships.

[0066] List of reference symbols

[0067] 1 item

[0068] 2 elements

[0069] 3 Machine-readable information

[0070] 4 Materials

[0071] 5 Materials

[0072] 6 Connection geometry

[0073] 7 Supporting structure

[0074] 8 Construction project

[0075] 9 Construction industry

[0076] 10 Internal database

[0077] 11 External database

[0078] 12 servers

[0079] 13 Engineering office

[0080] 14 element manufacturers

[0081] 15 devices

[0082] 16 Life cycle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for producing, controlling and / or monitoring at least one element (1) for a supporting structure (7) which is composed of a plurality of elements (1, 2) which differ in terms of their design and / or functionality, wherein the at least one element (1) is produced in a generative manufacturing process, in particular in a 3D printing process, characterized in that the at least one element (1) is assigned data relating to its individual design and / or functionality, and at least some of the data and / or at least one identifier linked to the data for identifying the element (1) within the supporting structure (7) is / are introduced into the element (1) as machine-readable information (3).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one element (1) which is manufactured, controlled and / or monitored according to the method is a statically effective element (1), for example a facade node.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data assigned to the at least one element (1) comprise data relevant to the manufacture of the element (1), in particular design, material and / or manufacturing data, data relevant to the assembly of the element (1), in particular position and / or connection data within the supporting structure (7), data relevant to the control and / or monitoring of the element (1), in particular physical parameters and / or load limits, and / or data relevant to the disposal of the element (1), in particular data on environmental compatibility.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the data assigned to the at least one element (1) is stored as a digital command and / or documentation data record, which is introduced into the element (1) as machine-readable information (3) and / or is linked to the at least one identifier introduced into the element (1) as machine-readable information (3).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the data assigned to the element (1) and / or the at least one identifier is / are linked to an internal and / or external database (10, 11), for example a Building Information Modeling database.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the data assigned to the element (1) and / or the at least one identifier is / are introduced into the at least one element (1) in coded form.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the data assigned to the element (1) and / or the at least one identifier is introduced into the at least one element (1) in the form of a material change and / or a material addition, a three-dimensional structure, for example an embossing or relief mark, a geometric design, a manipulation of the structural properties of the material, an electronic identifier and / or a storage medium containing the data or the identifier in digital form.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data introduced into the element (1) and / or the at least one identifier introduced into the element (1) are read out with the aid of a mobile electronic device (15), for example with the aid of a camera, in particular a thermal camera, a scanner, in particular a 3D scanner or a CT scanner, and / or an active transmitter / receiver system, preferably in the radio frequency range, wherein preferably a mobile electronic device (15) in the form of a handheld device or VR glasses is used.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the control and / or monitoring of the at least one element (1) via the data introduced into the element (1) and / or the at least one - TI - a target state is retrieved from the identifier introduced into the element (1) and compared with an actual state, which is preferably detected optically and / or sensorily.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the at least one element (1) is replaced, at least part of the data assigned to the element (1) is read out or retrieved directly and / or indirectly via the at least one identifier introduced into the element (1) and is or are used to produce a replacement element, wherein the replacement element is preferably produced in a generative manufacturing process, in particular in a 3D printing process. 11 . Element (1), in particular a statically effective element (1), for a supporting structure (7) which has been produced in a generative manufacturing process, in particular in a 3D printing process, characterized in that the element (1) is assigned data relating to its individual design and / or functionality, and at least part of this data and / or at least one identifier linked to the data for identifying the element (1) within the supporting structure is or are incorporated into the element (1) as machine-readable information (3).

12. Element (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the data assigned to the element (1) include data relevant to the manufacture of the element (1), in particular design, material and / or manufacturing data, data relevant to the assembly of the element (1), in particular position and / or connection data within the supporting structure, data relevant to the control and / or monitoring of the element (1), in particular physical parameters and / or load limits, and / or data relevant to the disposal of the element (1), in particular data on environmental compatibility, and / or data relevant to the new manufacture of the element.

13. Element (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that at least part of the data assigned to the element (1) and / or the at least one identifier is / are incorporated in coded form into the at least one element (1).

14. Element (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that at least part of the data assigned to the element (1) and / or the at least one identifier is / are incorporated into the at least one element (1) in the form of a material change and / or a material addition, a three-dimensional structure, for example an embossing or relief mark, a geometric design, a manipulation of the structural properties of the material, an electronic identifier and / or a storage medium containing the data or the identifier in digital form.

15. Supporting structure composed of several elements (1, 2) differing in terms of their design and / or functionality and comprising at least one element (1) according to one of claims 11 to 14.

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