BIM-Linked Crane Control and Simulation for Safer Site Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for integrating construction machines with building data models, such as BIM, do not provide significant advantages in the control and operation of cranes or excavators, lacking efficiency and safety in their handling.

Innovation Solution

A method that links a machine data model containing digital information about construction machines to a building data model, allowing for automatic selection of suitable machines based on structure characteristics and machine capabilities, with integrated modules for site determination, working area limitation, and logistics management, and enabling simulation and remote control through a connected simulator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If construction machines are integrated with BIM models using current methods, then digital information exchange is enabled, but significant advantages in control and operation efficiency are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction machine operation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring construction machine operations and comparing them against the BIM model data. The system provides real-time feedback on machine position, working parameters, and operational status, enabling automated adjustments and improving both efficiency and safety through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with digital information-based control. By substituting physical control mechanisms with digital data exchange and automated control algorithms based on BIM models, the system achieves improved operational efficiency and safety without significant mechanical complexity increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual control methods are used for construction machines, then operational flexibility is maintained, but safety and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal control system that can manage multiple types of construction machines through a common BIM-based platform. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including positioning, collision detection, operational monitoring, and automated control, reducing the need for machine-specific control systems while improving safety and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automated control systems are implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine operation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the BIM model as a digital copy or virtual representation of the construction site and machine operations. By working with this digital copy rather than directly controlling physical machines, the system simplifies the control architecture while maintaining high automation levels, as the BIM model serves as a virtual prototype for automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3437036B1Method and device for planning and/or controlling and/or simulating the operation of a construction machine
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 LIEBHERR WERK BIBERACH GMBH
  • EP3437036B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3437036B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for planning and/or controlling and/or simulating the operation of a construction machine, in particular in the form of a crane, using a structure data model which contains digital information on a structure to be erected and/or to be worked on. The invention also relates to the construction machine which can be linked to such a structure data model and/or can be controlled using such a structure data model. According to the invention, a construction machine data model which contains digital information on different construction machine models is linked to the structure data model or the BIM; characteristics of the available construction machines are already taken into consideration during the planning process; a simulator for training construction machine tasks is configured using the structure data model; and the controller of the construction machine is adapted to the structure data model with respect to specific control functions.