Concrete Part Cutting Guided by Mark Detection and Shrinkage Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for processing concrete parts, such as cutting, suffer from cumulative errors due to inaccuracies in laser measurements, data reconciliation issues, and shrinkage, leading to deviations in marking and cutting accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a marking detection device to confirm the position of processing devices based on both design data and marking data, allowing for self-control and precise positioning, with the option to transmit data wirelessly or via a data memory, ensuring accurate processing without manual guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If laser measurement devices and digital data are used to process concrete parts, then processing automation and efficiency are improved, but cumulative errors occur due to inaccuracies in laser, data, shrinkage, and personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using marking detection devices to detect actual marking positions on concrete parts and compare them with planned positions from digital data. The system automatically identifies deviations caused by shrinkage and other factors, and adjusts processing parameters accordingly to compensate for cumulative errors, thereby maintaining high precision while preserving automation benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses physical markings applied to concrete parts as copies of the digital processing plan. These markings serve as a tangible reference that accounts for shrinkage and other variations, allowing the processing device to follow the actual part geometry rather than relying solely on idealized digital models, thus resolving the accuracy-automation contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If markings are applied shortly after casting to mark processing locations, then processing guidance is provided, but markings become inaccurate due to shrinkage as concrete dries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing guidanceVSAvoidmarking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by applying markings early in the process when concrete is still fresh and dimensions are stable. The system then detects and compensates for subsequent shrinkage deviations, rather than trying to prevent shrinkage itself. This allows the markings to serve their guidance function while the compensation mechanism maintains accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter being measured from the marking position itself to the deviation between actual and planned marking positions. By detecting and measuring the shrinkage-induced deviations, the system can compensate for these parameter changes and maintain processing accuracy despite the markings becoming slightly inaccurate over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If digital data is used to control processing devices, then automation is improved, but data reconciliation between laser measurement, markings, and processing device is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing automationVSAvoiddata reconciliation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces marking detection devices as intermediaries between the physical markings and the digital control system. These devices automatically capture marking positions and translate them into digital data that can be directly compared with the processing plan, eliminating the need for manual data reconciliation between multiple sources and simplifying the automation architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3938161B1Method for machining, in particular severing, at least one concrete part
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 PROGRESS HLDG
  • EP3938161B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3938161B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7c
  • EP3938161B1 patent drawingFigure 8a~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (30) for machining, in particular severing, at least one concrete part (1), in particular at least one extruded profiled element for producing a precast concrete product (28), such as a hollow-core slab. The method comprises the following method steps: at least one concrete part (1), which is preferably produced by means of an extruder or slipform production machine, is provided; at least one marking (4) is applied to the at least one concrete part (1), preferably by means of an automatic marking device (5) and/or manually; at least one machining device (6), preferably a cutting device, for machining the at least one concrete part (1) is arranged relative to the at least one concrete part (1); the at least one marking (4) is detected by means of at least one marking detection device (11) and the marking data (20) thus generated are transmitted to the at least one machining device (6); the at least one concrete part (1) is machined using the generated marking data (20) by means of the at least one machining device (6).