Construction Management Device for Finishing Phase Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

The finishing phase of building construction often faces inefficiencies due to poor organization among stakeholders, leading to potential delays and malfunctions in the completed building, as existing management systems lack effective communication and coordination of tasks among various participants.

Innovation Solution

A management device and method that define participant roles, schedule tasks, calculate and communicate the degree of task execution, and display progress, utilizing information from participants and installed devices to ensure timely and coordinated execution of finishing work phases, such as electrical installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional management systems are used for the second phase of construction, then the system is simple to implement, but the coordination and communication among stakeholders is insufficient, leading to poor execution and potential malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexecution qualityVSAvoidmanagement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the construction management into distinct participant roles (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc.) with specific task assignments. Each participant has a dedicated interface and task list, allowing independent tracking and management of their specific responsibilities while contributing to the overall project coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where participants report task completion status, and the system automatically updates the global schedule and notifies affected stakeholders. This real-time feedback loop ensures that delays or issues are immediately communicated and can be addressed, improving execution reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If manual coordination methods are used among stakeholders, then the communication process is simple, but the information exchange is delayed and inaccurate, causing time loss and poor task execution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination timeVSAvoidinformation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal digital platform that serves multiple functions: task assignment, schedule management, progress tracking, communication, and notification. This single system handles all coordination needs of different stakeholder groups (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc.), eliminating the need for multiple separate communication channels and reducing both time loss and information inaccuracies.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual, mechanical coordination methods (phone calls, physical meetings, paper-based tracking) with an automated digital platform. The computer automatically calculates schedules, tracks progress, sends notifications, and updates stakeholders, eliminating human errors and delays associated with manual coordination.

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

3Measurement precision

If detailed task monitoring is implemented for all participants, then the execution quality improves, but the complexity of tracking and communicating among multiple stakeholders increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask progress monitoringVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges individual task monitoring into a unified global schedule view. While each participant has detailed information about their specific tasks, the system automatically aggregates this data into an overall project timeline that shows the interdependencies between different stakeholder groups. This consolidation provides precise monitoring without requiring each stakeholder to manage complex individual tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4339860A1Method for operating a device for managing a second work phase for building realisation
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP4339860A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4339860A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4339860A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Method for operating a management device (81) for a finishing phase of the construction of a building (1), the method comprising: - a step (S1) of defining at least one first contractor and one second contractor, each of whom must perform at least one task of the finishing phase, - a step (S2) of defining a schedule for the execution of the tasks of the finishing phase, the step of defining the schedule for the execution of the tasks of the finishing phase including a definition of a task for the installation of at least one electrical device to be installed, - a step (S3) of calculating a degree of execution of at least one task of the finishing phase to be performed by the first contractor, the step of calculating the degree of execution of at least one task of the finishing phase being automatically based on an installation status of at least one electrical device,and - a step (S4) of communicating the degree of execution of at least one task of the finishing phase to at least the second stakeholder.