RFID Container Routing in Construction Elevators for Floor Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting construction materials and equipment in high-rise buildings are inefficient, unsystematic, and cause delays and traffic issues, failing to ensure timely and reliable delivery to designated floors.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing standardized transport containers with RFID tags, managed by a control system, that automates the delivery process through an elevator system with detectors and sub-control systems to optimize the flow of goods to their destination floors, minimizing traffic and ensuring timely delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diverse different means and methods for transportation are used in a relatively unsystematic manner, then various goods can be transported to different floors, but the transportation process becomes inefficient and causes delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the transportation process into standardized modules: uniform transport containers with RFID tags, dedicated elevator shafts, and automated control subsystems. Each component is standardized and can be independently optimized, yet they work together as an integrated system, resolving the contradiction between versatility and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator system is designed to serve multiple functions: transporting construction materials during construction phases and later serving as a passenger elevator for the completed building. The standardized container system can accommodate various types of goods while following uniform protocols, achieving both versatility and efficiency.
2Speed
If goods are transported using temporary hoist arrangements and construction time elevators, then delivery to upper floors is enabled, but traffic congestion and scheduling difficulties occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates RFID detectors that automatically track container locations and a central control system that monitors elevator status, container destinations, and scheduling information. This feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of transport routes and timing, preventing congestion and delays while maintaining high vertical transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Containers are equipped with RFID tags that pre-identify their destination floors and contents. The control system receives and processes this information in advance, allowing elevators to be scheduled and dispatched proactively rather than reactively, thereby eliminating waiting times and delivery delays.
3Ease of operation
If manual scheduling and coordination of transportation is performed, then flexibility in handling different goods is maintained, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated self-service mechanisms where RFID detectors automatically identify containers, the control system autonomously schedules elevator dispatch based on destination and priority, and the system self-coordinates to prevent conflicts. This automation maintains operational flexibility while eliminating the complexity and errors associated with manual scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coordination processes with an electronic control system that uses RFID technology for automatic identification and tracking. This substitution transforms the complex manual scheduling task into an automated electronic decision-making process, reducing operational complexity while maintaining or enhancing flexibility.
4Extent of automation
If standardized transport containers with RFID tags are used, then automated tracking and delivery optimization is enabled, but initial setup and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized containers serve dual purposes: they are used during construction for material transport and later can be adapted for use in the completed building's logistics or storage systems. The RFID tags and detection infrastructure support both construction-phase automated tracking and post-construction operations, amortizing the initial investment over multiple operational phases and reducing overall implementation cost.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enhances the efficiency and organization of goods delivery, allowing for real-time monitoring and smooth transition to final building transportation needs, reducing delays and traffic congestion during construction.
Implementation Method 1
an identification provided on the container body for identifying the container and/or its destination in the building under construction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transporting construction material and/or equipment inside a building under construction (1), wherein the building under construction (1) comprises plurality of vertically displaced floors (F0-Fn), the method comprising providing an elevator (GE) for transporting transport containers (9) in the building under construction (1), said elevator (GE) comprising at least a load receiving unit (7) vertically movable along one or more guide rail lines (16) in an elevator shaft (S) formed in the building under construction (1); and providing plurality of transport containers (9) each comprising a container body (9a), and an identification (10) provided on the container body for identifying the container and/or its destination in the building, most preferably the destination floor (F0-Fn) in the building under construction (1); providing one or more detectors (18a-18d) within the building under construction (1) for detecting identifications (10) of containers (9) when they are within the detection ranges of the one or more detectors (18a-18d); moving a first transport container (9) belonging to said plurality of transport containers (9) to a loading floor (F0); loading the first transport container (9) belonging to said plurality of containers (9) on the load receiving unit (7); determining by a control system (11) destination floor (F1-Fn) of the first container (9) comprising detecting the identification (10) of the first transport container (9) with a detector (18a-18d); automatically moving the load receiving unit (7) vertically in the elevator shaft (S) to the destination floor (F1-Fn) of the first container (9); and unloading the first transport container (9) from the load receiving unit (7) to the destination floor (F1-Fn) of said first container (9). The invention also relates to a method for constructing a building and an arrangement, which implement the aforementioned method.