Automated Depth Imaging for Prefabricated Concrete Component Height Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for quality control of prefabricated concrete components are time-consuming and resource-intensive, particularly when measuring production pallets and components, which can lead to assembly challenges and reduced optical appearance due to manufacturing tolerances.

Innovation Solution

A computer-aided process involving a movable measuring device that scans prefabricated concrete components on a production pallet, creating depth images to determine production heights and geometry deviations, allowing for efficient and precise quality assurance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual measurement methods are used to measure production pallets and precast concrete components, then measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidtime for quality control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated optical measurement system using depth cameras and image processing. The measuring device captures depth images of the production pallet and components, and a computing unit automatically processes these images to determine production heights and geometric deviations, eliminating the need for manual measurement while significantly improving measurement speed and reducing time loss.

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

2Measurement precision

If automated depth imaging measurement is implemented, then measurement speed and precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction height measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasuring device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses depth cameras to create optical copies (depth images) of the production pallet and precast concrete components. Instead of complex mechanical contact measurement systems, the device captures optical information that is then processed computationally to extract precise geometric data, achieving high measurement precision while keeping the physical device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces depth images as an intermediary between the physical object and the measurement data. The depth camera captures optical information, creates depth images as an intermediate representation, and the computing unit processes these images to derive precise measurements. This intermediary approach simplifies the measurement device while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive quality control of production pallets and components is performed, then manufacturing precision and product quality are improved, but the measurement process becomes more complex and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent geometry precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measurement system that can measure both the production pallet itself and the precast concrete components placed on it using the same depth imaging device and processing methodology. This multi-functional approach allows comprehensive quality control of the entire production system without requiring separate specialized measurement devices for each component, thereby improving manufacturing precision while avoiding proportional increases in device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4530571A1Computer-supported method for measuring a production pallet for prefabricated concrete components and/or a component arranged on the production pallet
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 EBAWE ANLAGENTECHN
  • EP4530571A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4530571A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4530571A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Computer-aided method for measuring a production pallet (2) for precast concrete elements (1) for the construction industry and/or at least one component arranged on the production pallet, preferably at least one precast concrete element (1), preferably a wall element or ceiling element, wherein the following method steps are performed: - the production pallet (2) is moved relative to at least one measuring device (3), preferably via a gantry or a cantilever arm, for scanning the production pallet (2), - at least one depth image in an orthogonal direction (4) is created on the production pallet (2) by the at least one measuring device (3), - a production pallet height and/or a production height (5) of at least one component arranged on the production pallet (2) is determined by a computing unit (18) via the at least one depth image at at least two spatially spaced positions (6,7) of the product range (2) determined.