Digital Construction Panel Manufacturing with Robotic Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing self-supporting construction panels with high R-values lack industrial scalability, accuracy, and flexibility in design customization, particularly in applying protective coatings and decorative elements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving digital construction data files to control manufacturing processes, using foamed material with thin rigid reinforcement layers and robotic applications for precise placement of coverings, recesses, and protective coatings like polyurea, polyester, or epoxy, facilitated by delta robots and spraying devices, ensuring high R-value panels with customizable designs and enhanced protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional manual methods are used for applying protective coatings and decorative elements, then flexibility in design customization is maintained, but manufacturing precision and industrial scalability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision in applying protective coatings and decorative elementsVSAvoidcomplexity of manufacturing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital construction data files as copies of the desired panel design to control the manufacturing process. The digital file contains all necessary information about protective coatings, decorative elements, and panel geometry, allowing precise reproduction without complex physical templates or manual measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical application methods with automated robotic systems controlled by digital data. The robotic application devices use digital positioning and control algorithms to precisely apply protective coatings and decorative elements, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning systems.

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

2Productivity

If digital construction data files are used to control manufacturing, then industrial scalability and manufacturing precision are improved, but the complexity of data processing and system control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindustrial scalability of panel manufacturingVSAvoidcomplexity of digital data processing and control systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The digital construction data file serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the panel geometry, specifies protective coating locations, indicates decorative element positions, and provides manufacturing parameters. This multi-functional digital approach eliminates the need for separate control systems for each manufacturing operation, improving scalability despite data complexity.

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

3Temperature

If thin rigid reinforcement cover layers are applied directly to foamed material, then the R-value is maintained, but the protection against mechanical damage and environmental influences is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performance (R-value)VSAvoidprotection against mechanical damage and environmental influences
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure combining foamed insulating material with thin rigid reinforcement cover layers and protective coatings. This composite construction maintains the thermal insulation properties of the foamed material while adding mechanical strength and environmental protection through the reinforcement layers and protective coatings applied thereupon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If covering elements are applied manually, then design customization is flexible, but manufacturing time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in design customizationVSAvoidmanufacturing speed and efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the manufacturing process through digitally controllable robotic systems that can adapt to different panel designs in real-time. The system reads digital construction data files and automatically adjusts its positioning and application parameters, enabling flexible customization without sacrificing manufacturing speed or requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the industrial-scale, accurate, and flexible manufacturing of lightweight construction panels with high R-values, featuring customizable designs and robust protective coatings, ensuring resistance to environmental influences and mechanical damage.

Implementation Method 1

robotic spraying devices for polyurea, polyester or epoxy in sprayable state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray deposition: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

base layer of foamed material of, for example, EPS

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3877599B1Method for manufacturing a construction panel
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 RC PANELS HLDG BV

AI summary

Method for manufacturing on industrial scale of complete, highly reliable, flexible and accurate construction panels that are lightweight and have a very high R-value, wherein the processing is performed, under the control of a digital construction data file, by means of digitally controlled processing devices, such as milling and/or cutting devices. Portions of the construction panel from which the covering layer has been removed by the processing devices (such as the sides of recesses for door and window frames etcetera and optionally milled gutter slots) and portions of the construction panel of which the cover layer requires extra protection, such as portions below ground level, under control of the digital construction data file, are provided with a rigid and highly reliable protective layer of polyurea, polyester or epoxy by means of digitally controlled spraying devices. One or more delta robots can be used for mounting cladding elements such as a brick strip, which robots can be moved by means of the X-Y displacement system above the construction panel controllable from the digital construction data file.