Formwork Panel Light Hub Optical Signal Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formwork systems in building constructions lack the ability to efficiently exchange data between formwork panels, leading to challenges in monitoring panel positioning, usage time, and physical state of materials, and are susceptible to signal interference and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a light hub within each formwork panel, comprising a light source set, light receiver set, and microcontroller, to enable light-based signal exchange between adjacent panels, eliminating the need for radio-frequency-based transmission and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio-frequency-based signal transmission is used for data exchange between formwork panels, then communication capability is achieved, but signal interference and transmission errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio-frequency electromagnetic signal transmission with visible light-based optical communication. The light hub uses light emitters (LEDs) and light receivers (photodiodes) to transmit data through light pulses, substituting the RF mechanical/electromagnetic system with an optical system that is immune to RF interference and provides more reliable signal transmission in construction environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light hub as an intermediary device integrated into each formwork panel. This light hub contains light emitters and receivers that facilitate optical communication between adjacent panels, acting as a mediator that converts electrical data signals into light pulses and back, thereby enabling reliable data exchange without direct RF transmission between panels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radio modules and batteries are integrated in each formwork panel for wireless communication, then data exchange capability is provided, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive light emitters (standard LEDs) and light receivers (photodiodes) that can be easily manufactured and integrated into formwork panels. These optical components are significantly cheaper than radio modules and batteries, reducing production costs while providing sufficient data exchange capability for the temporary nature of formwork applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the battery component from the system by using passive optical communication. The light hub does not require active power transmission or wireless energy transfer, removing the need for batteries and associated power management circuits, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Loss of information
If formwork panels are equipped with electronics for data transmission, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into a dedicated light hub module that is integrated into each formwork panel. This modular approach isolates the electronic components (light emitters, receivers, and minimal processing circuitry) into a separate functional unit, making the overall system easier to manufacture, test, and replace without affecting the main formwork panel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light hub is designed as a universal module that can be integrated into any formwork panel regardless of its specific function or position. The same light hub design provides data transmission, panel identification, and communication capabilities across all panels, reducing the need for panel-specific electronic variations and simplifying the overall system complexity.
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 light-based signal exchange system enhances data exchange reliability, reduces susceptibility to interference, and lowers production costs by eliminating the need for radio modules and batteries, while providing accurate panel positioning and usage data.
Implementation Method 1
A hollow structure, which is used for forming light channels within the formwork panel, extending in at least two axes
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver set and a microcontroller, coupled to the light source set and the light receiver set for controlling operation of the same
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for light-based signal exchange between a plurality of formwork panels (P). The formwork panels (P) are equipped with a light hub (LH) which serve to transmit light pulses in a light channel inside the formwork panel (P) to the directly adjacent panels. Respective acknowledgment signals are received in order to discover the existence of the other light hubs (LH) being present in the constructional setting. All the signals are aggregated in one master light hub (mLH) which is in data exchange to a main unit (MU), which may serve as gateway to a secondary computer system (2C). The data transmission is executed according to a predefined protocol.