Moab Assemblies for Automated Fabrication Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current modeling software for build projects, such as CAD and BIM, lack efficient mechanisms for streamlining component fabrication, leading to knowledge loss when employees leave and inconsistencies in fabrication methods.

Innovation Solution

The development of Moab assemblies, which are data files that logically link materials and tasks for components in a build project, allowing for the creation of project tasks and automating procurement and fabrication processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If employees manually manage component fabrication processes, then flexibility in fabrication methods is maintained, but knowledge is lost when employees leave and inconsistencies arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication consistencyVSAvoidfabrication knowledge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates digital copies of fabrication processes through standardized data files that document all fabrication steps, materials, and procedures. These digital records replace employee memory and manual knowledge, ensuring consistent fabrication processes continue without knowledge loss when employees leave.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by providing automated task generation and material procurement where the fabrication process manages itself through standardized protocols. The system automatically identifies required materials, generates tasks, and coordinates fabrication without requiring continuous human intervention or expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple employees use different fabrication methods, then adaptability to various processes is maintained, but confusion and inconsistencies are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication method flexibilityVSAvoidfabrication consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fabrication process into discrete, standardized tasks and steps defined in data files. Each fabrication operation is broken down into specific, repeatable actions with clear parameters, allowing different employees to execute the same process consistently without confusion about the overall methodology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains adaptability by allowing parameter changes in material specifications and fabrication parameters while maintaining consistent process structure. The standardized framework can accommodate different materials and methods through configurable parameters rather than rigid fixed procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If detailed fabrication processes are documented manually, then complete information is captured, but the system becomes complex and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication information completenessVSAvoidprocess management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses universal data file formats that can represent various fabrication processes, materials, and tasks within a single standardized structure. This multi-functional data format captures complete fabrication information while maintaining simple, consistent organization that reduces management complexity across different process types.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized data files serve as intermediaries between the complex fabrication processes and the project management system. These data files encapsulate detailed process information while presenting a simplified interface for system integration, reducing the complexity of managing and processing fabrication data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If fabrication tasks are manually coordinated, then flexibility in scheduling is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to manual coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication efficiencyVSAvoidcoordination time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining fabrication processes, material requirements, and task sequences in standardized data files before actual fabrication occurs. This advance preparation eliminates the need for manual coordination during execution, as the process sequence and requirements are already established, significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that automatically track fabrication progress, material availability, and task completion status. This real-time feedback enables automated adjustments to schedules and resource allocation, improving productivity by eliminating manual coordination and allowing the system to self-optimize the fabrication timeline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250053900A1Materials and process integration for build projects with moab assemblies
Publication Date: 2025.02.13 EVOLVE MEP LLC
  • US20250053900A1 patent drawing
  • US20250053900A1 patent drawing
  • US20250053900A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are described for creating moab assemblies and applying moab assemblies to build project data. Moab assemblies can logically link materials and tasks for components used in a build project. When a model of a build project is created, an application service can retrieve the moab assemblies of components included in the build project. Using the moab assemblies, the application service can determine what materials are needed at what location and when, and also determine what tasks must be performed and when. The application service can display the tasks for the build project, and the materials needed for the tasks, in a user-friendly format. In one example, the application service can display tasks and materials by work phase of the build project.