Projector-Based Component Positioning in Shipbuilding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for positioning secondary pieces on structural elements in shipbuilding are time-consuming and prone to errors due to reliance on paper blueprints and local reference systems, especially under challenging site conditions, and often result in improper orientation of profiled ties relative to the wall.
Innovation Solution
A system using a projector, infrared camera, and 3D marker to project a virtual image on the wall and piece, providing geometrical data for accurate positioning, including the outline of the piece's base and a line segment for orientation relative to the wall normal, ensuring precise spatial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper blueprints and local reference systems are used for positioning, then the method is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the positioning time increases substantially and errors occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a projector to create a visual copy of the blueprint information directly on the structural element surface. The projection system reproduces the positioning data (lines, dimensions, reference marks) as an optical copy that operators can view directly on the work surface, eliminating the need to repeatedly reference physical blueprints and reducing both time and errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of measuring and marking with an optical projection system. Instead of physically measuring distances and transferring dimensions using tools, the system uses projected light patterns to display all positioning information visually, substituting mechanical measurement operations with optical visualization.
2Reliability
If manual measurement and blueprint reading are performed under building site conditions, then no additional equipment is needed, but reading errors and measurement errors increase due to congestion and shadowy light
Solution Approach 1:
The projector creates a visual copy of the blueprint data directly on the structural element, allowing operators to read positioning information directly from the projected image rather than from paper blueprints. This eliminates reading errors caused by poor lighting and congestion, as the projection provides self-illuminated, clear visual cues directly at the work location.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system uses visual contrast and color differentiation to enhance the visibility of positioning information. By projecting distinct visual patterns (lines, markers, dimensions) with appropriate contrast against the structural element surface, the system makes the positioning data easily distinguishable even in challenging lighting conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If only the base outline is projected on the wall, then the positioning of the base is accurate, but the orientation of the longitudinal axis relative to the wall normal cannot be properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the projection from a two-dimensional base outline on the wall surface into the third dimension by projecting additional graphical elements (such as extended lines, orientation markers, or directional indicators) that represent the longitudinal axis orientation. This dimensional extension of the visual information allows operators to control both position and orientation using the projection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system divides the positioning information into separate visual components: the base outline projection for position control, and additional orientation indicators (such as extended lines or angular markers) for orientation control. This segmentation of visual information allows operators to independently verify both positional and orientational accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for helping to position a component on the wall of a structural element, including the steps:elaborating an image to be projected on the wall, from a virtual model of the structure and from the positioning of a projector with respect to the structure, and an additional motif providing positioning information of the piece with respect to the direction normal to the wall,projecting the image on the structural element by means of the projector;placing the base of the piece inside an outline of the image projected on the wall; and,while keeping contact between the piece and the structural element, modifying the positioning of the piece with respect to the direction normal to the wall, until the predefined set of points of the piece coincides with the motif.