Construction Robot Tolerance Compensation via Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile construction robotics systems fail to ensure compliance with permissible dimensional tolerances during automated laying or assembly of workpieces, as they do not regularly measure and adjust for actual dimensional deviations, leading to potential deviations from specified dimensions in construction plans.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a mobile construction robot with sensory detection of dimensional deviations, integrated processing, and adjustment of workpieces, where actual dimensions are determined using sensors and compared to nominal dimensions, allowing for real-time processing to ensure compliance with tolerances, involving a digital construction plan and control unit for decision-making on workpiece adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated laying systems simply line up objects without tolerance checking, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated laying speedVSAvoiddimensional tolerance compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of actual workpiece dimensions before laying, and pre-calculates the tolerance chain impact. By measuring workpiece dimensions in advance and computing cumulative tolerance effects before execution, the system can proactively adjust positioning strategies to ensure final dimensional compliance without slowing down the automated laying process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where actual workpiece dimensions are measured, compared against nominal dimensions, and the deviation information is fed back to adjust subsequent laying operations. The electronic evaluation and control unit uses this feedback to dynamically modify positioning and selection of workpieces to maintain tolerance compliance throughout the construction process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If absolute position measuring systems are used for rough positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning process is segmented into two distinct stages: rough positioning using absolute position measuring systems for simplicity and speed, followed by fine positioning using relative measuring methods for precision. This segmentation allows each method to operate in its optimal performance range without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary rough positioning using absolute coordinates to establish approximate workpiece locations quickly, then performs subsequent fine adjustments based on actual measurements. This preliminary action enables the system to benefit from both coarse and fine positioning methods in sequence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If workpieces are not adjusted based on dimensional deviations, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction speedVSAvoiddimensional tolerance compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically measuring workpiece dimensions, evaluating tolerance compliance, and adjusting subsequent workpiece selection and positioning without human intervention. The electronic evaluation and control unit autonomously manages the entire tolerance compensation process, maintaining both productivity and precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes positioning parameters and workpiece selection based on measured dimensional deviations. By adjusting positioning coordinates, selection criteria, and layout parameters in real-time according to actual workpiece dimensions, the system maintains tolerance compliance without requiring physical workpiece modification, thus preserving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4185754B1Method for carrying out a construction process when erecting a building using at least one construction robot
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DRESDEN

AI summary

The method involves an electronic evaluation and control unit being used to store a digital blueprint or a digital construction object model containing nominal dimensions and dimensional tolerances of the respective construction object, and, therein, at least those external dimensions of workpieces that are relevant to the respective construction object. At least one sensor is used to determine the current actual dimensions of the respective construction project and to supply them to the electronic evaluation and control unit. A construction robot is used to search for a workpiece that is to be used subsequently. After this workpiece has been found, the external dimensions of the workpiece that are relevant to the construction process are determined and are used to calculate dimensional deviations, and these are used to decide whether the respective workpiece is laid and/or installed at a position corresponding to the construction project model or is prepared to begin with such that its external dimensions after being laid and/or placed at the respective position are within dimensional tolerances.