Robotic Framing Control for Variable Lumber and Diverse Designs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated framing construction techniques face challenges with the high uncertainty in the size and shape of builder-grade lumber due to its natural variability, and they struggle with design diversity, requiring high-quality wood and limiting architectural components to maintain efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A robotic automated framing system that analyzes architectural plans, schedules robots to perform tasks, and uses computer-controlled robots equipped with various tools to construct building structures efficiently, handling deviations in building material characteristics and accommodating diverse design requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high-quality wood is used to reduce uncertainty in size and shape, then manufacturing precision improves, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprecisionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts robot gripper parameters (force, position, orientation) based on real-time sensor feedback about lumber characteristics. This allows the robot to adapt to variations in builder-grade lumber without requiring high-quality uniform wood, thereby maintaining precision while using lower-cost materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Sensor systems continuously measure lumber dimensions and properties during handling and construction. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to robot operations, compensating for material variability and achieving precise construction with standard builder-grade lumber rather than expensive high-quality wood

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manufacturing lines are targeted at replicable units, then productivity improves, but adaptability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveefficiencyVSAvoiddesign diversity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system uses dynamic motion planning and real-time path adjustment to adapt to different architectural designs. Rather than being constrained to fixed repetitive patterns, the robot can dynamically modify its operations to accommodate diverse structural requirements while maintaining automated efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple types of building materials (lumber, metal, concrete blocks) and perform various construction tasks. This multi-functionality allows a single automated system to efficiently produce diverse architectural designs rather than requiring specialized lines for each building type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional manual construction techniques are used, then adaptability to diverse designs is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidconstruction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system autonomously performs tasks that traditionally required human judgment and adaptation, such as sensing material properties, planning construction sequences, and adjusting operations in real-time. This self-service capability enables automated systems to handle diverse designs with the same flexibility as manual construction while achieving much higher productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Extent of automation

If robot arms are used to handle lumber, then automation increases, but reliability decreases due to lumber variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidhandling accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Sensor systems continuously measure lumber dimensions, position, and properties during robot handling operations. This real-time feedback enables the control system to detect and compensate for material variations, maintaining reliable and accurate handling despite the natural variability of builder-grade lumber

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The robot system dynamically adjusts operational parameters (gripper force, motion speed, positioning accuracy) based on sensed lumber characteristics. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures reliable handling across the full range of lumber variations found in standard builder-grade materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12233559B2Systems and methods for automated framing construction

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 BOTBUILT INC

AI summary

Techniques of automated framing for use in the construction of building structures are described. Examples of such structures includes walls, wall panels, roofs, and the like. In one scenario, a robotic automated framing system assists with construction of a building structure. The robotic automated framing system can analyze an architectural plan and determine a project, based at least in part, on the architectural plan. The robotic automated framing system can also schedule a robot to perform the project, and cause the robot to perform at least some of the project.