Robotic Total Station Laser Layout for Construction Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of laying out mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in new or renovated buildings is tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone due to manual measurement and complex designs, requiring significant labor and being prone to measurement mistakes.
Innovation Solution
A method using a handheld device to input construction data, which is then wirelessly transmitted to a robotic total station to generate a laser beam for precise location marking on building surfaces, allowing for real-time position data and iterative adjustments to achieve accurate x and y coordinates on horizontal surfaces like ceilings or floors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement and marking methods are used to establish construction points, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the time and labor required increase significantly and measurement errors compound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated robotic total station system that uses laser beams and electronic sensors to automatically establish construction points. The robotic total station autonomously moves to predetermined locations and projects laser beams to mark construction points, eliminating manual measurement and marking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic total station operates autonomously without requiring continuous human intervention. The system automatically navigates to predetermined coordinates, calculates construction point locations, projects laser beams, and marks positions based on architectural plans stored in its memory, performing the entire layout process independently.
2Reliability
If manual measurement teams are deployed to lay out construction points, then equipment complexity remains low, but labor requirements and susceptibility to measurement errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement teams with an automated robotic total station system that uses laser beams, electronic sensors, and computer-controlled mechanisms to establish construction points with high precision and consistency, eliminating human measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic total station acts as an intermediary between the architectural plans and the physical construction site. It processes digital building information model (BIM) data, calculates three-dimensional coordinates, and translates them into precise physical markings on the construction site, ensuring accurate implementation of design requirements.
3Productivity
If traditional layout methods are used for complex building designs, then the process can accommodate design changes, but the time required to adapt and execute increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic total station system dynamically adapts to design changes by loading updated architectural plans or BIM models from a storage medium. The system automatically recalculates construction point coordinates based on new design requirements and continues operation without requiring reconfiguration or manual intervention, maintaining high productivity while accommodating design modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads architectural plans and calculates all construction point coordinates before beginning the layout process. This preliminary preparation allows the robotic total station to execute the layout operation efficiently and makes it easy to adapt to design changes by simply loading updated plans without disrupting the overall process.
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
This method significantly reduces the time and labor required for establishing construction points, enhances accuracy by minimizing measurement errors, and adapts to varying building surface conditions, facilitating faster and more precise layout processes.
Implementation Method 1
The robotic total station generates a beam of laser light, and directs the beam of laser light from the robotic total station to the construction point
Implementation Method 2
The target may include retro reflectors which reflect the beam back to the total station
Implementation Method 3
By measuring the time of flight of the beam, the distance between the total station and the target is determined
Data Source
AI summary
The location of one of a series of construction points at an indoor construction site is established using a robotic total station and a handheld device. Construction data is inputted into the handheld device with the construction data defining a plurality of construction points at the construction site. One of the plurality of construction points is selected with the handheld device. Data regarding the selected construction point is then transmitted wirelessly from the handheld device to a robotic total station. The robotic total station generates a beam of laser light, and directs the beam of laser light from the robotic total station to the construction point. The construction point is defined by x and y coordinates, and by an assumed z coordinate. The actual z coordinate is that of a point on a horizontal surface, such as a ceiling or floor, having the same x and y coordinates. Through an iterative process, the location of the construction point is established.