Sensory Surveillance for Formwork Assembly Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of modular formwork and scaffolding systems leads to frequent assembly errors, which are difficult to prevent, especially for temporary workers, resulting in inefficiencies and potential structural instability due to incorrect component usage and placement.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented procedure using sensory surveillance to record and evaluate physical measurement data from construction sites, enabling real-time correction of errors by distinguishing actions and providing feedback to workers through augmented reality, ensuring accurate assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of formwork and scaffolding systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rich modular system is used to provide diverse formwork and scaffolding components, then the versatility and adaptability of the system is improved, but the number of assembly errors increases due to the greater complexity and number of components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of modular systemVSAvoidassembly correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the actual assembly state and compare it with the planned assembly model. When deviations are detected (such as incorrect component placement or assembly sequence), the system provides immediate feedback to guide workers to correct the errors, thereby maintaining high reliability despite system versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary assembly guide system that acts as a mediator between the modular components and workers. This guide system includes sensors, processors, and display devices that translate complex assembly requirements into simple visual instructions, reducing the cognitive load on workers and minimizing assembly errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical blocking structures are added to components to prevent incorrect assembly, then the reliability of assembly is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of incorrect assemblyVSAvoidcomponent structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical blocking structures with an information-based guidance system. Instead of using complex mechanical interlocks or blocking features on components, the system uses sensors to detect component identification and provides digital guidance through displays, thereby reducing physical component complexity while maintaining assembly reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy or digital twin of the assembly plan that is compared against the actual physical assembly in real-time. This digital model serves as a reference guide, allowing workers to verify their assembly actions without requiring complex mechanical prevention features on the components themselves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If extensive training is provided to workers on how to use the modular system correctly, then the assembly correctness is improved, but the time required for worker preparation and the cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly correctnessVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service assembly guidance system where workers can obtain real-time assembly instructions and feedback directly at the worksite through display devices. The system automatically identifies components via sensors and provides context-specific guidance, allowing workers to self-correct without extensive prior training or supervision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares assembly guidance information in advance and makes it available to workers before they begin assembly tasks. The system pre-loads assembly sequences, component identification rules, and troubleshooting information, so workers can access relevant guidance immediately when needed without requiring extensive memorization or training

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If sensory surveillance systems are deployed to monitor and correct assembly errors in real-time, then the assembly correctness is improved, but the device complexity and initial cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidsurveillance system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensory surveillance system into modular, distributed sensor units that are placed at specific locations throughout the assembly area. Each sensor unit independently monitors its local zone and communicates with a central processing system, reducing the complexity of any single component while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the sensory surveillance system with multi-functional sensors and processing units that can perform multiple tasks: component identification, assembly sequence verification, deviation detection, and guidance provision. This universal approach reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized systems for each function

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

Data Source

PatentEP3828363B1Support of work on formwork and scaffoldings
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 PERI GMBH
  • EP3828363B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3828363B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3828363B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method (100) for supporting work on formwork (1a) and/or scaffolding (1b) comprising the steps of: • Obtaining (110) physical measurement data (2) that depend on an actual action (3) performed by a worker (4) as part of the work; • Determining (120) one or more actual actions (3) for which the physical measurement data (2) are plausible; • Determining (130) one or more target actions (5) that, starting from the current state of the work, further advance towards the completion of the work on the formwork (1a) or scaffolding (1b).the scaffold (lb); • Check (140) to what extent there are deviations (7) requiring correction between the actual actions (3) and the target actions (5) according to at least one specified criterion (6); and • Issue (150) information regarding the deviations (7), and/or regarding the one or more target actions (5), to the worker (4) in response to the fact that deviations (7) requiring correction exist.