Steel Column Shape Acquisition Using Multi-Point Inclination Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring the accuracy of steel column erection, such as those using three-dimensional surveying machines, face challenges due to obstacles at construction sites and cannot accurately measure displacement or shape of steel columns.

Innovation Solution

A shape acquiring method using multiple sensors attached to steel columns to measure inclination angles, allowing for the calculation of shape information and positional deviations, enabling precise adjustment of column heads during steel frame erection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If three-dimensional surveying machines are used to measure steel column accuracy, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement cannot be performed when obstacles exist at construction sites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidobstacles blocking light path

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical measurement systems (three-dimensional surveying machines that use light) with inertial measurement systems (accelerometers and gyroscopes that measure inclination angles through mechanical sensing). This substitution eliminates the dependency on light paths, allowing measurements to be taken through obstacles and in environments where optical systems fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation layer that processes inclination angle data from multiple sensors to derive shape information. The inclination angles measured at multiple points along the column serve as intermediaries to calculate the overall shape and position, enabling indirect measurement of column geometry without direct optical observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If tilt measuring devices are used to measure column tilt, then measurement can be performed without light, but accurate measurement of column head displacement and column shape is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle independenceVSAvoidcolumn shape and displacement measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the column into multiple measurement segments by placing sensors at multiple distinct points along the column length. Each sensor measures local inclination angles, and these segmented measurements are combined through calculation to determine the overall column shape and head displacement. This segmentation enables precise shape reconstruction from multiple local observations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from measuring only tilt (one-dimensional inclination) to measuring shape information that includes positional displacement and spatial orientation (multi-dimensional geometry). By calculating shape information from multiple inclination angle measurements at different points, the system derives three-dimensional geometric characteristics including column head position and overall column shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If manual inspection methods are used to check steel column assembly accuracy, then flexibility is maintained, but construction efficiency and measurement precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in inspectionVSAvoidconstruction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service measurement where the column structure itself serves as the measurement platform. Sensors are attached directly to the column to be measured, and the column's own geometry is used to calculate its shape and position. This eliminates the need for external measurement equipment and manual inspection procedures, enabling automated, efficient measurement while maintaining flexibility in application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables accurate measurement and adjustment of steel column positions without light-based systems, overcoming site obstacles and improving construction efficiency by automating the alignment and verticality of steel frames.

Implementation Method 1

acquiring information on inclination angles of a target object at a plurality of points using a plurality of sensors attached to the target object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInclination angle measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS20240288268A1Shape acquiring method, target object management method, steel frame erection method, and shape acquiring system

Publication Date: 2024.08.29 NIKON CORP

AI summary

A shape acquiring method that makes it possible to easily obtain information on the shape of a target object without using light includes acquiring information on inclination angles of a target object at a plurality of points using a plurality of inclination sensors attached to the target object (steps S2 and S4) and obtaining shape information of the target object through calculation using the acquired information on the inclination angles at the plurality of points (step S5).