3D Model-Guided Steel Profile Fitting for Accurate Part Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current method of fitting steel profiles in construction is labor-intensive and prone to errors due to the need for manual interpretation of drawings and selection of parts, which requires significant knowledge and accuracy, and can lead to incorrect part selection and positioning.

Innovation Solution

A computer system that generates fitting information from 3D CAD-models, providing logistical lists of parts and profiles, specific welding parameters, and graphical guidance for precise positioning, reducing the need for manual interpretation and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual interpretation of drawings and part selection is performed by the fitter, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of part selection and positioningVSAvoidtime required for fitting process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a digital copy of the steel construction design from CAD data and uses this virtual model to generate all fitting information, part selections, and positioning instructions. This digital copy replaces manual interpretation of drawings while maintaining accuracy and reducing errors in part selection and positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the fitting process to be self-guiding by automatically generating instructions, part lists, and positioning information based on the digital model. The fitter follows system-generated guidance rather than relying on manual interpretation, making the process more reliable and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the fitter manually selects parts from a collection, then adaptability to different profiles is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and may result in wrong part selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrectness of part selectionVSAvoidtime for part selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the steel construction design and pre-determines all part selections, quantities, and positioning requirements before the fitting process begins. This advance preparation eliminates time-consuming manual part selection while ensuring correctness through automated calculation and verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses digital copies of part specifications and profile geometries from the CAD model to automatically match and select the correct parts, eliminating manual comparison and selection processes that are both time-consuming and error-prone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If the fitter determines orientation and positioning from drawing information, then flexibility is maintained, but errors may occur in positioning accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy of parts on profilesVSAvoidcomplexity of fitting process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a digital copy of the complete assembly information including precise orientations and positioning coordinates from the CAD model. This digital representation is then used to generate step-by-step fitting instructions with exact measurements and alignment requirements, eliminating errors from manual interpretation while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary computational layer that translates the digital construction model into detailed fitting instructions. This intermediary process automatically calculates orientations and positioning based on profile geometries and part specifications, ensuring manufacturing precision without increasing operational complexity for the fitter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If comprehensive fitting information is generated from 3D CAD models, then accuracy and error reduction are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of fitting processVSAvoidcomplexity of computer system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal software platform that can process various types of steel construction CAD models and generate comprehensive fitting information for different profile types and configurations. This multi-functional approach consolidates multiple specialized tools into a single system, managing complexity while maintaining high accuracy across diverse applications.

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

Data Source

PatentUS20230185985A1Method for fitting parts to steel profiles as well a system for performing the method
Publication Date: 2023.06.15 VOORTMAN STEEL MACHINERY HLDG BV
  • US20230185985A1 patent drawing
  • US20230185985A1 patent drawing
  • US20230185985A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Method and assembly for assisting a fitter in fitting parts to profiles for manufacturing construction elements of a steel construction. With the method, by using a software application fitting information is generated on the basis of the information obtained from 3D-model data of a 3D-model of the steel construction. The software application interprets 3D-model data and generates for at least one mark or phase of the steel construction a digital or physical list of parts which provides the logistical order in which the parts are supplied to the fitter and a digital or physical list of profiles which provides the logistical order in which profiles are supplied to the fitter. Additionally, specific welding parameter information for each part which has to be welded to a respective profile and graphical information which is presented on a screen which is in the working environment of the fitter may be generated.