Wireless Building Model Updating With Passive Tags and Sensors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building information models become outdated and difficult to maintain as construction progresses, leading to inaccurate representations of building systems, which hinders optimization and efficient operation of building systems.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a communication network, wireless nodes, passive wireless devices, and sensors that automatically update a building data model by collecting and integrating information on building objects and conditions, enabling granular data storage and real-time updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If manual updating methods are used to maintain building models during construction, then initial model creation is possible, but the model becomes outdated and inaccurate as construction progresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding model accuracyVSAvoidmodel maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-updating of the building model by having subcontractors and employees input data through mobile devices, which is then automatically integrated into the BIM model without requiring manual intervention from model maintainers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes continuous feedback loops where building data is automatically collected from the field, processed, and used to update the model in real-time, ensuring the model reflects current construction status

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If comprehensive manual data collection from multiple subcontractors is attempted, then complete building information can be captured, but the complexity and difficulty of maintaining the model increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding model reliabilityVSAvoidmodel maintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) that all subcontractors and employees already possess, eliminating the need for specialized data collection equipment and simplifying the maintenance process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an automated data integration platform that acts as an intermediary between multiple subcontractors and the central building model, automatically reconciling and integrating data from various sources without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If detailed tracking of building elements is implemented, then accurate as-built documentation is achieved, but the time and resources required for data entry increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding element tracking precisionVSAvoiddata entry efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual data entry mechanisms with automated electronic data capture using mobile devices, where data is input once in the field and automatically propagated throughout the model without repetitive manual entry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-structures the building model with all necessary data fields and relationships before construction begins, so that data collected in the field can be automatically integrated without requiring subsequent manual organization or entry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution maintains an accurate and up-to-date building data model, facilitating improved simulation, control, and optimization of building systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Each the passive wireless device is configured to communicate wirelessly to the wireless nodes using power derived from communication signals detected in the passive wireless device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8326465B2Wireless building management system and method using a building model

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC

AI summary

A building system includes a communication network, a plurality of wireless nodes, a plurality of passive wireless devices, a plurality of sensors, and a processing circuit. The wireless nodes are disposed within a building and are operably coupled to the communication network. Each passive wireless device is affixed to an object within the building, and contains first information regarding at least one property of the object. Each the passive wireless device is configured to communicate wirelessly to the wireless nodes using power derived from communication signals detected in the passive wireless device. The sensors are configured to generate second information representative of sensed temperature throughout the building, each sensor operably connected to the communication network. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive the first information from the wireless devices and the second information from the sensors. The processing circuit is configured to generate control information regarding the building based on the first information and the second information.