EP2402128B1 - Method for allocating identifiers to shuttering elements - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is concerned with methods for assigning identifiers to formwork elements.

The construction industry has, in contrast to stationary industry, to do with immobile products, which usually produced directly at the later place of use, so be built. Project-specific production processes need to be managed and are usually only applicable to a specific project or building. Accordingly flexible are resources such as e.g. Shuttering elements, i. Building shells, concrete projects or construction sites assigned.

Due to the variety and diversity, while at the same time difficult to distinguish between the individual parts, it is straight construction devices, such as e.g. Shuttering elements to manage and manage complex, with a variety of formwork parts are used both in large construction sites as well as smaller projects.

Shuttering elements are used to build in situ concrete, such as Liquid concrete used, wherein the shuttering elements serve to seal a cavity, which is later filled by liquid concrete. Either specially made formwork or standard formwork elements can be used. Standard formwork consists of a steel frame and a support made of plastic or wood, the formwork skin. Standard formwork is returned to the yard and prepared for reuse.

Due to high investment costs, construction companies usually have a limited number of construction devices, with project-related construction equipment being leased, depending on the workload of the company. Like all equipment, construction equipment is also centrally planned, with the project being delivered to the site with rented construction equipment and company-owned construction equipment. They are used there and are then returned to the landlord or the company's own warehouse. In order to make it possible to distinguish between own construction devices and rented construction devices, it is known to provide automatic identification for construction devices, such as formwork elements.

In order to be able to identify formwork elements, two solutions are currently being tested or applied in the field of RFID technology. The company Paschal, a shuttering landlord, has developed an RFID solution that uses high-frequency RFID tags and attaches them in the metallic frame of the formwork. This solution is in the DE-A1-102007008303 described. A disadvantage of the solution described therein, however, is that the reading of the RFID tags is possible only at a very short distance, due to the low range of the technology used. Pulse detection can thus not take place as a significant benefit potential. Thus, the technique described supports processes in the warehouse rather than the much more interesting processes on the construction site.

Another solution to the use of RFID technology is the attachment of a UHF tag with slot antenna. This technology requires a narrow gap in the metallic frame and allows the tag to be read from a distance. The possibilities of such use are currently being investigated in the research projects ForBau at the Technical University of Munich and the ARGE RFID at the Bergische Universität Wuppertal. Again, however, only limited force detection is possible because of the slaved antenna's limited behavior and static constraint in mounting slots in formwork frames.

Both described RFID solutions also pose a significant business problem, since the question of retrofitting an existing stock of formwork elements remains unanswered. Both in the use of RF technology as well as the attachment of tags with slot antennas manipulation of the formwork frames is necessary. Retrofitting of existing formwork stocks is thus difficult from an economic point of view, which means that construction companies would have to maintain parallel formwork stocks, namely with and without identification, which is a barely acceptable solution.

From the DE 10 2009 036310 A1 are a formwork panel having a plate-shaped core and a formwork skin with integrated identification elements, and a method for assigning identifiers to formwork elements according to the preamble of claim 1 known.

The object of the present invention is to provide methods that allow identification of formwork elements in the crowd.

• Speichern eines Rahmenidentifikators und eines aktuellen Schalungshautidentifikators für jedes einer Mehrzahl von Schalungselementen in einem Speicher; und
• Ersetzen des aktuellen Schalungshautidentifikators durch einen neuen aktuellen Schalungshautidentifikator, wenn die Schalungshaut eines Schalungselements ausgetauscht wird.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1, namely: a method for assigning identifiers to formwork elements, comprising:

• Storing a frame identifier and a current skin condition identifier for each of a plurality of formwork elements in a memory; and
• Replacing the current shuttering skin identifier with a new current shuttering skin identifier when replacing the shuttering skin of a shuttering element.

• einen Schalungsrahmen;
• eine Schalungshaut, die zumindest eine Öffnung in dem Schalungsrahmen überspannt; und einen RFID-Tag, das an oder in einem die Öffnung des Schalungsrahmens überspannenden Abschnitt der Schalungshaut angebracht ist.

In embodiments of the invention, a formwork element has the following features:

• a formwork frame;
• a form skin which spans at least one opening in the formwork frame; and an RFID tag attached to or in a portion of the formwork skin spanning the opening of the formwork frame.

In embodiments of the invention, the RFID tag is a UHF RFID tag. The UHF RFID technology basically enables the capture of several tags at the same time and thus supports counting processes. With UHF it is also possible to read from a greater distance, which considerably simplifies processes on the construction site. In the same way, use in the warehouse is possible.

Embodiments of the present invention thus enable automated identification of formwork elements, which significantly simplifies, for example, a distinction from their own formwork and Mietschalungen and saves manual effort. Embodiments of the invention enable a continuous inventory management, so that a flexible and mobile use of formwork elements can be made significantly more efficient on different sites. Embodiments of the invention thus provide knowledge of the current inventory and the current location of the formwork elements, which facilitates the disposition of the formwork elements.

Preferably, the RFID tags are not attached to the formwork frame of formwork elements, which may be standard formwork elements, but on or in the formwork skin, which spans at least one opening in the formwork frame attached. This enables the use of UHF technology for the identification of formwork elements. By an appropriate attachment of the RFID tags is the disturbing influence of the usually metallic frame, eg solid steel frame, the formwork elements reduced to a measurement, so that the identification of stacked formwork elements is possible. Embodiments of the invention thus enable a detection of formwork elements, which are arranged in a pulp, which allows a counting and identification of the formwork elements both in the delivery of the formwork on site and before returning to the warehouse. Thus, the formwork elements can be checked for completeness. This makes it possible to reduce the burden of manual counting and further reduces the susceptibility to error extremely. Thus, embodiments of the invention allow complete documentation of formwork exits and entrances both on construction sites and in warehouses, which can lead to a significant reduction in the shrinkage of formwork elements.

Usually standard formwork elements are overhauled after repeated use, for example, the wood formwork skins or plastic formwork skins are replaced. For the dispatcher, the condition of the formwork elements is not always transparent or visible only with increased effort, for example by a walk in the warehouse or a call on the site. Embodiments of the invention make it possible to store data relating to a use of the formwork elements, so that a life cycle documentation of the formwork, a maintenance history and / or state information on individual elements are available, which enable a simple organization of maintenance work.

Embodiments of the invention thus allow the use of RFID technology on formwork elements, in particular standard formwork, which allows a significant reduction of manual activities, avoiding errors in the process, an increase in inventory transparency, an increase in resource utilization and prevention of shrinkage ,

Fig. 1

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Schalungselements gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zur Erfassung von Identifikatoren eines Stapels von Schalungselementen; und

Fig. 3

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung zum Zuordnen von Identifikatoren zu Schalungselementen.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic perspective view of a formwork element according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic view of an apparatus for detecting identifiers of a stack of formwork elements; and

Fig. 3

An embodiment of a device for assigning identifiers to formwork elements.

The term "RFID tag" is used herein in its ordinary meaning. In embodiments of the invention, the RFID tag includes a microchip, an antenna, and a carrier or housing through which the RFID tag is attached to or in the object, i. the formwork element is attached. In embodiments of the invention, the transponder is a passive transponder.

The identifier stored in the RFID tag can be read out when the RFID tag enters the reading range of the antenna of a reading device. In embodiments of the invention, the RFID tag is a UHF RFID tag designed for a frequency in the UHF range. UHF range is understood to mean a frequency band of approximately 0.3 GHz to 3 GHz, whereby standard RFID tags operate for example at typical frequencies of 433 MHz and 868 MHz in Europe, 915 MHz in the USA and 950 MHz in Japan ,

An embodiment of a formwork element 10 according to the invention is shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown. The formwork element 10 may have the shape and dimensions of a standard formwork element. Typical dimensions of standard formwork elements are 54x14x120 cm or 64x14x120 cm. The formwork element 10 has a shuttering frame 12, which consists for example of a metal, such as steel. The formwork frame 12 has cross braces 14, so that four openings 16 through the Formwork frame 12 are formed. These openings 16 are covered by a formwork skin 18, which in the representation in Fig. 1 is mounted on the rear side of the plastic frame 12. The formwork skin 18 may be formed for example by a plastic plate, Mulitplexplatte or a wooden plate. Insofar, this corresponds to in Fig. 1 Shuttering element shown a standard formwork element.

As in Fig. 1 is shown, in each case an RFID tag 20 and 22 is mounted in two areas of the formwork skin 18, each of which spans an opening 16. The RFID tags 20, 22 are attached to the formwork skin 18 in such a manner as to prevent peeling thereof. For example, the RFID tags 20, 22 may be integrated into the formwork skin 18. Alternatively, the RFID tags 20, 22 with the shuttering frame 12 facing inside of the formwork skin 18 may be permanently connected, for example using a corresponding adhesive. The RFID tags can be implemented for example by an Alien ^® -H2 transponder. The RFID tags can, as in Fig. 1 is shown to be horizontally or vertically aligned with horizontal formwork element. The RFID tags 20 and 22 may have identical identifiers. The RFID tags can be arranged according to reception-optimized aspects over the respective opening in the formwork frame, for example centered over the respective opening.

Although in Fig. 1 a shuttering element having two RFID tags is apparent to those skilled in the art that fewer or more RFID tags may be provided, and as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a higher number of RFID tags will be beneficial to the likelihood a successful reading.

The RFID tags are arranged such that when horizontal stacking of formwork elements readout of the RFID tags by a reader is possible because between the respective RFID tags and the reader although more formwork skins can be arranged, but not formwork frames that for the used for reading radiation or radio waves would not be permeable.

A pulp of 10 stacked formwork elements 10 is shown in FIG Fig. 2 shown, wherein identical or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. At the in Fig. 2 Shuttering elements shown are each arranged at areas of the formwork skin 18, the hatched openings 16 span, RFID tags. In Fig. 2 the stack of formwork elements 10 between antennas 32 and 34 of a reader 30 is arranged. The reader may be, for example, an RFID reader, the SIRIT Infinity510, with antennas 32 and 34 being WIMO patch antennas.

Measurements using the illustrated configuration have shown that all formwork elements 10 of a corresponding stack can be detected. In these measurements, it has been found that a detection of all formwork elements was possible in particular when the stack was passed dynamically between the antennas 32 and 34. Thus, in embodiments of the invention, a reading device may be configured to allow passage of a stack of stacked formwork elements, with upper and lower antennas 32, 34 disposed at a suitable distance from the top and bottom of the stack, respectively.

For a detection of a stack with a smaller number of formwork elements, it may also be sufficient to provide an antenna only on one side of the stack. In the case of horizontally oriented formwork elements antennas 32, 34 are provided below and / or above the stack. In the case of a group of formwork elements arranged standing next to one another, antennas can also be arranged on one or both sides next to the pulp, so that the radiation required for reading can penetrate the formwork skins of a plurality of formwork elements. At the in Fig. 2 shown example, a measurement from the side is not possible because the massive steel frame of the formwork elements of radio waves can not be penetrated.

The above test measurements have shown that in a static measurement with two antennas on one side of a horizontal stack up to a stack height of 6 formwork elements could be read. An increase in legibility in static measurement was found with an antenna array on each side of the stack lying. The static measurement shows that the RFID tags that were centered were more readable. Dynamic measurements, where the shuttering element stack moved past the antennas, showed that the detection rate could be improved by a dynamic measurement, in particular, using the dynamic measurement, the RFID tags located farther out could be better recognized. It was found that when a stack of 10 shuttering elements of the type described could pass through an aerial door made up of upper and lower antenna, all shuttering elements could be detected. The antennas were arranged at a distance of 20 cm from the top or bottom of the stack. An increase in the antenna spacing showed that the centrally located RFID tags could still be read, but the detection rate of the RFID tags arranged outside decreased more rapidly.

In embodiments of the invention, the formwork frame has a plurality of openings comprising outer and inner openings, wherein the RFID tag or one of a plurality of RFID tags is disposed on or in an inner opening spanning portion of the form skin.

In summary, it should be noted that the test measurements carried out show that embodiments of the invention make it possible to identify a plurality of formwork elements in the cluster by means of the RFID technology. Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of detecting an identity of formwork elements disposed in a pulp, wherein the pulp is dynamically moved by the reading field of a stationary or mobile reader. It is also possible to record the identity of the formwork elements in the formwork construction, wherein a mobile reading device is guided along the formwork structure in order to produce a dynamic reading field. In embodiments, each formwork element is provided with a plurality of RFID tags to increase the detection security.

In embodiments of the invention, the RFID tags are introduced into the formwork skins of formwork elements. Usually shuttering skins are regularly replaced by standard formworks. In order to enable a consistent inventory management and disposition, the present invention has an apparatus and a method for assigning identifiers to formwork elements, which enable a continuous identification even when changing formwork skins. Embodiments of such a device comprise a memory in which a frame identifier and an at least one current shuttering skin identifier are stored for each of a plurality of shuttering elements.

The device is designed to replace the current form skin identifier with a new current form line skin identifier when the formwork skin of a formwork element is replaced. An embodiment of such a device is shown schematically in FIG Fig. 3 shown. The device includes an antenna 50 coupled to a reader 52 coupled to a memory 54. The memory 54 may be, for example, a memory of a conventional computing device (computer) used for the continuous inventory management and disposition of formwork elements.

In embodiments of the invention, a form skin may have a plurality of RFID tags having different identifiers. In such a case can for the associated formwork element a plurality of shuttering skin identifiers are stored and replaced accordingly.

When the formwork skin 18 of a formwork element 10 is replaced, the formwork skin to be replaced (i.e., old) is brought into the reading area of the antenna 50 so that the reader 52 detects the associated form skin identifier. Based on this, a formwork element can be identified in the memory. Subsequently, the new shuttering skin is brought into the reading area of the antenna 50 so that the reader 52 detects the shuttering skin identifier of the new shuttering skin and replaces in the memory 54 the shuttering skin identifier associated with the identified shuttering element by the shuttering skin identifier of the new shuttering skin.

In the memory 54, the formwork frame is therefore as it were assigned a virtual identity, wherein this virtual identity of the formwork frame is assigned in each case the formwork skin identifier of the current formwork skin. It is also possible to store in the memory a history of form skin identifiers (IDs), always the last, i. current, shuttering skin identifier is representative for the shuttering ID. About this, the formwork element associated formwork skin identifier, the formwork element can be identified.

In embodiments of the invention, the memory may be designed to store, in a data record associated with a formwork element, a history of formwork skin identifiers associated with the formwork element. In embodiments, the memory may be further configured to store in the record a maintenance history and / or state information of the formwork element such that replacement of the form skin may be initiated based on such stored data.

In embodiments of the invention, therefore, a change of the shuttering skin with the data sets in the associated system, as stored for example in the memory 54, synchronized.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a corresponding software to cause a device for assigning identifiers to formwork elements, when changing formwork skins to update the associated record accordingly.

Embodiments of the present invention thus provide identification of formwork members via an identifier, such as an identifier. an ID number which is mounted on the formwork skins, wherein a clear assignment of the record in the system to a formwork can be ensured by the fact that in a corresponding record of the formwork, a frame identifier and a formwork skin identifier are assigned.

According to the invention, therefore, not the formwork frames are identified with an RFID tag, but the shuttering skins. On the one hand, this makes it possible to detect a plurality of shuttering elements arranged in a pulp. On the other hand, this solves the question of retrofitting in an advantageous manner, since usually Schalungshäute regularly (for example, after every 10th use) must be replaced. Thus, by using shuttering skins provided with RFID tags, it is possible to convert the entire portfolio of formwork to RFID technology within one to two years, for example. A substantial manual effort does not arise. Also, the additional cost of equipping the formlining with RFID tags is limited, with a price per RFID tag of about 0.12 €.

Depending on particular implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or in software. For example, readers 30, 32 and memory 54 may be part of a system for continuous inventory management and disposition.

In general, a computer program product is also implemented with a program code, wherein the program code is effective to perform a method according to the invention when the computer program product runs on a computer. The program code may be stored, for example, on a machine-readable medium, such as e.g. a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blue-Ray disk, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or FLASH memory, a hard disk or other magnetic or optical memory. Such a computer program product may cause a computer to carry out an embodiment of a method according to the invention, namely to store a frame identifier and a current shuttering skin identifier for each of a plurality of shuttering elements, wherein when replacing shuttering skins the current shuttering skin identifier is replaced by the shuttering skin identifier of the new shuttering skin.

Claims (9)

1. Method for allocating identifiers to casing elements, characterized by the steps of:

   storing a frame identifier and a current casing shell identifier for each of a plurality of casing elements (10) in a memory (54); and

   replacing the current casing shell identifier by a new current casing shell identifier when the casing shell (18) of a casing element (10) is replaced.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein a casing shell identifier is received from a casing shell (18) to be replaced, the allocated casing element (10) is identified by accessing the memory (54), a casing shell identifier of a new casing shell (18) is received, and the current casing shell identifier of the identified casing element (10) is replaced by the new casing shell identifier.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein data with regard to the usage of the casing elements (10) are stored in the memory (54).
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a casing element (10) is used, which comprises a casing frame (12), a casing shell (18) spanning at least one opening (16) in the casing frame (12), and an RFID tag (20, 22) attached to or within a portion of the casing shell (18) spanning the opening (16) of the casing frame (12).
5. Method according to claim 4, wherein a casing element is used, wherein the RFID tag (20, 22) is arranged over the opening (16) according to aspects optimized as regards to reception.
6. Method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a casing element is used, wherein the RFID tag (20, 22) is implemented for the UHF frequency range.
7. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a casing element is used, wherein several RFID tags (20, 22) comprising the same identifier are formed at or within portions of the casing shell (18) spanning one or several openings (16) of the casing frame (12).
8. Method according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein a casing element is used, wherein the casing frame (12) comprises a plurality of openings (16) comprising outer and inner openings, wherein at least one RFID tag (20, 22) is arranged at or within a portion of the casing shell (18) spanning an inner opening.
9. Computer program product comprising a program code that is effective to perform a method according to one of claims 1 to 8, when the computer program product runs on a computer.

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