U.S. patent application number 10/455407 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-25 for method and system for forming a structure.
Invention is credited to Alho, Pertti, Partanen, Jukka, Rousu, Ville, Suomi, Jukka, Wessman, Ragnar.
Application Number | 20030233807 10/455407 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8564103 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030233807 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rousu, Ville ; et
al. |
December 25, 2003 |
Method and system for forming a structure
Abstract
This invention relates to a method and systems to form
structures from predefined elementary parts. In the invention at
least two predefined elementary parts are combined for forming a
desired structure. The part comprises desired features for the
desired structure. A control means handles the combining of the
elementary parts.
Inventors: |
Rousu, Ville; (Helsinki,
FI) ; Alho, Pertti; (Helsinki, FI) ; Partanen,
Jukka; (Espoo, FI) ; Suomi, Jukka; (Espoo,
FI) ; Wessman, Ragnar; (Helsinki, FI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
745 SOUTH 23RD STREET 2ND FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
|
Family ID: |
8564103 |
Appl. No.: |
10/455407 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/741.1 ;
52/750 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/2403
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/741.1 ;
52/750 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 7, 2002 |
FI |
20021097 |
Claims
1. A method for forming a structure, characterized in that the
method uses at least two predefined elementary parts for forming
the structure, the method comprising the steps of: searching a
first elementary part having elementary features for the structure,
searching a second elementary part having certain features for the
structure, combining the first elementary part and the second
elementary part according to a control means, said control means
defining characteristics of the combination between the first
elementary part and the second elementary part.
2. A system for forming a structure, characterized in that the
arrangement comprises: first means for searching elementary parts
for the structure to be formed, second means for forming said
structure by combining the elementary parts, and a control means
for controlling the second means.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a method and system for forming
structures. Especially, the invention relates to connections
between construction elements. Furthermore, the invention relates
to the method and system that can be used in a computer or in a
corresponding device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When, for example, a building is constructed, the framework
of the building must be made. FIG. 1 shows an example of a
connection between two steel beams 2, 1. The connection comprises
an endplate 4, which is fixed (normally welded) to the smaller beam
1, and bolted joints 3 that finally fix the smaller beam to the
flange 5 of the bigger beam 2.
[0003] FIG. 2 shows an example of a connection among three beams
21, 22, 23. The first site beam 21 is connected to the flange 23A
of the main beam 23 using an endplate 24 and bolted joints 25. The
second side beam 22 is connected to the other side of the main beam
using the same bolted joints 25, but now the endplate of the second
beam is different due to the different size of the beam. This type
of connection is called a two-sided connection. As can be noticed,
there may exist a huge number of different connections between at
least two construction elements. Naturally, a connection may be
between a column and a beam, or between two columns etc.
[0004] At present, dedicated software (and/or hardware) is used for
forming connections between construction elements. It is possible
to define connection parameters, such as number of bolts, bolt
locations, and plate dimensions. A single connection may comprise
several dozens of attributes, which affect connection parameters
and a final connection. The known solutions use fixed connections
from among a desired connection (or connections) is searched.
Further, the dedicated software or the hardware often has an option
to save connections already made for future use. The saved
connections can be used in the same kind of new situations (same
elements, conditions, etc.) This feature can be called as an
auto-default function.
[0005] The auto-default function utilizes a logic structure for
using different connections already made. The logic structure makes
it possible to search connections and to form new connections,
whose locations in turn are determined in the logic structure.
Furthermore, the auto-default function may automatically search a
new connection in a modification situation. For example, the
auto-default function searches a new connection when one of the
beams to be connected changes.
[0006] FIG. 3 shows an example of the auto-default function in a
flow chart. Let a task be to form a construction of an endplate of
the connection. If the desired endplate already exists, it can be
used, and the desired endplate is preferably searched from the
group of existing endplates. The search is often divided into
several levels. On level 1, elementary cases of the endplate are
defined, on level 2 more special cases, and level 3 yet more
special cases. It should be noticed that a number of the levels can
be any suitable number depending on the complexity of endplate
structures. On level 1 in FIG. 3, the logic structure of the
auto-default function determinates 31 whether the desired endplate
belongs to level 1 or level 2. The determination depends on, for
example, the features of the steel beam, for which the endplate is
formed. If the type of the desired endplate is a kind of
modification that it does not comprise more specified features
already determined, the auto-default function uses a basic endplate
structure MOD1, which already exists. If the desired endplate
comprises specified features, which already exist on level 2, the
search continues on level 2.
[0007] On level 2, the logic structure has been constructed so that
the suitability of a certain endplate modification is checked
first. If this modification does not match with the desired
endplate, the next endplate modification is checked and so on until
a suitable endplate is found, the search continues on the next
level, or the basic modification is selected. In FIG. 3, the
endplate modification MOD21 is checked 32 first. If MOD21 is
suitable, it is selected to be the endplate. Otherwise, the
endplate modification MOD22 is checked 33. If MOD22 is suitable, it
is selected to be the endplate. Otherwise, the endplate
modification MOD23 is checked 34. If MOD23 is suitable, it is
selected to be the endplate. Otherwise, the endplate modification
MOD24 is checked 35. If MOD24 is suitable, it is selected to be the
endplate. Otherwise, it is checked 36 does the desired endplate
belongs to level 3. If the endplate belongs to the level 3, which
comprises yet more specified features of the endplate, the search
continues on level 3. Otherwise the basic endplate structure MOD1
is selected to be the desired endplate. It should be noticed that
instead of using MOD1 as a basic default structure, level 2 could
have (as all levels may have) its own basic default endplate
structure 39.
[0008] On level 3, the search proceeds similarly as on level 2. The
endplate modification MOD31 is checked 37 first. If MOD31 is
suitable, it is selected to be the endplate. Otherwise, the
endplate modification MOD32 is checked 38. If MOD32 is suitable, it
is selected to be the endplate. Otherwise the basic endplate
structure MOD1 is selected to the desired endplate. Alternatively,
a level 3 specific default endplate may be selected.
[0009] So, if the MOD31 is the desired endplate, the search goes
through the logic structure elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and
37. However, a problem occurs when MOD31 is the closest endplate
desired to construct, but not exactly the one. Thus, MOD31 must be
modified to form a new endplate (for example fewer bolts) by a
user. The new endplate may be saved into the group of already saved
endplates. As can be noticed, a number of saved endplates (or other
connection elements) may increase very huge and the saved cases may
be in any part of the logic structure. It is clear that this kind
of system is tedious to set up and update, and difficult to
maintain.
[0010] Especially the logic structure used, comprising several
levels and logic structure components, makes the set up and the
maintenance tedious. It is also known to use a matrix as a logic
structure, but it is even more tedious and difficult than the tree
structure of FIG. 3.
[0011] In real applications, the parameters of elements
(structures) come from different sources. An engineer may give, for
example, a number of bolts or plate dimensions. General design
definitions may define, for example, a weld size based on the
forces of on an element. Manufactures have their own preferences,
such as type of bolts. Thus, the auto-default function works
properly, when the fixed elements comprise exactly the same
constructions. But when a project comprises elements from different
manufactures, structures are different, connections are different,
and so on. Thus the existing auto-default set up is relatively
useless, so it must be set up again for the new project as
well.
[0012] So, the known solutions contain a great number of predefined
solutions, making them relatively fixed and rigid to use. The
maintenance and updating of the known systems are very tedious or
even impossible because of the complexity of the systems. For
example, if the setup of the system has been made for the practice
of a certain country, it may or may not be used according to the
practice of another country. Or only a part of the existing system
is usable, and even then the complexity of the system may prevent
the use.
[0013] Due to these mentioned matters, it is clear that the present
solutions need improvements. The goal of this invention to
alleviate the above mentioned drawbacks of known solutions. The
goal is achieved in a way described in the claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The invention is based on the idea that at least two
predefined elements, i.e. elementary parts, are combined together
for forming a desired structure. When thinking about a connection
example, at least two predefined connections, i.e. connection
elements or elementary parts, are combined together for forming a
desired connection. The first predefined connection preferably
comprises elementary features for the desired connection. The
second predefined connection has certain desired features for the
desired connection. The next optional predefined connections
comprise other and/or more detailed features. A control means
handles the combining of the predefined connections, preferably in
such a way that the parameters of a previous connection, i.e. the
connections that comprises features on a broader level, are
overridden by the same parameters of the next connection. If the
next connection defines parameters that are not defined in the
previous connections they are added to a new connection as well as
the overridden parameters.
[0015] Further, the invention concerns a forming of elementary
parts. They are formed by selecting common parameters from a group
of structures forming the predefined elementary parts.
[0016] In the inventive way, it is possible to keep a number of
predefined structures and logic structure components relatively
limited compared to possible formable structures.
[0017] So, an inventive system comprises at least means for
searching elementary parts for the structure to be formed, means
for forming said structure by combining the elementary parts, and a
control means for controlling the second means.
[0018] The inventive method comprises at least the steps of:
searching a first elementary part having elementary features for
the structure, searching next elementary part having certain
features for the structure, and combining the first elementary part
and the next elementary part according to a control means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the following the invention is described in more detail
by means of FIGS. 1-9 in the attached drawings where,
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a connection between two
steel beams,
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a connection between three
steel beams,
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a known logic structure and
it's components,
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of elementary parameters of an
endplate,
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of certain more detailed
parameters of an endplate having the same basic structure as the
endplate in FIG. 4,
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a combination of the
parameters from the endplates in FIGS. 4 and 5,
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a flow chart describing the
inventive method,
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a system according to the
invention, and
[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a system according to
the invention,
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] As mentioned, at least two predefined elementary parts are
combined together for forming a desired structure. The elementary
parts may be other structures or groups of parameters. Let's think
that the desired structure is a connection. The first elementary
part (for example another connection) preferably comprises
elementary features for the desired connection, and the next
elementary parts comprise more detailed features. Let's examine
FIG. 4, which illustrates an example of elementary parameters of an
endplate. The steal beam profile 41 is considered to be known. The
parameters showed in FIG. 4 are thought to be elementary parameters
for the endplate, i.e. the length L and height H of the plate, a
number of bolted joints 43, and the thickness 42 of the plate.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of more detailed parameters of
an endplate having the same basic structure as the endplate in FIG.
4, Both endplates are essentially for the same steel beam profile,
in this example for exactly the same. The detailed parameters may,
for example, be exact position parameters D1, D2, and D3 of the
bolted joints on the endplate, the type T52 of the bolted joints,
and the new thickness 51 of the endplate.
[0031] If the parameters of the endplates of FIGS. 4 and 5 are
combined, it is possible to form a new endplate. FIG. 6 illustrates
an example of a combination from the endplates in FIGS. 4 and 5. As
can be noticed, the parameters of the second endplate (FIG. 5) are
added to the parameters of the first endplate (FIG. 6). It can also
be noticed that if a certain parameter already exists in the first
endplate, it is overridden by the same parameter in the second (or
the next) endplate. As the situation is concerning the thickness of
the endplate, when the new thickness 51 substitutes the old
thickness 42. It should be mentioned that a control means, which
determinates that old parameters are overridden, may control the
combining function to overwrite a new value and use the old value.
In other words, several different ways to combine predefined
connections may exist.
[0032] Further, the parameters in the elementary parts may be
defined as a function and/or functions instead of parameters. For
example, the number of bolted joints 43, is a function of the
profile of a steal beam that is a distinct structure (not an
endplate). The function of the endplate is calculated either before
combining it with another endplate, or the function is calculated
in the combination step. Taking into account these matters, the
combination step may also utilize mathematical operations (such as
different formulas).
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a flow chart describing the
inventive method. At the beginning, a first elementary part is
searched 71 through the logic structure of a inventive system. The
first elementary part preferably comprises elementary features for
a structure that is to be formed. After this, the next elementary
part is searched 72. It comprises more desired features for the
desired structure. The elementary parts are combined 73 according
the control means for forming a new structure. The new structure is
considered to be the desired structure when the performance of the
method ends 75. However, if other elementary parts are needed 74
for forming the desired structure, the steps of searching the next
elementary part 72 and forming a new structure 73 are repeated.
These steps are repeated until the desired structure is formed. A
result structure may be as close as possible to a real structure
which is desired to form. In this case, the result structure is
modified to form the real desired structure.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a system according to the
invention comprising preferable elements. A search means 82
searches suitable structures from a data repository, such as a
database 81, or from files. As mentioned before, the search means
may comprise a logic structure, which in turn comprises logic
structure elements, for handling the searches. The logic structure
elements that are functionally connected to each other forms a tree
structure. The tree structure is preferably divided into several
levels, wherein each levels handles certain types of the elementary
parts. Due to this, each level also handles searches for elementary
parts having level specific features. It should be mentioned that
the higher levels of the tree preferably comprise elementary
structures for a desired structure in question. The search means
comprises a repeater means 83 for repeating searches and
combinations. The searches and combinations are repeated until a
necessary number of predefined features (structures or piece of
information) have been sought and combined for forming a desired
structure. The system also comprises a forming means 84 for forming
the desired structure from at least two predefined elementary
parts. The forming means are controlled by a control means 85,
which controls the way, which is used for combining the elementary
parts.
[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a system according to
the invention comprising means 91 for forming the predefined
elementary parts. The forming means selects common parameters from
of a group of structures for forming said predefined elementary
parts. The group of structures may be, for example, structures that
a user has created in his terminal. Using some kind of selecting
module, such as a filter, common parameters and other features may
be found in the group of the structures. The selected parameters
(and features) are used for forming the elementary parts, which are
saved.
[0036] For clarifying the benefits of the invention, Let's examine
an example of wherein there exist 64 different endplate
connections. Let's assume that there are four choices for a number
of bolted joints: 2, 3, 4, or 5; four choices for the thickness of
a plate: 10, 12, 14, or 16millimeters; and four alternatives for
cutting a beam: 1) up, 2) down, 3) on both edges, or 4) no
cuttings. Due to this 64 (4*4*4=64) alternatives exist. Now, a
logic structure (compare FIG. 3) is used to find a desired
connection: Let a beam height be under 180 millimeters, loading
force under 100 kN, and the location of the beam central (meaning
no cuttings). On the first level, the logic structure restricts
suitable beams to be under 180 millimeters. On the second level,
the logic structure restricts suitable beams into a group of beams
that are loaded under 100 kN. Finally, on the last level (in this
example), the logic structure finds the connection wherein the beam
has not been cut. Let the searched connection be a plate with 2
bolted joints, 10 mm thick, and no cuttings.
[0037] Considering this same example in a preferable system
according to the invention, only 12 predefined connections are
needed: four connections for a different number of bolted joints,
four connections for a different number of thickness, and four
connections for different cuttings. Now, the logic structure
selects the connection of two bolted joints on the first level (the
height of the beam under 180 mm). On the second level (force under
100 kN), the connection with a 10 mm thick plate is selected, and
on the last level, the connection with no cuttings is selected.
These three, selected connections are combined for forming the
desired connection. As can be noticed, only 12 (4+4+4=12)
predefined connections are needed to form 64 different connections.
It should be mentioned that in real cases numbers of parameters are
much greater than in this example.
[0038] The invention decreases a number of predefined structures,
which have to be stored in somewhere, for example, in a database or
files. The logic structure is also simpler than in previous
solutions, making it easier to set up and maintain. The levels of
the logic structure may be adjustable for users or not. If a level
(or levels) is not adjustable, it means that users cannot make any
changes of theirs own and thus cannot make any errors. This is
preferable, in particular when the level defines, for example,
manufactures set ups, which should be fixed and not changeable. A
preferable system for the invention is a level structure wherein
each level comprises logic structure components, forming a tree
structure (See FIG. 3). Due to the above-mentioned matters the
inventive system is easy to set-up and maintain--even to end-users.
The creation of structures is preferably automatic. Also the
forming of the elementary parts may be automatic, when a user does
not have to take care of this matter.
[0039] Although, above it is mostly described the endplate
connections between steel beams, the connections can be any
connections or structures between any elements such as columns and
beams. The elements may be pipes, and the connections may be pipe
connections. The elements may be pipes and concrete elements, and
the connections may be pipe hangers. The elements may be concrete
elements and the connections concrete reinforcements. The elements
may be timber joist, and the connections may be timber joints. In
fact, the elements and connections may be any modeled elements and
connections. The modeled elements and connections mean that they
have been modeled in some way, such as by suitable software. The
modeled, predefined elementary parts and structures (elements,
connections, connections elements etc.) are preferable to use when
forming connections between elements. The desired structure does
not need to be a connection between two elements (Although this is
a preferable application.), but it can actually be a new structure,
which is formed from at least two predefined elementary parts. The
modeled structures and elementary parts may be objects. The objects
are software components, which can be modified and which are
reusable. The inventive method and system can be realized using
software and/or hardware modules, when they form marketable
products for end-users.
[0040] The invention is not restricted to above-mentioned examples.
However, it is clear that other solutions than described in this
text can be used in the scope of the inventive idea.
* * * * *