DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of internet of things (IoT) in construction engineering. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for detection of formwork props.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Typically, a formwork structure for concrete-cast ceilings usually comprises an array of steel or wood girders, for example, onto which the formwork panels which shape the bottom side of the concrete ceiling are placed. These panels are supported by vertical support members i.e., props. The props are fixed below prop heads secured to formwork panels in a formwork structure. However, in the aforementioned arrangement, at times, it may happen that a labor in a hurry may not fit the props at the required location. Also, the site engineer may miss this during his check/ inspection. Another possible problem is that the labor may remove the props before the concrete achieves sufficient strength. These mistakes may lead to dire consequences, such as bending of the slab and bending of the formwork panels and the supporting props due to the excess weight of concrete. This may require replacing of the damaged formwork panels and the props and also demolition of the bent slab, thereby increasing the overall cost and delaying the construction. Moreover, the bent in the slab may also expose the entire slab to the risk of complete collapse, thereby potentially causing life threatening situations and also causing the engineers/ contractors/ owners a serious trouble, and it is therefore not desired.
Therefore, there is felt a need of a system and method for detection of formwork props that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for detection of formwork props.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for detection of formwork props that reduces possibility of an accident.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for detection of formwork props that facilitates in advance remote inspection of the props.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for detection of formwork props that reduces time required for physical checking/ inspection of props.
Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for detection of formwork props that enables live monitoring of the status of props on an electronic device such as a mobile phone.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a system for detection of props supporting a pre-determined number of prop heads secured to formwork panels in a formwork structure. Each of the prop heads has a hollow end pipe extending therefrom. The pipe is configured to be inserted into a hollow receiving portion of a prop to allow the prop to support the formwork panel via the prop head. The system comprises a plurality of sensing units, a central hub, and an application interface installable and executable in an electronic device. Each sensing unit is fitted on an outer surface of the end pipe of each prop head and is configured to detect presence of a prop below the prop head. The sensing unit is configured to generate a sensed signal based on the detection. The sensing unit is further configured to transmit the sensed signal over a short-range wireless communication network. The central hub is configured to communicate with the sensing units corresponding to the prop heads to receive the sensed signals. The central hub is further configured to communicate the sensed signals to a central server over a wide area wireless communication network. The application interface is installable and executable in an electronic device associated with a registered user. The interface is configured to communicate with the central server to receive and display statistical and analytical data relating to the props. The statistical and analytical data is in the form of at least one of a status of each prop, notification regarding change in the status of props, and a temporal report of the props in the formwork structure.
In an embodiment, each sensing unit comprises a sensor, a transmitter, a controller, and a rechargeable battery. The sensor is attached to the pipe of the prop head. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of the prop below the prop head, and is further configured to generate the sensed signal. The controller is securely disposed within the pipe and electrically connected to the sensor. The controller configured to receive the sensed signal from the sensor. The controller is further configured to send the received signal to the central hub via the transmitter. The rechargeable battery is configured to supply power to the sensor, the controller, and the transmitter.
In an embodiment, the sensor is a limit switch.
In another embodiment, the sensor is a non-contact type sensor selected from the group consisting of an inductive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a photonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a reed switch or any combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the short-range wireless communication network provides connection via at least one of Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, Ultra-wide band (UWB), or Infrared (IR).
In an embodiment, the central server includes a data acquisition module, a computing module, a database management engine, and an interface module.
The data acquisition module is configured to receive and convert the sensed signals of the props corresponding to the pre-determined number of prop heads from the hub to sensed data.
The computing module is configured to cooperate with the data acquisition module to receive the sensed data. The computing module comprises a status detection module configured to determine a status of each of the props including the number of live props based on the sensed data, the number of props present below the formwork structure based on the sensed data, the number of props absent below the formwork structure based on the sensed data, and the number of dead props based on the determined no. of live props and the pre-determined no. of total prop heads. The notification generating module is configured to detect a change in the status of the props based on the sensed data and generate notifications based on the detected change. The report generating module is configured to timestamp the data regarding the status of props and further configured to facilitate generation of a status report for a user-defined time period.
The database management engine is configured to store the time-stamped data regarding the status of the props. The interface module is configured to cooperate with the computing module to facilitate presentation of the determined status of the props, the generated notifications, and the status reports on at least one of an admin interface and the application interface.
In an embodiment, the central server enables the registered user to edit the pre-determined number of prop heads required in the formwork structure via at least one of the admin interface and the application interface.
In an embodiment, the central server enables the registered user to set sleep time and awake-time of the controller of each sensing unit via at least one of the admin interface and the application interface to facilitate the controller to periodically receive the sensed signal from the sensor and transmit the sensed signal to the hub.
In an embodiment, the central server enables the registered user to set time limit for removal of props deployed in the formwork structure.
In an embodiment, the status detection module is configured to display a colour code for indicating present props, absent props, live and dead props in the formwork structure.
In an embodiment, the central server is communicatively coupled to a plurality of the central hubs and is configured to process and maintain data associated with props received from the plurality of hubs.
In an embodiment, the sensing unit further comprises an orientation sensor, wherein the orientation sensor along with a lever. The orientation sensor along with the lever is mechanically coupled to the limit switch and is configured to prevent actuation of the limit switch in inverted orientation of the prop head to prevent false detection of prop. In another embodiment, the orientation sensor further configured to allow actuation of the limit switch in upright orientation of the prop head.
In an embodiment, the orientation sensor is a gravity switch.
The present disclosure also envisages a method for detection of props supporting a pre-determined number of prop heads secured to formwork panels in a formwork structure. The method comprises the following steps:
i. detecting, by a plurality of sensors, presence of the props below the prop heads in a formwork structure;
ii. generating and transmitting, by the sensors, sensed signal;
iii. receiving, by a controller, the sensed signals from the sensors respectively;
iv. transmitting, by the controller, the sensed signals to a central hub via a transmitter over a short-range wireless communication;
v. receiving and transmitting, by the central hub, the sensed signals to a central server over a wide area wireless communication network;
vi. receiving, by a data acquisition module, the sensed signals from the central server;
vii. generating, by the data acquisition module, the a sensed data based on the received signals of the props corresponding to the pre-determined number of prop heads;
viii. receiving, by a computing module, the sensed data from the data acquisition module;
ix. determining, by the computing module, a status of each of the props including number of live props based on the on the sensed data, number of props present below the formwork structure based on the sensed data, number of props not fixed below the formwork structure based on the sensed data, and number of dead props based on the determined no. of live props and the pre-determined no. of total prop heads;
x. detecting, by the computing module, a change in the status of the props based on the sensed data to generate notifications based on the detected change;
xi. time-stamping, by the computing module, the data regarding the status of props to facilitate generation of a status report for a user-defined time period;
xii. receiving and storing, by a database management, the time-stamped data regarding the status of the props; and
xiii. presenting, by an interface module, the determined status of the props, the generated notifications, and the status reports on at least one of an admin interface and an application interface installable on an electronic device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A system and method for detection of formwork props of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a prop supporting a formwork structure via a prop head;
Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the prop head in an inverted configuration depicting a sensor mounted on the pipe of the prop head;
Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of the prop head in an inverted configuration depicting an antenna and a battery mounted near the pipe of the prop head;
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the prop head in an inverted configuration depicting a controller disposed inside the pipe and the sensor, the antenna and the battery coupled near the pipe;
Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of the system for detection of formwork props;
Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of a central server of the system of Figure 5;
Figure 6A and Figure 6B illustrate a flow chart depicting method steps for detection of props deployed in a formwork structure;
Figure 7 illustrates a schematic of an admin interface executable on the central server of Figure 6 depicting an admin login screen;
Figure 8 and Figure 9 illustrate a schematic of the admin interface depicting details regarding various clients and props installed at their facilities;
Figure 10 illustrates a schematic of an application interface installable and executable on a mobile phone of a user in communication with the central server of Figure 6;
Figure 11 illustrates a dashboard displaying status of props i.e., number of props required, props fixed, props not fitted, props no signal, and props yet to be installed;
Figure 12 through Figure 17 illustrates schematics depicting the status of props with a specific color code i.e., number of props required, props fixed, props not fitted, props no signal, and props yet to be installed;
Figure 18 illustrates a schematic depicting application interface receiving text message notifications regarding a change in the status of props installed at various facilities;
Figure 19 illustrates a schematic depicting application interface allowing generation of time-based report of prop’s status; and
Figure 20 illustrates a schematic depicting application a user to activate or deactivate the sensing units of the props (i.e., turn OFF all props and restart props) and set awake time (packet time interval) and sleep time (inactive time) of the props;
Figure 21 illustrates a schematic depicting application interface displaying an operating status/mode of sensing units and a central hub of the system of Figure 5, wherein the central hub acts as a root node and each sensing unit may act as at least one of an intermediate parent node and a leaf node as per its operation status/mode; and
Figure 22 illustrates a schematic depicting application interface displaying location of sensing units on a mapped layout of the formwork structure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – System for detection of props
102 – Prop head
104 – Pipe
106 – Prop
108 – Sensing unit
108A – Sensor
108B – Transmitter
108C – Controller
108D – Rechargeable battery
110 – Hub
112 – Central server
112A –Data acquisition module
112B – Computing module
112C – Database management engine
112D – Interface module
114 – Status detection module
116 – Notification generating module
118 – Report generating module
120 – Electronic device
122 – Admin interface/ Application interface
124 – Orientation sensor
124A – Lever
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
During the casting/concreting of a slab, props are placed below prop heads coupled to the formwork panels to provide support, until the slab achieves sufficient strength. If these props are not fitted, the formwork panels can collapse along with slab due to concrete load and there can be a potentially hazardous accident.
Therefore, a system 100 (hereinafter referred to as “system 100”) and method (hereinafter referred to as “method 200”) for detection of formwork props 106 will now be described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 20.
The system 100 comprises a plurality of sensing units 108, a central hub 110, and an application interface 122 installable and executable in an electronic device 120 such as a smart phone and a computer.
Referring to Figure 1, the props 106 are fixed below prop heads 102 secured to formwork panels in a formwork structure. Each of the prop heads 102 has a hollow end pipe 104 extending therefrom. The pipe 104 is configured to be inserted into a hollow receiving portion of a prop 106 to allow the prop 106 to support the formwork panel via the prop head 102.
Referring to Figure 2 through Figure 4, each sensing unit 108 is fitted on an outer surface of the end pipe 104 of each prop head 102 and is configured to detect presence of a prop 106 below the prop head 102. The sensing unit 108 is configured to generate a sensed signal based on the detection. The sensing unit 108 is further configured to transmit the sensed signal over a short-range wireless communication network. In an embodiment, the short-range wireless communication network provides connection via at least one of Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, Ultra-wide band (UWB), or Infrared (IR).
In an embodiment, each sensing unit 108 comprises a sensor 108A, a transmitter 108B, a controller 108C, and a rechargeable battery 108D. The sensor 108A is attached to the pipe 104 of the prop head 102. The sensor 108 is configured to detect the presence of the prop 106 below the prop head 102. The sensor 108A of each sensing unit 108 is further configured to generate the sensed signals. The controller 108C is securely disposed within the pipe 104 and is electrically connected to the sensors 108A. The controller 108C is configured to receive the sensed signals from the sensors 108A. The controller 108C is further configured to send the sensed signals to the central hub 110 via the transmitter 108B. The rechargeable battery 108D is configured to supply power to the sensor 108A, the controller 108C, and the transmitter 108B. In an embodiment, the battery 108D is selected from the group consisting of lead-acid, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium-ion polymer (LiPo), lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePO4), and rechargeable alkaline batteries.
In an embodiment, the sensor 108A is a limit switch. In another embodiment, the sensor 108A is a non-contact type sensor selected from the group consisting of an inductive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a photonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a reed switch or any combination thereof. The non-contact type sensor transmits a light beam on the prop 106 and receives reflected light beam to detect presence of prop 106.
In an alternate embodiment, the sensing unit 108 further comprises an orientation sensor 124 and a lever 124A, wherein the orientation sensor 124 along with lever 124A is mechanically coupled to the sensor 108A and is configured to prevent actuation of the limit switch in inverted orientation of the prop head 102. The sensor 124 prevents false detection of prop 106 below the prop head. The orientation sensor 124 is further configured to allow actuation of the limit switch in upright orientation. In an embodiment, the orientation sensor 124 is a gravity switch (refer to Figure 2).
Referring to Figure 5, the central hub 110 is configured to communicate with the sensing units 108 corresponding to the prop heads 102 to receive the sensed signals. The central hub 110 is further configured to communicate the sensed signals to a central server 112 over a wide area wireless communication network.
Referring to Figure 6, the central server 112 includes a data acquisition module 112A, a computing module 112B, a database management engine 112C, and an interface module 112D.
The system 100 includes an application executable in an electronic device. The application can be a web application or a mobile application. In an embodiment, the application is configured to enable a user to register with the central server 112 as an admin or a sub user. Upon registration, the application generates or enables the user to set login credentials. Upon execution and login, the application provides the application interface 122 to the user logged in as sub user and an admin interface to the user logged in as the admin. The application/admin interface 122 is configured to allow the registered user to login by entering the login credentials such as mobile number, user ID, name, password etc. The credentials entered by the user through the interface 122 are passed on to the central server 112. Upon receiving the credentials, the central server 112 performs a user verification step, wherein the central server 112 sends a one-time password (OTP) to the registered mobile number of the user to allow the user to login (refer Figure 7 and Figure 10). Further, the interface 122 is configured to communicate with the central server 112 to receive and display statistical and analytical data relating to the props 106. The statistical and analytical data can include, but is not limited to, real-time status of the props, notification regarding change in the status of props, number of props that are live, dead, fixed, and not fixed, and temporal report regarding the props’ status over a defined time period.
Referring to Figure 8, the central server 112 further displays the list of sub users/clients who have installed sensing units 108 at their facilities to the admin on the admin interface 122.
In an embodiment, the data acquisition module 112A is configured to receive the sensed signals corresponding to the props 106 in a facility from the hub 110 of the facility. The data acquisition module 112B is further configured to generate a sensed data based on the received signals.
In an embodiment, the sensed signals received from the hub 110 are analog signals, digitals signals, or a combination of analog and digital signals. The data acquisition module 112A converts all the received signals to digital form and generates the sensed data.
In another embodiment, the sensed signals generated by the sensors 108A in each sensing unit 108 are analog or digital in nature and the controllers 108C of the sensing unit 108 convert the sensed signals to a digital form before sending them to the data acquisition module 112A via the hub 110. The data acquisition module 112A collects sensed signals in digital form from one or more hubs 110 and combines the signals to generate the sensed data. Optionally and/or additionally, the data acquisition module 112A is also configured to process the sensed signals by for e.g., filtering the signals, conditioning the signals, or removing outliers from the signals, before generating the sensed data.
The computing module 112B is configured to cooperate with the data acquisition module 112A to receive the sensed data. The computing module 112B comprises a status detection module 114, a notification generating module 116, and a report generating module 118.
The status detection module 114 is configured to determine the status of the props, including, the number of live props based on the sensed data, the number of props present below the formwork structure based on the sensed data, the number of props not fixed below the formwork structure based on the sensed data, and the number of dead props based on the determined no. of live props and the pre-determined no. of total prop heads.
The central server 112 enables the registered user to edit the pre-determined number of prop heads 102 required in the formwork structure via at least one of the admin interface and the application interface 122.
In an embodiment, the status detection module 114 is configured to display the present props, absent props, live and dead props using a colour code, wherein a unique colour is assigned to each status (refer Figure 12 through Figure 17).
The notification generating module 116 is configured to detect a change in the status of the props based on the sensed data and generate notifications based on the detected change.
The report generating module 118 is configured to timestamp the data regarding the status of props and further configured to facilitate generation of a status report for a user-defined time period.
The database management engine 112D is configured to store the time-stamped data regarding the status of the props 106.
The interface module 112E is configured to cooperate with the computing module 112C to facilitate presentation of the determined status of the props (i.e., number of live props, dead props, props fixed, and props not fixed) as shown in Figure 11, the generated notifications as shown in Figure 18, and the status reports as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 19, on at least one of the admin interface and the application interface 122.
Referring to Figure 20, the central server 112 enables the registered user to set sleep time and awake time (i.e., inactive time and packet time interval) of the controller 108C of each sensing unit 108 via at least one of said admin interface and the application interface 122 to facilitate the controller 108C to periodically receive the sensed signal from said sensor 108A and transmit the sensed signal to the hub 110. The feature of enabling user to set the sleep time and the awake time of the controller 108C allows power saving as less battery power will be utilized during sleep time. In an embodiment, the central server 112 enables the registered user to turn on or turn off one or more of the sensing units 108 in the formwork structure. In an alternate embodiment, the central server 112 enables the registered user to set time limit for removal of props 106 deployed in the formwork structure.
In an embodiment, the central server 112 is communicatively coupled to a plurality of the central hubs 110 and is configured to process and maintain data associated with props 106 received from the plurality of hubs 110.
Figure 6A and Figure 6B illustrates the method 200 for detection of props 106 fixed below prop heads 102 secured to formwork panels in a formwork structure. The method 200 comprises the following steps:
i. At step 202, detecting, by the plurality of sensors 108A, presence of the props 106 below the prop heads 102 in a formwork structure;
ii. At step 204, generating and transmitting, by the sensors 108A, sensed signals;
iii. At step 206, receiving, by the controller 108C, the sensed signals from the sensors 108A respectively;
iv. At step 208, transmitting, by the controller 108C, the sensed signals to the central hub 110 via a transmitter 108B over a short-range wireless communication;
v. At step 210, receiving and transmitting, by the central hub 110, the sensed signals to the central server 112 over a wide area wireless communication network;
vi. At step 212, receiving, by the data acquisition module 112A, the sensed signals from the central server 112;
vii. At step 214, generating, by the data acquisition module 112A, sensed data based on the received signals of the props corresponding to the pre-determined number of prop heads;
viii. At step 216, receiving, by the computing module 112C, the sensed data from the data acquisition module 112A;
ix. At step 218, determining, by the computing module 112B, a status of each of the props including number of live props based on the on the sensed data, number of props present below the formwork structure based on the sensed data, number of props not fixed below the formwork structure based on the sensed data, and number of dead props based on the determined no. of live props and the pre-determined no. of total prop heads;
x. At step 220, detecting, by the computing module 112B, a change in the status of the props based on the sensed data and generate notifications based on the detected change;
xi. At step 222, time-stamping, by the computing module 112B, the data regarding the status of props to facilitate generation of a status report for a user-defined time period;
xii. At step 224, receiving and storing, by the database management engine 112C, the time-stamped data regarding the status of the props; and
xiii. At step 226, presenting, by the interface module 112E, the determined status of the props, the generated notifications, and the status reports on at least one of an admin interface and an application interface 122 installable on an electronic device, wherein the statistical and analytical data is in the form of at least one of a status of each prop, notification regarding change in the status of props, and a temporal report of the props in the formwork structure.
In an operative embodiment, in case of monolithic formwork, a developer or a builder shares the drawing of a building to be constructed to a formwork manufacturing company. The design team of the formwork manufacturing company then designs the formwork according to the building design and calculates the number to formwork panels and their sizes required. Further, the design team calculates the requirement (i.e., number) of props and the location of these props and other accessories required for supporting the formwork panels. These panels are then manufactured by a production department and sent to site. On the site, the execution team fixes the panels as per the formwork design. The panels on which props 106 have to be fitted are provided with a prop head 102 having a pipe 104. To ensure proper and safe execution, each of the prop heads 102 is installed with a sensing unit 108. The sensing unit 108 detects whether a prop 106 is fixed below the prop head 102 or not and generates a corresponding sensed signal. The sensed signals generated by all the sensing units 108 are sent to a central server 112 via a hub 110. The central server 112 provides application interfaces to an admin (for e.g., formwork manufacturer) and to multiple sub users (for e.g., execution teams). The application interface 122 is configured to facilitate the admin to enter formwork structure design details such as number of panels and number of prop heads required. The central server 112 receives and stores these details. The central server 112 may also be configured to maintain formwork structure design details for each sub user/client. The central server 112 receives the real-time sensed signals from one or more hubs 110 and processes the signals to determine/compute the values of number of props fixed, number of live props, number of dead props, number of props not fixed, etc. based on the received signals and the pre-fed design data (for e.g., total no. of prop heads required). The central server 112 displays the determined or computed values to the admin and the sub users on the application interface 122. The central server 112 further generates notifications to notify the admin and sub users about the change in the status of one or more props. The central server 112 further facilitates the admin and sub users to generate prop status report for a defined time period, set active and inactive time of each sensing unit 108, and turns on or turn off the sensing units 108 installed in prop heads 102.
In an embodiment, the central server 112 cooperates with the sensing units 108 through the central hub 110 to determine the operating mode and position of each sensing unit 108 in the facility.
A sensing unit 108 installed at a facility transmits data to the central hub 110 via transmitter 108B. In the same manner, all the sensing units 108 are connected to the central hub 110 in a mesh network topology. The central hub 110 acts as a root node and each of the sensing units 108 acts as an intermediate parent node or a leaf node as per its operation status.
If a sensing unit 108 transmits its own data to the central hub 110 then that particular sensing unit 108, of the plurality of sensing units 108 installed at the facility, operates in the leaf node mode. Similarly, if a sensing unit 108 transfers data of a neighboring sensing unit 108 to the central hub 110, then that particular sensing unit 108 operates in the intermediate parent node mode.
The distance between the central hub 110 and the sensing units 108 is calculated based on a signal received straight at the sensing units 108 from the central hub 110.
In this case, the central hub 110 works as an anchor. The sensing units 108 that are operating in the intermediate parent node mode also work as second anchor in this case. Further, the sensing units 108 that are working in the leaf node mode come in between two anchors. Depending on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) at both the anchors, the distance is calculated, and that distance is in centimeters (cms).
Whenever, a sensing unit 108 transmits its sensed signal to the central hub 110 via the transmitter 108B, it also transmits the RSSI and the computed distance value in the data packet. The central hub 110 transmits a consolidated data, containing RSSI and computed distance value from all the sensing units 108, to the central server 112. At the central server 112, the computing module 112C calculates the positions of the sensing units 108 from the received distance value in the respective sensing unit’s 108 data packet. The computing module 112C also determines the operating status/mode (whether leaf node mode and/or intermediate parent node mode) of the sensing units 108 based on the received data. The interface module 112E facilitates presentation of the determined operating status/mode of the sensing units 108 on the admin/ application interface 122 as shown in Figure 21.
The database management engine 112D cooperates with the computing module 112C to identify the anchor locations on a layout provided by a user through the admin interface/ application interface 122. The interface module 112E and the status detection module 114 work together and mark location of the sensing units 108 on the user-provided layout. The interface module 112E facilitates presentation of location of all the sensing units 108 installed in the facility on the mapped layout on the admin interface/ application interface 122 as shown in Figure 22.
Thus, the system 100 of the present disclosure detects presence or absence of props 106 in real time and prevents accidents. Further, the system 100 gathers data corresponding to the props in real time, which eliminates the time required for physical checking/ inspection. Further, the data accumulated by the server 112 can be used for training labors/ engineers/ designers. The application interface 122 installable and executable on the device 120 is user friendly and allows ease of reading of the status of props 106 installed at the facility. The system 100 enables live inspection of status of props 106 on a mobile phone (i.e., electronic device 120) in communication with central server 112.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a prop detection and alerting system, that:
• accurately detects props and reduces possibility of accident;
• facilitates in advance remote inspection of presence or absence of the props;
• enables live monitoring of the status of props on an electronic device such as a mobile phone;
• reduces time required for physical checking/ inspection; and
• helps in accumulation of data to provide insights that will help determine need of training labors/ engineers/ designers.
The embodiments herein, the various features, and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for detection of props (106) supporting a pre-determined number of prop heads (102) secured to formwork panels in a formwork structure, each of the prop heads (102) having a hollow end pipe (104) extending therefrom, the pipe (104) configured to be inserted into a hollow receiving portion of a prop (106) to allow the prop (106) to support the formwork panel via the prop head (102), said system (100) comprising:
a. a plurality of sensing units (108), each sensing unit (108) fitted on an outer surface of the end pipe (104) of each prop head (102) and configured to detect presence of a prop (106) below the prop head (102), said sensing unit (108) configured to generate a sensed signal based on said detection, said sensing unit (108) further configured to transmit said sensed signal over a short-range wireless communication network;
b. a central hub (110) configured to communicate with said sensing units (108) corresponding to the prop heads (102) to receive said sensed signals, said central hub (110) further configured to communicate said sensed signals to a central server (112) over a wide area wireless communication network; and
c. an application interface (122) installable and executable in an electronic device (120) associated with a registered user, said interface configured to communicate with said central server (112) to receive and display a statistical and analytical data relating to the props (106), wherein the statistical and analytical data is in the form of at least one of a status of each prop, notification regarding change in the status of props, and a temporal report of the props in the formwork structure.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each sensing unit (108) comprises:
a. a sensor (108A) attached to the pipe (104) of the prop head (102), said sensor (108A) configured to detect the presence of the prop (106) below the prop head (102), and further configured to generate the sensed signal;
b. a transmitter (108B);
c. a controller (108C) securely disposed within the pipe (104) and electrically connected to said sensor (108A), said controller (108C) configured to receive said sensed signal from said sensor (108A), and further configured to send the received signal to said central hub (110) via said transmitter (108B); and
d. a rechargeable battery (108D) configured to supply power to said sensor (108A), said controller (108C), and said transmitter (108B).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sensor (108A) is a limit switch.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sensor (108A) is a non-contact type sensor selected from the group consisting of an inductive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a photonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a reed switch or any combination thereof.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said short-range wireless communication network provides connection via at least one of Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, Ultra-wide band (UWB), or Infrared (IR).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said central server (112) includes:
a. a data acquisition module (112A) configured to receive said sensed signals of the props corresponding to the pre-determined number of prop heads from said hub (110) to generate a sensed data;
b. a computing module (112B) configured to cooperate with said data acquisition module (112A) to receive said sensed data, said computing module (112B) comprising:
i. a status detection module (114) configured to determine a status of each of the props (106), including:
• the number of live props based on the sensed data;
• the number of props present below the formwork structure based on the sensed data;
• the number of props not fixed below the formwork structure based on the sensed data; and
• the number of dead props based on the determined no. of live props and the pre-determined no. of total prop heads,
ii. a notification generating module (116) configured to detect a change in the status of the props (106) based on the sensed data and generate notifications based on the detected change;
iii. a report generating module (118) configured to timestamp the data regarding the status of props (106), and further configured to facilitate generation of a status report for a user-defined time period; and
c. a database management engine (112C) configured to store the time-stamped data regarding the status of the props (106); and
d. an interface module (112D) configured to cooperate with said computing module (112B) to facilitate presentation of the determined status of the props (106), the generated notifications, and the status reports on at least one of an admin interface and the application interface (122).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said central server (112) enables the registered user to edit the pre-determined number of prop heads required in the formwork structure via at least one of said admin interface and an application interface (122).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said central server (112) enables the registered user to set sleep time and awake time of said controller (108C) of each sensing unit (108) via at least one of said admin interface and the application interface (122) to facilitate said controller (108C) to periodically receive the sensed signal from said sensor (108A) and transmit the sensed signal to said hub (110).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said central server (112) enables the registered user to set a time limit for removal of the props deployed in the formwork structure via the application interface (122).
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said status detection module (114) is configured to display a colour code for indicating present props, absent props, live and dead props in the formwork structure.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said central server (112) is communicatively coupled to a plurality of the central hubs (110) and is configured to process and maintain data associated with props received from the plurality of hubs (110).
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sensing unit (108) further comprises an orientation sensor (124) along with a lever (124A), wherein said orientation sensor (124) along with the lever (124A) is mechanically coupled to said limit switch and is configured to prevent actuation of the switch in inverted orientation of the prop head (102) to prevent false detection of the prop (106), said orientation sensor (124) further configured to allow actuation of the limit switch in upright orientation of the prop head (102).
13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said orientation sensor (124) is a gravity switch.
14. A method (200) for detection of props supporting a pre-determined number of prop heads (102) secured to formwork panels in a formwork structure, said method (200) comprising the following steps:
i. detecting (202), by a plurality of sensors (108A), presence of the props (106) below the prop heads (102) in a formwork structure;
ii. generating (204), by said sensors (108A), sensed signals;
iii. receiving (206), by a controller (112C), said sensed signals from said sensors (108A) respectively;
iv. transmitting (208), by said controller (108C), said sensed signals to a central hub (110) via a transmitter (108B) over a short-range wireless communication;
v. communicating, by a central hub (110), said sensed signals to a central server (112) over a wide area wireless communication network;
vi. receiving (212), by a data acquisition module (112A) of said central server (112), said sensed signals;
vii. generating (214), by said data acquisition module (112A), a sensed data based on the received signals of the props corresponding to the pre-determined number of prop heads;
viii. receiving (216), by a computing module (112B) of said central server (112), said sensed data;
ix. determining (218), by said computing module (112B), a status of each of the props including:
• number of live props based on the sensed data;
• number of props present below the formwork structure based on the sensed data;
• number of props not fixed below the formwork structure based on the sensed data; and
• number of dead props based on the determined no. of live props and the pre-determined no. of total prop heads,
x. detecting (220), by said computing module (112B), a change in the status of the props based on the sensed data to generate notifications based on the detected change;
xi. time-stamping (222), by said computing module (112B), the data regarding the status of props to facilitate generation of a status report for a user-defined time period;
xii. receiving and storing (224), by a database management engine (112C), the time-stamped data regarding the status of the props; and
xiii. presenting (226), by an interface module (112D), the determined status of the props, the generated notifications, and the status reports on at least one of an admin interface and an application interface (122) installable on an electronic device (120).

Dated this 13th day of January, 2022

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI