INCLINATION AND OFFSET DETECTION DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for alignment, a casing (12) and an alignment system (100) for calculating an alignment dataset (ADS) for alignment of a constructive component (P), in particular a formwork panel, comprising:—An attachment unit (10), which is configured to be non-permanently attached at the constructive component (P) and which is further configured to engage with a casing (12);—the casing (12), which cases:—an electronic accelerometer unit (14) and—a pendulum unit (16) being attached at a bottom part of the electronic accelerometer unit (14) so that the pendulum unit (16) can swing with two degrees of freedom around a pivot point, and wherein at the bottom part of the pendulum support structure (165), a laser emitter (164) is attached which is configured to emit a laser beam—a receiver unit (18), mounted at a base plate (20) and which is configured to receive the laser beam spatially resolved;—a processing unit (22) for calculating the alignment dataset (ADS), wherein the processing unit (22) is in data connection with the receiver unit (18) and with the electronic accelerometer unit (14); and—an output device (24) for providing the alignment dataset (ADS).

Claims

1. An alignment system (100) for calculating an alignment dataset (ADS) for alignment of a constructive component (P), in particular a formwork panel, comprising: An attachment unit (10), which is configured to be non-permanently attached at the constructive component (P) and which is further configured to engage with a casing (12); the casing (12), which cases: an electronic accelerometer unit (14) and a pendulum unit (16) being attached at a bottom part of the electronic accelerometer unit (14) so that the pendulum unit (16) can swing with two degrees of freedom around a pivot point (161), and wherein at the bottom part of a pendulum support structure (165), a laser emitter (164) is attached which is configured to emit a laser beam; a receiver unit (18), mounted at a base plate (20) and which is configured to receive the laser beam spatially resolved; a processing unit (22) for calculating the alignment dataset (ADS), wherein the processing unit (22) is in data connection with the receiver unit (18) and with the electronic accelerometer unit (14); and an output device (24) for providing the alignment dataset (ADS).

2. The alignment system according to claim 1, wherein the attachment unit (10) comprises at least two separate brackets (101, 102), wherein each of the brackets (101, 102) is configured for being non-permanently attached to the constructive component (P) at pre-defined positions and/or wherein the attachment unit (10) engages with the casing (12) in a sealed manner.

3. The alignment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the output device (24) and/or the processing unit (22) is/are formed on a mobile device (26) and/or in the casing (12) and/or on the receiver unit (18).

4. The alignment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the data connections between the electronic accelerometer unit (14) with the processing unit (22) and the receiver unit (18) with the processing unit (22) are wireless transmission channels.

5. The alignment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic accelerometer unit (14) comprises at least two accelerometer sensors (141, 142), which are attached with a mutual offset and may further comprise a connection module (143), a microcontroller (144) and/or a power supply (145).

6. The alignment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic accelerometer unit (14) is rotatable together with the casing (12) and in particular is rotatable between four different pre-defined measurement positions manually.

7. The alignment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver unit (18) is adjustably attached to the base plate (20) by means of adjustment means (181).

8. The alignment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver unit (18) comprises a housing (180) for covering: a fresnel lens (182) for collecting and focusing the received laser beam, an image sensor (183) and wherein the receiver unit (18) comprises a levelling means (184) for levelling the receiver unit (18) so that it is aligned perpendicular to the earths gravitational field vector.

9. A casing (12) for use in an alignment system according to any of the system claims above, wherein the casing (12) cases: an electronic accelerometer unit (14) and a pendulum unit (16) being attached at a bottom part of the electronic accelerometer unit (14) so that the pendulum unit (16) can swing with two degrees of freedom around a pivot point, and wherein at the bottom part of a pendulum support structure (165), a laser emitter (164) is attached which is configured to emit a laser beam.

10. A method for calculating an alignment dataset (ADS) for alignment of a constructive component (P), using an alignment system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8, the method comprises the steps of: Instructing a measuring (S1) at least one gravitational field strength vector by means of an electronic accelerometer unit (14), being aligned in parallel with the constructive component (P) and providing (S2) a gravitational data item (gdi) as a first part of the alignment dataset (ADS), indicating, if an inclination error for the constructive component (P) exists and if yes: Calculating (S3) correction instructions (ci) by a processing unit (22) for re-aligning the constructive component (P) to minimize the inclination error; Instructing to emit (S4) a laser beam by a laser emitter (164), being attached to a pendulum support structure (165); Instructing a measuring (S5) a reception area of a laser beam on a receiver unit (18) and in particular measuring, if the reception area of the laser beam is within a target area and based thereon: providing (S6) a pendulum data item (pdi) as a second part of the alignment dataset (ADS).

11. The method according to any of directly preceding method claims, wherein the method comprises executing a decision algorithm (DA) on the processing unit (22) for differentiating between an inclination error and an offset error, and in particular wherein the alignment dataset (ADS) comprises: a roll error portion (rep), indicating a misalignment of the constructive component (P), in particular an inclination error due to a roll error, a pitch error portion (pep), indicating a misalignment of the constructive component (P) in particular an inclination error due to a pitch error; an offset error portion (oep), indicating a misalignment of the constructive component (P) in particular due to a lateral offset.

12. The method according to any of directly preceding method claims, wherein the processing unit (22) is further adapted to calculate operating instructions, comprising: Rotating instructions (ri) for rotating the electronic accelerometer unit (14) in different measurement positions for subsequent measurements; Installation instructions (ii) for aligning an image sensor plane of the receiver unit (18) on a base plate (20) and/or Attachment instructions (ai) for attaching the attachment unit (10) to the constructive component (P); Correction instructions (ci) for guiding the user how to correct the detected error and to re-align the constructive component (P).

13. The method according to the directly preceding method claim, wherein the rotating instructions (ri) are calculated dynamically in reply to position signals, received by sensors, indicating an angular position of the electronic accelerometer unit (14) with respect to the constructive component (P).

14. The method according to any of directly preceding method claims, wherein one alignment dataset (ADS) is calculated each at two or more positions of the constructive component (P), which may be fed in a validation algorithm (VA).

15. A computer program comprising a computer program code, the computer program code when executed by a processing unit (22) causing the processing unit (22) or an alignment system (100) to execute the steps of the method of any of the preceding method claims.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0097] FIG. 1 shows an overview figure of the alignment system in a systematic manner;

[0098] FIG. 2 represents a formwork panel as one type of constructive component with the three axis, X axis Y axis and Z axis;

[0099] FIG. 3 shows a more detailed view of a top fixing bracket and attachment unit together with a rotating body of the alignment system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0100] FIG. 4 shows a more detailed view of four pre-defined rotating positions in the fixed bearing attachment mounted in the top fixing bracket;

[0101] FIG. 5 is a schematic figure, representing the electronic parts of the alignment system and its respective communication channels for data transfer;

[0102] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an alignment dataset with different parts;

[0103] FIG. 7 shows the receiver unit with more details,

[0104] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the method for aligning the constructive component according to another preferred embodiment;

[0105] FIG. 9 is a more detailed view of the attachment unit according to a preferred embodiment and

[0106] FIG. 10 is a more detailed view of the support structure according to a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS AND THE DRAWINGS

[0107] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the present invention refers to an alignment system 100 for calculating an alignment dataset ADS for supporting a worker at a construction site for erecting a constructive component, like a formwork panel P or another type of constructive component, like a scaffold or the like. The formwork panel P needs to be aligned vertically in order to provide a continuous plane. For building high structures, it is necessary to attach several such panels P1, P2 on top of each other. In some applications, for instance, it is necessary to erect two of such panel constructions with a small distance in order to fill the same with concrete. Therefore, it is necessary to align the panels perfectly vertically so that the concrete structure is not inclined, not twisted and not somehow angled with respect to each other. Further, it is necessary, to assure that the formwork panels P are not erected with a lateral offset in order to be able to provide a continuous and smooth surface.

[0108] The solution described herein provides an alignment system 100, mainly consisting of three parts: [0109] 1) a casing 12, with electronic modules inside and which is to be attached at the formwork panel P by means of an attachment unit 10; [0110] 2) the receiver unit 18, which is attached at the ground in front of the formwork panel P and which may optionally also be equipped with electronic modules inside; [0111] 3) an electronic device 26, for instance a mobile phone, associated to the builder or a construction worker with an output device 24. As a result of the alignment method or system 100, the alignment dataset ADS is provided on the output device 24 in order to assist the builder in erecting and vertically aligning the formwork panel P. The electronic device 26 may be implemented on the casing 12 and/or on the receiver unit 18, so that only 2 parts are necessary and the alignment system may only consist of two parts.

[0112] The system comprises a processing unit 22. The processing unit 22 can be implemented on different modules and may even be implemented in a distributed form. Thus, the processing unit 22 (not explicitly shown in the figures) may be deployed on the receiver unit 18, on a mobile device 26, on the electronic accelerometer unit 14 and/or on a sever.

[0113] As indicated in FIG. 1 by the two rectangles, each showing an enlarged view—one for the casing 12 with the electronics and one for the base receiver unit 18. Both of these units 12, 18 are in (preferably wireless) data exchange with a mobile device 26, e.g. a smartphone or another smart device, which is indicated in FIG. 1 with the dashed line. The data connection may be used for data transmission of several data sets, in particular for the alignment dataset ADS. The data transmission may be executed by applying different protocols. Thus, the data transmission may e.g. be operated according to a push mode, where the electronic modules of the system, namely the electronic accelerator unit 14 and/or the receiver unit 18 send “their” data packages to the mobile device 26 as soon as they are generated. Another option is, to operate the system 100 in a pull mode, according to which the mobile device 26 requests the data packages from respective entities 14, 18 according to a predefined transmission pattern (time-based or event-based).

[0114] In the following the dimensions are further specified with respect to FIG. 2. As can be seen, the formwork panel P is erected approximately vertically in the plane which is within the X and Z axis. The Y axis is perpendicular to the X axis and Z axis as well. The extension of the formwork panel P in the Y axis is relatively low, compared to its extensions in the X axis and Z axis. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, several of such formwork panels P may be erected on top of each other to build or wall-like structure. Starting from the bottom most formwork panel P, it is necessary to assure that the panel P is aligned vertically in order to eliminate any inclination errors. Generally, there may be more than one inclination error. The panel P may be rotated around the X axis (pitch error) or the panel P may be rotated around the Y axis (roll error's) by mistake. Both types of inclination error are automatically detected by the alignment system 100 according to the solution described herein. Of course, also a yaw error may exist (rotation around the Z axis)—however this type of error is easy to correct manually (by means of a batter board or other indications of the outline of the building to be constructed). Further, it is to be noted that yaw errors will result in an offset error, which is detected automatically by the alignment system described herein.

[0115] The casing 12 is attached to the formwork panel P by means of the attachment unit 10 so that the casing 12 with the electronics inside is perfectly aligned in parallel to the Z axis extension of the formwork panel P. With other words the casing 12 (with its length axis) is attached in parallel to the formwork panel P.

[0116] The attachment unit 10 connects the fixing brackets 101, 102 and the constructive element P thus supporting the casing 12, which serves as housing the main electronic module (besides the receiver unit 18). Therefore, for convenience the set of electronic modules is also mentioned herein in short as ‘casing’. FIG. 3 shows on the left-hand side the top and bottom fixing brackets 101, 102 and the attachment unit 10 of the casing 12, attached to the panel P. As indicated by the two dotted lines in FIG. 3 a more detailed view with parts shown in a retracted manner is shown for better understanding. Further the on the right side, the parts are shown in more detail below a pivoting point 161, as indicated in FIG. 3 by the curved line, pointing to both occurrences of reference numeral 161.

[0117] As can be seen in the retracted view of FIG. 3, the top fixing bracket 101 has a plate like structure, which comprises at least one engagement pin 103 for engagement with a corresponding respective aperture or receptacle, which is mounted at a pre-defined distinct position in the formwork panel P. By introducing the engagement pin 103 into the aperture of the formwork panel P or the attachment unit the top and bottom fixing bracket will be attached to the formwork panel P. The corresponding part, namely the bottom fixing bracket 102 is provided at the bottom of the casing 12 and is also attached to the formwork panel P in the same manner. For mounting the casing 12 to a constructive component such as a formwork panel P an eccentric lock mechanism may be provided. This mechanism will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 9 below.

[0118] The top fixing bracket 101 further comprises means for engagement with an electronic accelerometer unit 14. The electronic accelerometer unit 14 is housed in the casing 12 in a waterproof manner. For this purpose, for example, dual O-ring seals are provided on a fixed bearing attachment 41. The fixed bearing attachment 41 further may comprise an angular contact bearing, a circlip and known means in the art for engagement with the electronic accelerometer unit 14 enabling it to rotate together with the casing 12 respective to the top fixing bracket 101 and the bottom fixing bracket 102.

[0119] The outer casing tube—or short “casing” 12—is fixed so that it can rotate relative to a mount or support structure. Thus, it is perfectly aligned with the formwork panel P. The earths gravitational field pulls the pendulum unit 16 downwards and since it can rotate around both the x and y axis it aligns itself to be always perpendicular to the horizon. To further improve the performance of pendulum unit's 16 a pendulum ballast 163 may be attached to a pendulum support structure 165 in order to facilitate a centre of gravity as far away from a pivoting point 161 as possible. The whole assembly with the casing 12, the electronic accelerometer unit 14 and the pendulum unit 16 can in turn also be rotated around the z axis manually. As an advantage, no calibration is necessary for the alignment system—the system provides a self-calibration.

[0120] The electronic accelerometer unit 14 comprises a support structure 146 (manufactured from metal or plastic material), which is rotatable around the Z axis. In particular the electronic accelerometer unit 14 is rotatable together with the outer casing 12. The electronic accelerometer unit 14 comprises a first IC board 147 which is attached to the support structure 146 and which may have a rectangular form, wherein the length axis of the rectangle is directed in the vertical dimension (parallel to Z axis). The electronic accelerometer unit 14 consists of at least one accelerometer sensor, and in particular comprises two accelerometer sensors 141, 142, which are attached with a mutual offset. The mutual offset between the two accelerometer sensors is used for eliminating any manufacturing error and for calculating with mean values of the at least two sensor signals. The two accelerometers 141, 142 are used so that the processing unit 22 can process the data in the range where the sine function has the largest derivative, that is where a very small change in inclination gives a very large change in the output signal. Experiments and mathematical calculations have shown that the range is preferably around pi.

[0121] The electronic accelerometer unit 14 may further and optionally comprise a second circular IC board 148 which is attached perpendicular to the rectangle IC board. The circular IC board 148 is also attached to the support structure 146 and is provided for measuring the angular position of the electronic accelerometer unit 14 (which is identical to the angular position of the casing 12, as both parts are rotated together) with respect to the Z axis. As known in the art, both IC boards are equipped with respective components in order to detect, store and/or transmit the detected signals (for instance with a power supply, a microcontroller and/or storage unit etc.). In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the IC boards 147, 148 may comprise a processing unit 22 for local data processing. Alternatively, the detected sensor signals may be transmitted via a connection module 143 to separate external processing unit 22, which for example may be deployed as cloud-based server or as a processing unit 22 of a mobile device. In the latter case, the data processing may be implemented by means of an application.

[0122] As indicated in FIG. 3, the outer casing 12 may have a rotational symmetric, in particular a tubular form and serves as a protective tube. It can be manufactured of aluminum or steel. Preferably, the tube-like casing 12 has a length between 1000 mm and 1500 mm, and more preferably around 1220 mm. Its diameter may be in the range between 50 mm and 100 mm, and more particular about 80 mm. The wall thickness may be around 2 mm.

[0123] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the support structure 146 may comprise a cylindrical main body, which has an upper part for supporting the circular IC board 148 and the lower part which comprises a pivot point 161, in particular a ball joint for engagement with the pendulum unit 16. The pendulum support structure 165 is attached at a ball joint such as the pendulum support structure 165 may swing with 2 degrees of freedom around a pivot axis of the ball joint, which corresponds to a length axis of the support structure 146. In this way, the electronic accelerometer unit 14 with the at least one or two accelerometer sensors 141, 142 and the laser emitter 164 and optionally with a pendulum ballast 163 is always aligned in parallel with the formwork panel P, whereas the pendulum unit 16 within the casing 12 is always parallel to the earth's gravitational field (because it can swing freely in 2 axes within the casing 12).

[0124] FIG. 4 shows the rotatable accelerometer unit 14 with surrounding structures and a pendulum 162 with its mounting and housing in more detail. At the top in FIG. 4, a rotating hub 42 can be seen. Attached to the top fixing bracket 101 is the fixed bearing attachment 41 that in turn connects to the support structure 146 through an angular contact bearing 43. The fixed bearing attachment 41 connects to the casing 12 in a sealed manner while still allowing it to rotate by providing one or more sealings 44, in particular o rings. Preferably, four (4) screws are distributed around the circumference of the support structure 146 of the electronic accelerometer unit 14, which serve for fixing the circuit board to the rotating body of the electronic accelerometer unit 14. The fixed bearing attachment 41 preferably have four recesses spaced 90 degrees to receive a spring-loaded steel ball 45 mounted in the rotating support structure. The steel ball is configured to interact with respective indexing recesses in the fixed bearing attachment 41 that is firmly attached to the top fixing bracket 101 in essence giving the user a tactile feedback of each indexed position as the casing 12 together with the electronic accelerometer unit 14 is rotated with respect to the fixed bearing attachment 41 and furthermore by the means of a pin to actuate a microswitch on a top circular circuit board 148. In a preferred embodiment, a rotary encoder may also be used to detect the exact angular position of the accelerometer unit 14. The angular position sensor signals or the pulses created by the microswitch may be transmitted to a processing unit 22 for calculating rotating instructions, which may be given to the user.

[0125] The message transfer between the electronic components of the alignment system 100 is shown schematically in FIG. 5. The electronic accelerometer unit 14 comprises the first accelerometer sensor 141 and at least a second accelerometer sensor 142. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic accelerometer unit 14 may additionally comprise a connection module 143 (for message transfer and communication connection to the processing unit 22), a microcontroller 144 and a power supply 145. It is also possible to provide the electronic accelerometer unit 14 with a local storage 149 for storing or at least buffering detected data. The data connection between the electronic accelerometer unit 14 and the processing unit 22 preferably is a wireless data connection (Bluetooth, ZigBee, or other forms of electromagnetic radiation, e.g. based on IEEE-802.11, WLAN, LAN or others).

[0126] The receiver unit 18 may preferably also comprise a data connection module 186 for data transmission to the processing unit 22. Preferably, also this data connection is a wireless data connection. The processing unit 22 serves to calculate the alignment dataset ADS as a result. In a first embodiment, the alignment dataset ADS is calculated and/or provided on the processing unit 22, which does not necessarily be part of the receiver unit 18. In a second embodiment, the alignment dataset ADS is calculated and/or provided locally on the receiver unit 18 by means of a local microprocessor 185. The receiver unit 18 may preferably also comprise adjustment means 181, in particular adjustment knobs, which may be turned to adapt the plane of an adjustment plate 187 with respect to the base plate 20 in case of uneven or rough terrain or ground. Further, the receiver unit 18 may comprise a Fresnel lens 182, an image sensor 183 and optionally—as mentioned above—a microprocessor 185 and/or the output device 24.

[0127] The alignment dataset ADS is provided on the output device 24. In a more complex environment, it is possible to provide the processing unit 22 on a server, for example on a cloud-based server on which more functionality may be provided. For example, machine learning algorithms may be implemented thereon in order to calculate further segments of the alignment dataset ADS based on historic data and reference data. For example, it is possible to learn from previous measurements and/or to estimate future predictions for the alignment dataset. It is also possible, to provide metadata META with respect to the detected data. The metadata META for example may refer to alert or warning signals, in case the detected measurements may not be within the normal range of values. Further, the metadata META may comprise time-related values, who long a re-alignment procedure did take and how often such procedures have been performed.

[0128] In another embodiment, it is also possible to provide the processing unit 22 on a mobile device 26, associated to a construction engineer or a user of the alignment system 100. The output device 24 may be implemented as a graphical user interface (GUI) or user interface (UI) of the mobile device 26. Referring back to FIG. 5, the output device 24 and the processing unit 22 may then be deployed on the same electronic device.

[0129] In still another embodiment, the output device 24 may also be deployed at the electronic accelerometer unit 14 and/or at the receiver unit 18. In this embodiment, the alignment system 100 may be used completely without the need to carry a separate mobile device.

[0130] FIG. 6 shows the alignment dataset ADS in a schematic form. The alignment dataset ADS consists of at least two parts, a first part with the gravitational data item gdi and a second part with the pendulum data item pdi. Both the data items gdi, pdi may be provided to and received by the processing unit 22, in particular in different time phases. First, the gravitational data item gdi is provided and second the pendulum data item pdi will be shown. The gravitational data item gdi stems from at least two accelerometer sensors 141, 142 and the pendulum data item pdi stems from the image sensor 183 of the receiver unit 18. Thus, both data items gdi, pdi are detected from different entities or units, namely from the electronic accelerometer unit 14 and from the receiver unit 18. The gravitational data item gdi represents a roll error and thus comprises a roll error portion rep and represents pitch error and thus comprises a pitch error portion pep. The pendulum data item pdi represents an offset error (if the panel P has been erected with a lateral offset or not) and thus comprises an offset error portion oep. Moreover, in another preferred embodiment, the alignment dataset ADS may optionally and in addition consist of another data item 61 for metadata META—in particular time-related data—as mentioned above. This is shown in FIG. 6 in dotted lines, because this additional data item is not mandatory.

[0131] FIG. 7 shows the receiver unit 18, which is mounted on a base plate 20 in more detail. On the left side, the receiver unit 18 is depicted in an assembled state, whereas on the right, its parts are shown in a retracted manner with more details. The receiver unit 18 comprises optical and electronic elements which are covered by a housing 180. A Fresnel lens 182 serves for collecting and focusing the received laser beam, which has been emitted by the laser emitter 164 at the bottom part of the pendulum support structure 165. In particular, the solution described herein makes use of a positive focal length Fresnel lens, used as a collector. Further, an image sensor 183 is protected by the housing 180 and is configured to receive the collimated laser beam. The receiver unit 18 further may comprise levelling means 184 (e.g. water level or another accelerometer or other means) for measuring the level of the adjustment plate 187 for being able to level the same by operating the adjustment means 181 so that the receiver unit 18 is aligned perpendicular to the Earth's gravitational field vector. The adjustment means 181 may be constructed as three adjustment knobs, which may be rotated or turned for height adaption of the adjustment plate 187 with respect to the base plate 20. This height adaption may be done at three different positions, so that the plane of the image sensor may be perfectly aligned being perpendicular to the gravitational field vector. The foundation slab of a building is not always perfectly horizontal and since the concrete surface could be uneven it is necessary to be able to adjust the adjustment plate 187. It is important that the Fresnel lens is horizontal; otherwise the laser beam will enter with an angle and give false readings. Preferably, the adjustment means 181 may be implemented as another accelerometer sensor or may be implemented as simple mechanics or water level. The adjustment means 181 and the levelling means 184 are provided on the receiver unit 18 on a position which is easy to monitor and in particular outside the housing 180. In a preferred embodiment, the receiver unit 18 may also comprise a connection module 186 for data connection and message transfer to the processing unit 22. As can be seen in FIG. 7 three helical springs 188 may be provided for the purpose of height adaption and engagement with the adjustment means or knobs 181.

[0132] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of method steps for calculating the alignment dataset ADS according to a preferred embodiment of the solution presented herein. After start of the alignment procedure in step S1, a gravitational field strength is measured. This measurement is repeated for four times in the four dedicated, predefined measurement positions of the electronic accelerometer unit 14. This measurement serves to provide the gravitational data item gdi in step S2, which indicates if an inclination error for the constructive component P exists or not. In case there is an inclination error detected, the specific type of inclination error is detected by means of using the decision algorithm and this will be provided to the user via the output device 24. This gives the user the option, to correct and realign the formwork panel P to be perfectly vertical. For this purpose, correction instructions ci may be provided in step S3 on the user interface of the output device 24 to guide the user. This procedure of measurement—inclination error detection—calculation of correction instructions ci—realignment of the panel P may be reiterated in order to minimize or even eliminate the inclination error. In step S4, the laser emitter 164 is activated to emit the laser beam. In step S5, it is detected or measured if the laser beam hits the image sensor 183 of the receiver unit 18 at the target position or not. This detection or measurement serves as pendulum data item pdi, which then may be provided to the output device 24 in step S6. All or a subset of measurements may be stored in the storage 149 or in another (e.g. a central) storage for data processing.

[0133] Generally, the alignment system or method may be used for all levels of the formwork, starting from the first one until the top most panel. Referring to a time sequence, the first formwork panel is erected and the alignment device (casing 12 and receiver unit 18) is attached to the panel. The application forces the user to take for subsequent readings in all directions. The application then forces the user to adjust the panel so that it is perfectly aligned with the earths gravitational field vector (i.e. without any inclination errors). This could mean repeating the process of taking readings. When the panel is aligned to the gravitational field vector any offset is adjusted by making sure the laser hits the Fresnel lens on the receiver unit 18 in the exact center (which has been predefined as target position). Concrete may possibly be poured into the formwork (optional). The measurement steps (readings) are repeated for the next level of panels.

[0134] In another preferred embodiment, more assistance and guidance may be provided to the user.

[0135] In the installation phase, the processing unit 22 may be configured to provide attachment instructions ai to the user which may help him to attach the casing 12 between the top and bottom fixing bracket 101, 102 and/or for attaching the attachment unit 10 at the constructive component P. In particular, a step-by-step procedure may be output on the output device.

[0136] In the installation phase, the processing unit 22 may further be adapted for providing installation instructions ii for aligning or levelling the receiver unit 18 by means of the adjustment means 181. This type of installation instructions serves to calibrate the plane of the image sensor (which is identical to the adjustment plate 187) so that it extends perpendicular to the earth's gravitational field vector. The installation instructions may for example be provided with the message “turn knob A”. The message may be appended by a graphical representation which of the three knobs of the adjustment means 181 needs to be turned in which direction. This feature has the advantage of providing support in the most efficient manner.

[0137] In a measurement phase, the processing unit 22 may further be configured to provide correction instructions ci, which may provide guidance to the user how to realign the formwork panel P without any inclination error. The correction instructions ci may also be provided in different formats, in a textual format and/or graphical representation. Alternatively, or cumulatively an acoustic message may be provided as output. Further, in the measurement phase, rotating instructions ri may be calculated and provided, which provide guidance to the user how to rotate the electronic accelerometer unit 14 in the measurement positions.

[0138] The processing unit 22 may be configured to execute the decision algorithm DA for differentiating between a pitch inclination error, a roll in inclination error and an offset error. The processing unit 22 may further be configured to execute a validation algorithm VA. The validation algorithm VA relies on several measurements for one single constructive component P and compares the plurality of measurements with each other. In this way, incorrect measurements may be excluded from further processing and in particular may be neglected for calculating the alignment dataset ADS. This feature improves quality of the alignment procedure. In another embodiment, the validation algorithm VA may be configured to compare the measurements and/or the calculated alignment dataset ADS with reference values from previous measurements, historic data and/or estimated datasets, being provided by an artificial intelligence tool.

[0139] FIG. 9 shows the attachment unit 10 in more detail. Two identical attachment units are used where one connects to the top attachment bracket 101 and the other to the bottom attachment bracket 102 by the means of pin 103 on each respective attachment bracket. As can be seen, the attachment unit 10 consists of two pins 91 (also called attachment pints), an eccentric lock mechanism 93 mounted to the lever 92 in a way that the lock mechanism 93 can rotate respective to the lever 92 in order to facilitate both left and right side assembly. Examples where the eccentric lock is rotated in a left and right configuration is given below the detailed view in FIG. 9.

[0140] The attachment unit 10 serves for attachment of the casing 12 to the panel P by means of pins 91 to be inserted in recesses at the formwork panel P where after the lever 92 with the eccentric lock mechanism 93 is placed on the pin farthest from the device and the latch of the lock mechanism 93 is placed on the other pin. The lever 92 in turn connects to the pin 103 of the attachment brackets 101, 102 in such a way that the force exerted by the eccentric lock when actuated presses the attachment brackets 101, 102 to the panel P.

[0141] The device (with the attachment unit and the casing) is attached to the constructive component by means of the following procedure: [0142] 1. The two attachment pins 91 are inserted into the two corresponding receptacles or holes in the constructive component. [0143] 2. The device is located so that the top and bottom fixing brackets 101, 102 makes contact to the webbing of the constructive component P. [0144] 3. The lever 92 is placed so that it connects the engagement pin 103 on the fixing bracket to the attachment pin 91 farthest away from the casing. [0145] 4. The latch of the eccentric lock mechanism 93 is placed on the attachment pin 91 closest to the casing, thereafter, the eccentric lock mechanism is actuated so that the lever 92 pushes the device firmly to the points on the webbing of the constructive component where the fixing bracket makes contact. [0146] 5. With the device now held in place by the upper mount step 1, 3, 4 is repeated on the lower mount.

[0147] FIG. 10 shows the support structure 146 for the electronic accelerometer unit 14 in more detail. The rotating hub 42 engages with the angular contact bearing 43. The support structure 146 is shown in a retracted manner on the right side in FIG. 10.

[0148] In sum, the present invention relates to an alignment system. The alignment system may comprise: [0149] An upper attachment unit or top fixing bracket (i.e. upper part of the attachment unit) non-permanently attached to the formwork panel; [0150] A rotatable electronic unit (described above as electronic accelerometer unit) with a reference center fixed in the upper attachment unit and separated from the fixed center by the means of an angular contact bearing so that the electronic unit can be rotated manually (by muscle power) with respect to the fixed reference center and the upper attachment unit; [0151] A pendulum unit, with the pendulum attached with its pivoting point in the lower part of the (rotatable) electronic unit; [0152] A laser emitter permanently attached in the bottom of the pendulum; [0153] A bottom attachment unit or bottom fixing bracket (i.e. lower part of the attachment unit) non-permanently attached to the formwork panel; [0154] A casing tube permanently attached to the electronic unit protecting the pendulum and the electronics; The casing can rotate freely inside the bottom fixing bracket by the means of a Teflon sliding ring.

[0155] Moreover, an output device (which may e.g. be implemented on a mobile device) for providing the alignment dataset is provided.

[0156] Wherever not already described explicitly, individual embodiments, or their individual aspects and features, described in relation to the drawings can be combined or exchanged with one another without limiting or widening the scope of the described invention, whenever such a combination or exchange is meaningful and in the sense of this invention. Advantages which are described with respect to a particular embodiment of present invention or with respect to a particular figure are, wherever applicable, also advantages of other embodiments of the present invention.

[0157] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0158] 100 alignment system [0159] ADS alignment dataset [0160] META meta data [0161] P constructive component, in particular formwork panel [0162] 10 attachment unit [0163] 101, 102 top fixing bracket, bottom fixing bracket [0164] 103 engagement pin to connect attachment unit [0165] 91 pins for engagement with aperture in the constructive component [0166] 92 lever [0167] 93 rotatable eccentric lock mechanism [0168] 12 casing [0169] 14 electronic accelerometer unit [0170] 141, 142 first and second accelerometer sensor [0171] 143 connection module for data transfer [0172] 41 fixed bearing attachment [0173] 42 rotating hub [0174] 43 angular contact bearing [0175] 44 sealing [0176] 45 spring loaded steel ball [0177] 144 microcontroller of the accelerometer unit [0178] 145 power supply, in particular battery unit or energy harvesting unit [0179] 146 support structure [0180] 147 rectangular circuit board [0181] 148 circular circuit board [0182] 149 local storage on electronic accelerometer unit [0183] 16 pendulum unit [0184] 161 pivot point [0185] 162 pendulum [0186] 163 pendulum ballast [0187] 164 laser emitter [0188] 165 pendulum support structure [0189] 18 receiver unit [0190] 180 housing [0191] 181 adjustment means, in particular adjustment knobs [0192] 182 Fresnel lens [0193] 183 image sensor [0194] 184 levelling means [0195] 185 microprocessor of the receiver unit [0196] 186 connection module/interface of the receiver unit [0197] 187 adjustment plate [0198] 188 helical spring [0199] 20 base plate [0200] 22 processing unit [0201] 24 output device [0202] 26 electronic device, in particular mobile device [0203] S1 Measuring a gravitational field strength [0204] S2 providing the gravitational data item [0205] S3 calculating correction instructions [0206] S4 emitting a laser beam [0207] S5 measuring a reception area of the laser beam on the receiver unit 18 [0208] S6 providing a pendulum data item [0209] rep roll error portion [0210] pep pitch error portion [0211] oep offset error portion [0212] ri rotating instructions [0213] ii installation instructions [0214] ai attachment instructions [0215] ci correction instructions [0216] gdi gravitational data item [0217] pdi pendulum data item [0218] DA decision algorithm [0219] VA validation algorithm