Engineering drafting, commonly called technical drawing, is a medium of conveying detailed information regarding objects or engineering projects in the form of geometrical drawing. It plays a crucial role in the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects and thus needs to be accurate and precise.
Traditionally, engineering drafting is carried out manually using geometrical tools. However, with technological evolution, multiple technologies have been introduced that are revolutionizing engineering drafting to a great extent. One such technology is the Internet of Things (IoT).
IoT technology is enhancing speed, accuracy, and efficiency for engineering processes. It is a network of physical devices that are interconnected and allows the exchange of data and communication through the Internet. The data is collected through the sensors, software, and other technologies that are embedded in these devices to facilitate the collection, and delivery of the data.
Integration of IoT in Engineering Drafting
Engineering drafting involves creating detailed designs or technical drawings either using manual techniques or using design software like AutoCAD, Revit, Solid Works, etc. The drawings are used as a blueprint for further processes. Nowadays, IoT technology is being used extensively in this process for generating data-based insights and increasing efficiency, accuracy, and design capabilities.
The key benefit that comes with the Internet of Things is its ability to create precise, optimized, and adaptive drafts using the data collected which further allows the connection between digital design and physical parameters. This way it has become easier for engineers to be innovative in design and drafting.
IoT Connectivity in Design and Drafting
The integration of systems and IoT devices as mentioned above is enabled by IoT connectivity. Herein, drafting platforms are connected with physical devices such as machines, sensors, environmental systems, etc., employed for collecting relevant data. This allows engineers and industry professionals to monitor and modify drawings or designs using real-time data.
Let us take an example of a particular construction project, wherein engineers need to monitor parameters like temperature, load, vibration, etc. to make accurate construction decisions.
In such cases, IoT sensors can be used with a set of other machines to collect data regarding the mentioned parameters and send it directly to the drafting team.
This helps in dealing with any inefficiency and malfunction in the system, to make changes, and implement appropriate solutions for them before starting the construction. This contributes to reducing costs and errors for the project.
In addition to this, IoT devices can provide a live feedback loop to the engineers with precise data from the physical world through seamless communication with Computer Aided Design (CAD). The use of IoT connectivity helps engineers verify and validate their drawings by comparing them with real-time data and ensuring that the designs or drafts meet safety and performance requirements.
Application of the Internet of Things in Engineering Drafting
IoT can be used in engineering drafting for vast purposes. Some of the key ways, it can contribute to engineering drafting are as follows:
Designing Smart Buildings
With a focus on sustainable development goals, the global construction sector is working on developing small building designs. The Internet of Things has a key role in the design and drafting of such projects. Using Internet of Things devices, monitoring, measurement and management of important parameters such as temperature, energy consumption, humidity levels, lighting, etc. can be done effectively.
This makes these smart buildings energy efficient and allows better resource management. For instance, in a small building project, the data collected through IoT systems can be used to adjust lighting or thermal systems considering the occupancy levels in the building using real-time data regarding temperature and humidity from within the building.
Predictive Maintenance for Infrastructure
IoT technology has an excellent ability to predict future occurrences of maintenance cases for working systems. This is one of the greatest advantages it offers as using the data provided by Internet of Things engineers can take preventive measures to avoid system failures by doing maintenance acts on potential issues.
Let us consider an example of a bridge under constant stress. IoT devices can measure and track the surrounding conditions and parameters such as vibrations, changes in temperature, along with wear and tear suffered by the brief to send to the engineers and allowing them to make changes in designs accordingly.
Autonomous Vehicles and Drones
The process of drafting and surveying in construction projects is becoming more efficient with the use of autonomous vehicles and drones. These machines can help to survey tough terrains and inaccessible elements of sites.
Engineers, using IoT devices attached to these vehicles and drones, are able to collect valuable data. For example, IoT sensor-embedded drones are being used to capture and generate 3-dimensional imagery of construction sites which simplifies the 3D modeling of the project. It also reduces the need for hand surveys and assists in decision-making.
IoT Sensors for Real-Time Feedback
Engineering projects require highest-level accuracy. The Internet of Things sensors enable accurate data to be gathered through real-time feedback on design models. The sensors enable measurement of the most important parameters like stress, pressure, temperature, and many more to further enhance designs according to the changing situations.
The most typical example of this is in the automotive industry. Automobile engineers test new prototype cars for material compatibility with road surfaces according to the data that has been gathered through IoT sensors.
IoT Sensors in Engineering Drafting
IoT sensors are the crucial elements of this tech-driven revolution in engineering drafting. These sensors act as a medium to collect and transmit the data, which makes the foundations for making changes in drawings or designs.
Temperature sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, and motion sensors are some of the most common IoT sensors used in engineering drafting. As suggested by their names, they monitor temperature variations, help in meeting pressure thresholds, detect the presence of objects, and track movements while providing real-time feedback, respectively.
Benefits of the Internet of Things in Engineering Drafting
Uses of IoT technology in engineering drafting are widespread and have several benefits including:
With IoT sensors, engineers are now able to design more precisely based on data gathered and choose to make changes as necessary based on shifting conditions.
IoT projects are time-saving because they are automated and allow the creation of a system of systems synchronized by open communication through IoT connectivity. It also reduces the frequency of mistakes in projects because engineers no longer need to work with outdated data when developing the projects.
Utilization of IoT in drafting engineering enables reduction of work and requirement of costly prototyping. Additionally, real-time tracking and virtual testing enable engineers to prevent significant mistakes and delays associated with redesign.
As mentioned above, IoT technology also assists in forecasting probable issues in projects, resulting in increased building life and reduced costs on maintenance.
With IoT, departments, and experts such as architects, engineers, and the construction crew can have greater coordination since it enables open communication among various stakeholders on a single platform.
Conclusion
Overall, it can be said that the latest technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) are making a significant contribution to engineering drafting by making it more precise, data-oriented, and less costly. In a way, it is reshaping the industry by allowing it to make informed decisions and improve the accuracy of designs.
With the advancements in technologies and IoT devices, its use in engineering drafting will grow facilitating innovative, smarter, and efficient designs and processes. The impact of IoT in engineering drafting is unavoidable and undeniable.
Stay tuned with PrimaVerse as we share current insights and trends in the engineering industry. Have a project in mind? Reach out to us now, and let's create a better world together!
Comments