System and method for tracking reinforcement member placement in an additively manufactured structure

A method of manufacturing a tower structure, the method comprising:

• depositing, via a printhead assembly of an additive printing system, a first printed layer of a wall of the tower structure;
• positioning a first reinforcement member on the first printed layer;
• depositing, via the printhead assembly of the additive printing system, a second printed layer of the wall on the first reinforcement member;
• placing a second reinforcement member on the second printed layer;
• determining, via an optical sensor of the additive printing system, a position for placing the second reinforcement member based on the first reinforcement member positioning;
• positioning the second reinforcement member on the second printed layer in the determined position;
• and
• depositing, via the printhead assembly of the additive printing system, a third printed layer of the wall on the second reinforcement member.

An additive printing system for manufacturing a tower structure, the additive printing system comprising:

• a support structure;
• an optical sensor;
• a printhead assembly operably coupled to the support structure;
• and
• a controller communicatively coupled to the printhead assembly and the optical sensor, the controller comprising at least one processor configured to perform or direct a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations comprising:
• depositing a first printed layer of a wall with the printhead assembly;
• optically scanning the first printed layer, via the optical sensor, during depositing of the first printed layer by the printhead assembly;
• depositing a second printed layer of the wall with the printhead assembly atop the first printed layer, the first printed layer comprising a first reinforcement member, the second printed layer configured to hold a second reinforcement member thereon;
• generating a three-dimensional map of the first printed layer based on the optical scan;
• and
• determining a position for placing the second reinforcement member based on the three-dimensional map of the first printed layer.