System for routing objects comprising reusable containers
By integrating the wear evaluation subsystem of vibration sensor and vibration generator in the reusable box, the wear of the box wall is automatically detected, and the problem of vulnerability to the box during delivery is solved, and reliable detection and preventive maintenance of box wall wear is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380059165.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-14
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-25
AI Technical Summary
The existing reusable boxes are susceptible to impact and damage during delivery, resulting in damage and degradation of wall components, which in turn makes the boxes difficult to reuse, and wear detection depends on subjective operator inspection and is easily missed.
A wear evaluation subsystem integrating vibration sensors and vibration generators is designed to automatically detect and inform the wear of the box wall by generating a vibration sequence of predetermined frequency and amplitude, and capture the vibration distribution through an accelerometer, compare with the reference vibration distribution.
It realizes automatic and reliable detection of box wall wear, avoids the subjectivity of human inspection, and ensures that the box can be timely preventively maintained during the entire life period and extends its service life.
Smart Images
Figure CN119698545A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The field of the invention is that of logistics.
[0002] The present invention more particularly relates to a system and method for transporting objects that implements a reusable container intended to contain the objects. Technology Status
[0003] Traditionally, the delivery of objects involves the use of a container that is used to hold the object and form a protective shell around the object.
[0004] Cardboard forms such containers in the simplest way. These cardboards, with the exception of the first cardboard, are not or only rarely able to support delivery. In fact, in the event of excessive impact or careless handling, the cardboard tears or deforms in an inelastic manner.
[0005] Reusable boxes are increasingly used for transporting objects. These reusable boxes are designed from stronger materials than cardboard. For example, such reusable boxes can be made of reinforced plastic (e.g., expanded polystyrene), which has much greater durability than cardboard.
[0006] These reusable boxes can be provided with embedded electronics and, for example, if desired, with an external screen for displaying delivery information on the outside of the container. This avoids the use of a self-adhesive label that would be printed for each delivery of a package formed from one of the reusable boxes.
[0007] This technology makes it possible to form packages whose containers (boxes) for delivery are not to be discarded after the first delivery.
[0008] However, the nature of delivery subjects these reusable boxes to impact and potentially damaging handling. Therefore, despite seeking significant durability, degradation of these reusable boxes is inevitable.
[0009] As a result, various components of these boxes may become damaged and weakened.
[0010] The walls of these boxes may for example break, split, crack or deform. In this case, these boxes become difficult to use, or even completely unusable. In fact, during delivery, the contents of the box may be damaged or even lost.
[0011] Thus, degradation of the walls of these reusable boxes makes it impossible to reuse the boxes as containers for deliveries.
[0012] Therefore, the condition of these reusable boxes must be regularly checked to prevent degraded boxes from being reused.
[0013] Considering the large number of reusable boxes that may be implemented as part of a system for conveying objects, inspection of each of these reusable boxes may become problematic.
[0014] The wear inspection of the box usually requires an operator. The operator may correspond to a person who has just received the reusable box, for example, who can then observe and inspect the state of the reusable box before returning the reusable box.
[0015] Such inspections may be inadequate and subjective in nature. As a result, wear may not be detected. Purpose of the invention
[0016] The present invention has as its object, inter alia, to solve this problem.
[0017] More specifically, the invention aims at proposing a subsystem for evaluating the wear of physical elements of the device into which it is integrated.
[0018] The present invention also aims to provide a reusable container according to the present invention in which a wear assessment subsystem is integrated.
[0019] The invention also aims to propose a system for conveying objects, which implements reusable containers and whose wear can be easily checked despite a large number of reusable containers.
[0020] The invention also aims to provide such a system which allows making the detection of wear more reliable during the inspection of reusable containers. Summary of the invention
[0021] These objects, as well as others that follow, are achieved by the invention, which relates to a subsystem for evaluating the wear of at least one physical element constituting a device, into which the subsystem is integrated, The subsystem includes at least one vibration sensor connected to the electronic processing device and coupled to the physical element, The subsystem also includes: at least one vibration generator for generating vibrations transmitted to said physical element, said generator being parameterized to generate a vibration sequence having at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude, and said electronic processing means being programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of said physical element and being parameterized to: - triggering the vibration generator periodically, or automatically after detecting a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor connected to the electronic processing device, or by a one-time request to activate the wear assessment subsystem; - analyzing the vibrations generated by the vibration generator and captured by the vibration sensor to determine a captured vibration distribution of the physical element; - issuing a notification regarding a degradation of the captured vibration profile of the physical element compared to the at least one reference vibration profile.
[0022] In other words, the electronic processing means are programmed to trigger, substantially in parallel, on the one hand, the generation of a series of vibrations or a distribution of vibrations transmitted to the physical element and, on the other hand, to capture, directly or indirectly, the vibrations retransmitted by and thus generated by the physical element.
[0023] Thanks to these technical features, the wear assessment subsystem integrating its own vibration generator generates a reference vibration distribution which is submitted directly or indirectly to the monitored physical element. Therefore, for the analysis, the vibration source is perfectly controlled and the vibrations generated are reproducible. The captured vibration data forming the vibration distribution to be analyzed are then compared with the reference vibration distribution, making it possible to follow the evolution of the aging of the physical element.
[0024] Furthermore, the wear assessment subsystem has the advantage of autonomously ensuring monitoring of the physical element under observation and enabling self-diagnosis.
[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reference vibration distribution of the physical element or one of the reference vibration distributions corresponds to the vibration distribution of the physical element in a new state, a repair state, or a transient state determined by vibration analysis at a predetermined moment.
[0026] According to another solution, the reference vibration distribution of the physical element or one of the reference vibration distributions corresponds to a set of vibration distributions of the physical element previously analyzed by the electronic processing device.
[0027] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vibration generator and / or the vibration sensor is directly coupled to the physical element. In other words, the vibration generator and / or the sensor is in direct contact and therefore has a common interface with the physical element to be observed. This is what allows to obtain the vibration signature of the physical element during the life of the product in which the physical element is integrated.
[0028] Due to these characteristics, only the response to the vibration distribution of the physical elements integrated into the device is analyzed. Therefore, when the wear threshold is exceeded, the maintenance, repair or replacement of the physical element involved can be accurately determined, which is different from the indirect coupling that provides the vibration response of the component assembly or mechanism, in which the identification of the fatigued physical element still has to be carried out.
[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the vibration sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a velocity meter, a displacement sensor, and a resistance strain gauge.
[0030] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a reusable container for containing an object, which forms a device including a physical element and a wear assessment subsystem.
[0031] Thus, a container-type device permanently comprising the entire wear assessment subsystem according to the invention can assess the wear level of the monitored physical element at any time and as required during its entire life.
[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a one-time request to activate the wear assessment subsystem is issued when the container is in a reference condition.
[0033] Due to these characteristics, it is possible to perform a new inspection, observation or acquisition of a monitoring vibration distribution under conditions similar to those under which a reference vibration distribution of the monitored physical element was acquired. For example, the reference situation is the situation of a device equipped with the monitored physical element, the component is not in use and is at rest. As described below, by acquiring a reference vibration distribution in a new state, a calibration can be performed, for example, at the output of a production line of a device equipped with a wear assessment subsystem. The reference vibration distribution is thus characteristic of the physical element under observation. Therefore, the tracking of aging is personalized and specific to the physical element under observation. In other words, the acquisition of a new vibration distribution upon request under conditions similar to the reference vibration distribution, i.e. under known and essentially reproducible conditions, makes the comparative analysis of the vibration distribution and the diagnosis of fatigue or wear of the physical elements of the device equipped thereby more reliable.
[0034] It is understood that the reference situation can be defined according to other criteria. For example, for a container, the reference situation can be the situation where the container is not empty, but a determined load is placed in the container. The determined load is selected to highlight specific characteristics of the container using the vibration distribution that is recorded and analyzed.
[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the physical element to which the vibration generator is coupled is a wall of said container.
[0036] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a display device intended to be visible to a user of the system, and wherein the electronic processing means are parameterized to display on the display device notifications related to degradation of the captured vibration distribution, said notifications being issued by the wear assessment subsystem.
[0037] Therefore, a device, here a container, integrating a wear assessment subsystem can inform the user about its status and its degradation.
[0038] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a preventive maintenance system comprising wear assessment subsystems, a remote server, and means for each subsystem communicating with the remote server, the means being parameterized to log notifications related to degradation of a vibration profile captured by each wear assessment subsystem.
[0039] Thanks to these technical features, each wear assessment subsystem is supervised and a history of notifications of degradation of the vibration profile of the monitored physical element is stored.
[0040] Furthermore, the aggregation of vibration profiles of several wear assessment subsystems coupled to the same type of physical element makes it possible to cross-reference the history of aging and degradation information of said element in order to facilitate the establishment of preventive maintenance strategies, thereby predicting failures and downtimes.
[0041] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, each wear assessment subsystem is integrated into a container to form a series of reusable object transport containers that are supervised by a preventive maintenance system.
[0042] Due to these technical features, a range of vessels are being monitored for wear for preventive maintenance purposes.
[0043] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for evaluating the wear of at least one physical element, wherein the at least one physical element constitutes a device integrated with a wear evaluation subsystem implementing the method, wherein the wear evaluation subsystem comprises: - at least one vibration sensor connected to the electronic processing means and coupled to said physical element; - at least one vibration generator for generating vibrations transmitted to said physical element, said generator being parameterized to generate a vibration sequence having at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude, The electronic processing device is programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of the physical element, the method comprising the steps of: - triggering the vibration generator periodically, or automatically after detecting a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor connected to the electronic processing device, or by a one-time request to activate the wear assessment subsystem; - analyzing the vibrations generated by the vibration generator and captured by the vibration sensor to determine a captured vibration distribution of the physical element; - issuing a notification regarding a degradation of the captured vibration profile of the physical element compared to the at least one reference vibration profile.
[0044] In addition, the present invention also relates to a system for conveying an object, comprising: - Reusable containers for holding objects; - at least one accelerometer per container; - electronic processing devices; Characterized in that the system includes a subsystem for evaluating the wear of the reusable container, the subsystem comprising: - at least one vibration generator intended to generate vibrations in at least one wall of at least one of said reusable containers, said generator being parameterized to generate a vibration sequence having at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude, And for each container, said electronic processing means is programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of said container and parameterized to: - analyzing the vibrations generated by the vibration generator and captured by the accelerometer to determine a captured vibration distribution of the container; - issuing a notification regarding a degradation of said captured vibration profile compared to said at least one reference vibration profile of said container.
[0045] Thanks to the object conveying system according to the invention, the reusable container can be evaluated for wear using the vibration sequences generated by the vibration generator and thanks to the capture of these vibrations by the accelerometer of the reusable container and the analysis of these vibrations.
[0046] Wear of the container corresponds, for example, to weakening, cracking, degradation or breakage of the container.
[0047] Analysis of the generated vibrations makes it possible to compare the captured vibration profile with a reference vibration profile.
[0048] This captured vibration distribution makes it possible to determine the degradation level of the vibration distribution compared to a reference vibration distribution and to know whether a predetermined degradation level is reached or exceeded, or even the location of the degradation on the container.
[0049] This wear assessment of the reusable container is performed without necessarily involving an operator who, for example, intends to perform a visual inspection of the container. Preventive (eg automatic) maintenance of the containers of the system is possible.
[0050] Since the captured vibration profile is analyzed in comparison with a reference vibration profile, the detection of wear that cannot be detected visually can be detected in order to avoid the use of containers that are actually unsuitable for performing the transport of objects.
[0051] According to a preferred variant, the reusable containers are reusable packaging boxes, each packaging box comprising at least one accelerometer.
[0052] In this case, the reference vibration distribution of the container corresponds to the reference vibration distribution of the reusable box.
[0053] The system according to the invention is particularly advantageous for this application of containers of the “reusable parcel box” type, since these boxes undergo potentially destructive handling during their transport for delivery and since the ability to then be able to check their reuse is important.
[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, each container integrates at least one vibration generator, the electronic processing means being configured to actuate the vibration generator(s).
[0055] In this way, even when the container is used for delivery or waiting to be used for delivery, the inspection of the structural integrity of the container can be performed autonomously. In this case, the electronic processing device actuates the vibration generator (one or more) integrated into the container, captures the vibration using the accelerometer integrated into the container, and then analyzes the vibration.
[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the system includes an external vibration generator distinct from the reusable case.
[0057] Such an external generator may be used by an operator, or by an automated device, to bring the generator into contact with the wall of the box to be inspected.
[0058] Preferably, the system comprises, for each container, a computer unit forming at least partly the electronic processing means.
[0059] This makes it possible to carry out an analysis of the vibrations generated by the vibration generator directly using the computer unit of the container.
[0060] The computer unit can then issue notifications solely related to the captured vibration profile and, if necessary, shut down if the wear of the container is too great or a return for maintenance is requested.
[0061] According to a preferred design, the computer unit is integrated into the container and preferably into one of the walls of the container.
[0062] The integration of the computer unit into the container is then optimized.
[0063] According to another preferred design, the computer unit is added to the container, the system comprising means for coupling the computer unit to the container.
[0064] In other words, the coupling device ensures the integration and mechanical connection of the computer unit added to the container.
[0065] This makes it possible to use computer units with different types of containers, and possibly to use containers which were not originally designed to form part of the system according to the invention.
[0066] Advantageously, the system comprises a remote server and means for communicating with the remote server for each container, the remote server being parameterized to log notifications relating to degradation of the captured vibration profile.
[0067] In this way, the remote server groups together notifications related to degradation of the captured vibration distribution of the containers of the system.
[0068] This avoids having to go back and consult each container of the system to be aware of the degradation of the container.
[0069] The remote server may advantageously be parameterized so that, upon receiving a notification relating to a degradation of the vibration profile of a captured container, it programs preventive maintenance of said container.
[0070] This system greatly simplifies the operation of maintaining the container.
[0071] Advantageously, the remote server may at least partially form the electronic processing means.
[0072] In this case, the vibrations generated by the vibration generator and captured by the accelerometer are analyzed to determine the captured vibration distribution of the container, which can be performed by more powerful electronics than the electronics of the computer unit of the container.
[0073] The communication means for each container are designed to transmit data relating to the vibrations captured by the accelerometer to a remote server, allowing the remote server to analyze these vibrations.
[0074] According to a preferred solution, the generator is parameterized to generate at least two vibration sequences with at least two different predetermined frequencies and / or at least two different predetermined amplitudes.
[0075] A plurality of vibration sequences makes it possible to improve the detection of possible structural defects of the container.
[0076] According to an advantageous solution, the reference vibration profile of the container or one of the reference vibration profiles corresponds to the vibration profile of the container in a new state, or a repaired state, or a transient state determined at a predetermined moment by means of a vibration analysis.
[0077] The vibration distribution of the container in the new state corresponds to the vibration captured by the accelerometer of the container after the vibration is emitted by the vibration generator of the system after the design and manufacture of the container. This reference vibration distribution makes it possible to accurately calibrate the original level of the vibration distribution.
[0078] The vibration distribution of the container in the transient state corresponds to the vibration captured by the accelerometer of the container after the vibration is emitted by the vibration generator of the system at a predetermined moment (for example automatically or upon request of a remote server after use of the container).
[0079] According to another solution, the reference vibration distribution of the container or one of the reference vibration distributions corresponds to a set of vibration distributions of containers previously analyzed by the electronic processing device.
[0080] The system then implements artificial intelligence to analyze this data stream. This approach makes it possible to enrich the reference vibration distribution with the experience of artificial intelligence and the observation of degradation.
[0081] Advantageously, the electronic processing means are parameterized to trigger the vibration generator periodically or automatically after the detection of a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor of the container.
[0082] Thus, the structural state of the container can be periodically checked and the development of wear can be noted to allow the most precise programming of the maintenance of the degraded container.
[0083] The predetermined event may correspond to the falling of the container, or to a significant impact. The detection of such an event may be performed using an accelerometer, for example. Performing the check after such a predetermined event is particularly advantageous, since it makes it possible to know directly whether the predetermined event has caused a degradation that could render the container unusable.
[0084] According to one advantageous feature, the system comprises a display device intended to be visible to a user of the system, and the electronic processing means are parameterized to display on the display device a notification relating to a degradation of the captured vibration profile.
[0085] In this way, the system allows users of the system to be directly aware of degradation observed in the container and this without delay.
[0086] The invention also relates to a method for conveying objects comprising reusable containers for containing the objects, each container comprising an accelerometer, Characterized in that the method comprises a step of evaluating the wear of the reusable containers, during which the wear of one of the containers is evaluated by: - generating a vibration sequence having a predetermined frequency and amplitude in a wall of one of the reusable containers; - capturing vibrations propagating in the wall of the container by means of the accelerometer; -Analysis of the captured vibrations.
[0087] The reusable container can then be subjected to preventative maintenance, such as by programming the shipment to a repair center, in order to deliver other objects. Attached photos
[0088] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following description of various preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and in the accompanying drawings: - Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a system for conveying objects according to the present invention, the system comprising a reusable container of a reusable parcel box type; - Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an object transport system according to the present invention, which includes any container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0089] The subsystem for assessing the wear of at least one physical element according to the invention is intended to be integrated into a device comprising a physical element to be monitored. Such a wear assessment subsystem is thus a subassembly embedded in a third-party device. An example of a third-party device is described below, in which a reusable container 1 is embedded with such a wear assessment subsystem.
[0090] According to the present invention, such a subsystem comprises: - at least one vibration sensor 11, directly or indirectly physically coupled to the physical element to be observed, - at least one vibration generator 3 for generating vibrations transmitted directly or indirectly to said physical element of said supporting device,
[0091] Furthermore, the vibration sensor 11 is connected for communication with the electronic processing device 2. As will be seen later in this description, the electronic processing device 2 is programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of a physical element and is parameterized to: - triggering the vibration generator 3 periodically, either automatically after the detection of a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor connected to the electronic processing means 2, or by a one-time request to activate the wear assessment subsystem; - analyzing the vibrations generated by the vibration generator 3 and captured by the vibration sensor 11 to determine the captured vibration distribution of the physical element; - issuing a notification regarding a degradation of the captured vibration profile compared to the at least one reference vibration profile of the physical element.
[0092] exist Figure 1 and 2 In the figure, the wear assessment subsystem is represented as being perfectly integrated into the device and system described below, wherein all containers of the system form a conveyor train within the meaning of the present invention.
[0093] therefore, Figure 1 The object conveying system according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 implements the method according to the invention for conveying objects.
[0094] Reference Figure 1 and 2 , the object conveying system includes: - a reusable container 1; - Electronic processing unit 2.
[0095] The system also includes a remote server 4 .
[0096] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the reusable container 1 is a reusable parcel box. These boxes can be used to send objects in the form of parcels.
[0097] Reference Figure 2 , the container 1 shown is a transport box.
[0098] According to the principles of the present invention, reference Figure 1 and 2 , the system also includes a subsystem for evaluating the wear of the reusable container 1.
[0099] The evaluation subsystem comprises at least one vibration generator 3 for generating vibrations in the wall of at least one of the reusable containers 1. This generator or these generators 3 are designed to generate at least one vibration sequence having at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude.
[0100] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in , the evaluation subsystem comprises at least one vibration generator 3 integrated into each container 1 .
[0101] More specifically, each container 1 includes two vibration generators 3 .
[0102] according to Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in , the evaluation subsystem comprises a single vibration generator 3 integrated into the container 1 .
[0103] According to one conceivable embodiment, the vibration generator 3 is an external generator and is distinct from the reusable container 1. This external generator is intended to be fixed to the surface of the wall of one of the containers 1 to generate a vibration sequence with a predetermined frequency and amplitude.
[0104] According to another conceivable embodiment, the system may comprise a vibration generator 3 integrated into each container 1 as well as an external vibration generator 3 .
[0105] refer to Figure 1 Each reusable container 1 of the wrapping box type comprises a box 101 and a cover 102 movably mounted on the box 101 between a closed position and an open position of the box 101, allowing access to the internal volume defined by the box 101 and possibly to the objects contained in the reusable box. More specifically, the internal volume of the box 101 is defined by a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending from the bottom wall, the side walls being adjacent to each other to form a peripheral distribution of the internal volume.
[0106] In this case, the cover 102 is pivotally mounted on the housing 101 .
[0107] A vibration generator 3 is integrated into one of the walls of the housing 101 of the reusable box shown, and another vibration generator 3 is integrated into the wall of the lid 102 of the reusable box.
[0108] The use of at least two vibration generators 3 makes it possible to multiply the vibration generation locations in the wall of the reusable container 1 .
[0109] The vibration generator 3 may take different forms.
[0110] The vibration generator 3 can be formed, for example, by a weight or a vibration element such as an unbalanced propeller.
[0111] It is also conceivable that the vibration generator 3 is formed by a vibrating surface, for example a membrane of a loudspeaker, or by an ultrasound generator.
[0112] These generators 3 are parameterized to generate said at least one vibration sequence with a predetermined frequency and amplitude. Advantageously, at least two vibration sequences with different predetermined frequencies and amplitudes are generated.
[0113] The vibration sequence may include a single frequency or multiple frequencies, the frequency of the vibrations varying as the sequence progresses, and a single amplitude or multiple amplitudes, the amplitude of the vibrations varying as the sequence progresses.
[0114] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , for each container 1, the system comprises: - at least one accelerometer 11; - a computer unit 12; - communication means 13 with the remote server 4; - Screen 14; An electronic accelerometer for storing electrical energy and powering the electronic functions of each container 1 , comprising in particular an accelerometer 11 , a computer unit 12 , communication means 13 and a screen 14 .
[0115] The accelerometer 11 is designed in particular to capture the vibrations generated by the generator(s) 3 and propagating in the walls of the container 1 .
[0116] The screen 14 is located on the outer surface of the reusable container 1 and is intended to be visible from the outside.
[0117] Such a screen 14 can, for example, display usage information of the reusable container 1 , such as a destination address of the container 1 .
[0118] More generally, the system comprises a display device 5 intended to be visible to a user U of the system.
[0119] This display device 5 can be formed, for example, by a screen 14 of each container 1 .
[0120] Reference Figure 1 As an alternative or in addition to the screen 14, the display device 5 can also be formed by an electronic device 51 of the user U (such as a smart phone).
[0121] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the remote server includes a data exchange device 41 and an electronic processing component 42 .
[0122] The data exchange means 41 of the remote server 4 are designed to allow data to be received from and sent to each container 1 through the communication means 13 .
[0123] According to one embodiment, the electronic processing means 2 are formed by a computer unit 12 of each container 1 .
[0124] According to another embodiment envisaged, the electronic processing device 2 is formed by electronic processing means 42 of a remote server 4 .
[0125] Finally, according to Figure 1 In the embodiment of the invention, the electronic processing device 2 is formed partly by the computer unit 12 of each container 1 and by the electronic processing means 42 of the remote server 4 .
[0126] refer to Figure 1 , the computer unit 12 is integrated into the container 1 and more specifically into one of the walls of the container 1 .
[0127] More specifically, the container 1 is designed to have, in one of its walls, a housing that is complementary in shape to the computer unit 12 .
[0128] Reference Figure 2 , a computer unit 12 is added to the container 1. The system comprises coupling means for coupling the computer unit 12 to the container 1.
[0129] The computer unit 12 may take the form of an electronic tablet.
[0130] The coupling means may take the form of an adhesive, and / or fixing tabs, and / or screws, and / or any other means capable of allowing the computer unit 12 to be coupled to the container 1 .
[0131] according to Figure 1 and 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the vibration generator 3 is integrated into the container 1 , but is distinct from the computer unit 12 .
[0132] The vibration generators 3 are then connected via a wired or wireless connection to the computer unit 12. These generators 3 can be provided with their own power supply means and integrated into one of the walls of the container 1 or fixed to one of the walls of the container 1.
[0133] It is conceivable that the vibration generator 3 is integrated into the computer unit 12 .
[0134] In a similar manner, the accelerometer 11 can be integrated into the container 1 in the computer unit 12 and / or outside the computer unit 12 .
[0135] refer to Figure 1 , a single accelerometer is integrated into the container 1 outside the computer unit 12.
[0136] However, according to another conceivable embodiment, the single accelerometer 11 may be integrated into the computer unit 12 .
[0137] refer to Figure 2 , two accelerometers 11 are integrated into the container 1 , one outside the computer unit 12 and the other inside the computer unit 12 .
[0138] In the case where the accelerometer is integrated outside the computer unit 12, the accelerometer 11 is connected to the computer unit 12 via a wired connection or a wireless connection. The accelerometer may have its own power supply means. Finally, the accelerometer is then integrated into one of the walls of the container 1 or is fixed to one of the walls of the container 1.
[0139] According to the principles of the invention, for each container 1 , the electronic processing means 2 are programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of the container 1 .
[0140] This reference vibration distribution may, for example, correspond to the vibration distribution of a new model of the container 1 .
[0141] The reference vibration distribution may also correspond to a repair state of the container 1 or to a transient state determined by a vibration analysis at a predetermined time.
[0142] The predetermined moment may correspond to the occurrence of an event occurring on the container 1 and captured by a sensor of the container 1, such as the accelerometer 11. For example, a drop of the container 1, followed by an impact of the container 1, may be captured by the accelerometer 11.
[0143] The reference vibration profile may also correspond to an analysis by artificial intelligence of an aggregation of previously analyzed vibration profiles of the container 1. In this case, it is advantageous for the container 1 to have a standardized design and format, e.g. Figure 1 The container 1 of the embodiment is a reusable wrapping case.
[0144] The reference vibration profile(s) are advantageously established when the container 1 is empty.
[0145] To this end, the system is configured to detect, for example using a weight sensor or a camera located in the container 1 that the container 1 is empty, to authorize the establishment of a reference vibration profile.
[0146] The reference vibration profile(s) can also be established after loading of the container 1 and after closing thereof.
[0147] The electronic processing device 2 is parameterized to: - analyzing the vibrations generated by the vibration generator(s) 3 and captured by the accelerometer 11 to determine a captured vibration distribution of the container 1; - Issuing a notification regarding a degradation of the captured vibration profile compared to said reference vibration profile of said container 1 .
[0148] Of course, issuing a notification regarding degradation of a captured vibration profile compared to a reference vibration profile involves analyzing the captured vibration profile compared to the reference vibration profile. Observing degradation of the captured vibration profile may result in issuing a notification from a predetermined degradation level below which the degradation is not invalid.
[0149] The analysis may be performed in such a way that the gap between the reference vibration profile and the captured vibration profile is used to determine the type, severity and location of the wear on the container 1 .
[0150] As mentioned above, each container 1 can communicate with a remote server 4 .
[0151] In this way, the remote server 4 receives notifications about degradation of the captured vibration profile compared to a reference vibration profile of the container 1 .
[0152] The remote server 4 is parameterized to log the notification.
[0153] In the event of an analysis by the electronic processing means 42 of the remote server 4 , a notification is then issued to the container 1 .
[0154] Advantageously, the remote server 4 is parameterized to program preventive maintenance of the container 1 upon receipt of a notification relating to an excessive degradation of the captured vibration profile compared to a reference vibration profile.
[0155] Preventive maintenance of containers 1 can only be recorded and programmed in a remote server 4 associated with the identifier of a container 1 that is too degraded, so that the container 1 is maintained as soon as it reaches a position where it can be repaired or at least removed from the object conveying circuit.
[0156] Advantageously, the remote server 4 is parameterized to return maintenance requirement information to the container 1 .
[0157] On receipt of this maintenance requirement information, the electronic processing means 2 of the system are programmed to place the container 1 in a non-use configuration.
[0158] In this case, the electronic processing device 2 informs the user U, for example, through the screen 14 , that the container 1 cannot transport the object, and displays the destination address of the maintenance center of the container 1 on the screen 14 of the container 1 .
[0159] Therefore, the container 1 can be sent to a maintenance center for maintenance.
[0160] Advantageously, the electronic processing means 2 are parameterized to periodically trigger the vibration generator 3 .
[0161] In this way, a periodic verification of the integrity of the reusable container 1 is achieved.
[0162] The triggering cycle of the vibration generator 3 can be: - if a slight degradation compared to the new state of the vibration distribution of the container 1 is recorded, it is significantly spaced apart in time; - a temporal proximity as soon as an increasingly significant degradation of the captured vibration profile is detected compared to the reference vibration profile.
[0163] The electronic processing device 2 may also occasionally require activation of the wear assessment subsystem and trigger the vibration generator 3 .
[0164] The activation may be caused by a command or request from a remote server 4, by an action performed on the container 1, or by an automatic device, the trigger of which may be, for example, an impact detected on the container 1 by a sensor of the container 1 (e.g., an accelerometer 11).
[0165] The electronic processing device 2 may also request activation of the wear assessment subsystem after a request to use the container 1 for delivery, or after closing the container 1 after delivery, in order to ensure that the container 1 is ready for delivery.
[0166] The electronic processing means 2 may also require activation of the wear assessment subsystem after detection of a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor of the container 1. After this assessment, if the container 1 is deemed capable of continued delivery, it is conceivable to establish a new reference vibration profile as described above.
[0167] In this way, it is easier to determine as accurately as possible once a degradation threshold is reached or exceeded which renders the use of the reusable container 1 invalid.
[0168] As a reminder, the system comprises a display device 5 intended to be visible to a user U of the system.
[0169] The electronic processing means 2 are parameterized to display on the display device 5 a notification related to the degradation of the captured vibration profile.
[0170] The transport method according to the invention implements reusable containers 1 intended to contain objects and each reusable container comprises at least one accelerometer 11 .
[0171] The method includes the step of assessing wear of a reusable container.
[0172] The step of assessing the wear of the reusable containers comprises, during the assessment of the wear of one of the containers: - generating a vibration sequence having a predetermined frequency and amplitude in a wall of one of the reusable containers; - capturing vibrations propagating in the wall of the container by means of the accelerometer; -Analysis of the captured vibrations.
[0173] The generation of a vibration sequence with a predetermined frequency and amplitude is performed by a vibration generator 3 .
[0174] Advantageously, this generation of the vibration sequence takes place directly in the wall of the container 1 , since the vibration generator 3 is integrated directly into the container 1 , and more specifically on or in the wall of one of the containers 1 .
[0175] As described above, the generation of such a vibration sequence having a predetermined frequency and amplitude may also result in the generation of other vibration sequences having other predetermined frequencies and amplitudes.
[0176] Capturing the vibrations propagating in the wall(s) of the container 1 by means of the accelerometer 11 makes it possible to capture the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations after they have propagated in the wall.
[0177] The capture of such vibrations allows the captured vibration distribution to be determined.
[0178] Analysis of the captured vibrations then makes it possible to determine whether degradation of the container 1 has occurred.
[0179] This analysis implements an algorithm making it possible to determine whether an excessive degradation threshold has been reached or exceeded by the container 1. Advantageously, this analysis is also performed to provide information on the type of degradation, its severity and its location.
[0180] The detection profile performs an analysis of the captured vibrations and thus an analysis of the captured vibration distribution relative to a reference vibration distribution.
[0181] The step of assessing the wear of the reusable box may also be performed after analyzing the captured vibrations, recording and issuing a notification related to the degradation of the captured vibration distribution compared to a reference vibration distribution of the container 1 .
[0182] The object conveying system according to the invention thus realizes reusable boxes which themselves can be easily checked for their mechanical state of wear at any time, after an impact or triggering event or as required.
[0183] Furthermore, once a serious defect is detected remotely and on demand, preventive maintenance can be programmed as quickly as possible.
[0184] In variants of the above-described embodiments of the invention, it is also possible to provide any recorder of the transmission of mechanical vibrations using other types of vibration detectors than accelerometers.
[0185] However, by accelerometer it is to be understood any type known to the person skilled in the art, and in particular piezoelectric accelerometers, piezoresistive accelerometers, fiber optic accelerometers, torque-balanced or force-balanced servo-controlled accelerometers, resonator accelerometers, capacitive micro-electromechanical systems accelerometers known as MEMS.
[0186] The vibration detector may also be a speedometer. In this case, it is necessary to include an electrodynamic speedometer, a laser velocimeter also referred to as a vibrometer, and an ultrasonic speedometer.
[0187] The vibration detector can also be a displacement sensor. This includes all types of displacement sensors, in particular inductive displacement sensors, capacitive displacement sensors, optical displacement sensors (in particular by interferometry, laser triangulation, reflection or transmission), differential transformer displacement sensors, tight-wire displacement sensors of the potentiometer or encoder type.
[0188] The above-described techniques for making a subsystem for assessing wear of at least one physical element may be used in different types of stationary or onboard equipment, for example for forming a package, bag or luggage (such as a suitcase or a suitcase).
[0189] Furthermore, the term physical element should be understood in a broad sense to include mechanical parts, mechanisms or mechanical subassemblies or electronic cards.
Claims
1. A system for conveying an object, comprising: - a reusable container (1) for containing objects; - each container (1) has at least one accelerometer (11); - electronic processing means (2); Characterized in that the system comprises a subsystem for evaluating the wear of the reusable container (1), the subsystem comprising: - at least one vibration generator (3) intended to generate vibrations in at least one wall of at least one of said reusable containers (1), said generator (3) being parameterized to generate a vibration sequence having at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude, and wherein each container (1) is integrated with at least one of the vibration generators (3), And wherein, for each container (1), the electronic processing device (2) is programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of the container (1) and is parameterized to: - triggering the vibration generator (3) periodically, or automatically after detecting a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor of the container (1), or by a one-time request, to activate the wear assessment subsystem; - analyzing the vibrations generated by the vibration generator (3) and captured by the accelerometer (11) to determine a captured vibration distribution of the container (1); - issuing a notification regarding a degradation of said captured vibration profile compared to said at least one reference vibration profile of said container (1).
2. The object conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reusable container (1) is a reusable packaging box, each packaging box comprising at least one accelerometer (11).
3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The system comprises, for each container (1), a computer unit (12), which at least partially forms the electronic processing device (2).
4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that The computer unit (12) is integrated into the container (1) and preferably into one of the walls of the container (1).
5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that The computer unit (12) is added to the container (1), and the system comprises means for coupling the computer unit (12) to the container (1).
6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The system comprises a remote server (4) and means (13) for each container (1) communicating with the remote server (4), the remote server (4) being parameterized to log notifications related to the degradation of the captured vibration profile.
7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The generator (3) is parameterized to generate at least two vibration sequences having at least two different predetermined frequencies and / or at least two different predetermined amplitudes.
8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reference vibration distribution of the container (1) or one of the reference vibration distributions corresponds to the vibration distribution of the container (1) in a new state, in a repair state, or in a transient state determined by vibration analysis at a predetermined moment.
9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reference vibration distribution of the container (1) or one of the reference vibration distributions corresponds to an aggregation of vibration distributions of containers previously analyzed by the electronic processing device (2).
10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The system comprises a display device (5) intended to be visible to a user (U) of the system, and the electronic processing means (2) are parameterized to display on the display device (5) a notification related to a degradation of the captured vibration distribution.
11. A method for conveying objects, said method implementing reusable containers (1) intended to contain the objects and each container (1) comprising an accelerometer (11), and each container (1) integrating at least one vibration generator (3) intended to generate vibrations in at least one wall of at least one of said reusable containers (1); - a subsystem for evaluating the wear of the reusable container (1); - an electronic processing device (2) parameterized to trigger the vibration generator (3) periodically, or automatically after the detection of a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor of the container (1), or by a one-time request, in order to activate the wear assessment subsystem, It is characterized in that The method comprises a step of assessing the wear of the reusable containers (1), during which the step of assessing the wear of one of the containers is performed: - generating a vibration sequence having a predetermined frequency and amplitude in the wall of the reusable container; - capturing, by the accelerometer, vibrations propagating in the wall of the container to determine a captured vibration distribution; - analyzing the captured vibration distribution compared to a reference vibration distribution; - recording and issuing a notification regarding a degradation of the captured vibration profile compared to the reference vibration profile of the container (1).
12. A subsystem for evaluating the wear of at least one physical element, said at least one physical element constituting a device in which said subsystem is integrated, The subsystem comprises at least one vibration sensor (11) connected to the electronic processing device (2) and coupled to the physical element, It is characterized in that The subsystem includes: - at least one vibration generator (3) intended to generate vibrations transmitted to said physical element, said generator (3) being parameterized to generate a vibration sequence having at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude, and wherein the electronic processing device (2) is programmed with at least one reference vibration distribution of the physical element and is parameterized to: - triggering the vibration generator (3) periodically, or automatically after detecting a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor connected to the electronic processing device (2), or by a one-time request, in order to activate the wear assessment subsystem; - analyzing the vibrations generated by the vibration generator (3) and captured by the vibration sensor (11) to determine a captured vibration distribution of the physical element; - issuing a notification regarding a degradation of said captured vibration profile compared to said at least one reference vibration profile of said physical element.
13. The wear assessment subsystem according to claim 12, characterized in that: The generator (3) is parameterized to generate at least two vibration sequences having at least two different predetermined frequencies and / or at least two different predetermined amplitudes.
14. The wear assessment subsystem according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The reference vibration distribution of the physical element (1) or one of the reference vibration distributions corresponds to the vibration distribution of the physical element (1) in a new state, in a repaired state, or in a transient state determined by vibration analysis at a predetermined moment.
15. The wear assessment subsystem according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The reference vibration distribution of the physical element (1) or one of the reference vibration distributions corresponds to an aggregation of vibration distributions of physical elements previously analyzed by the electronic processing device (2).
16. The wear assessment subsystem according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that: The vibration generator is directly coupled to the physical element.
17. The wear assessment subsystem according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The vibration sensor is directly coupled to the physical element.
18. The wear assessment subsystem according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that: The vibration sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a velocity meter, a displacement sensor, and a resistance strain gauge.
19. A reusable container (1) intended to contain objects, characterized in that The container forms a device comprising a physical element and a wear assessment subsystem according to any one of claims 12 to 18.
20. The reusable container (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that The one-time request to activate the wear-assessment subsystem is issued when the container is in a reference condition.
21. The reusable container (1) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The physical element to which the vibration generator (3) is coupled is a wall of the container.
22. A reusable container (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterised in that The reusable container (1) comprises a display device (5) intended to be visible to a user (U) of the container (1), and the electronic processing device (2) is parameterized to display on the display device (5) a notification related to a degradation of the captured vibration distribution, the notification being issued by the wear assessment subsystem.
23. A preventive maintenance system comprising a wear assessment subsystem according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that: The system comprises a remote server (4) and, for each subsystem, means (13) in communication with the remote server (4), the means (13) being parameterized to log notifications related to the degradation of the vibration profile captured by each subsystem.
24. A preventative maintenance system according to the preceding claim, wherein each wear assessment subsystem is integrated into a container according to any one of claims 19 to 22, forming a series of reusable object transport containers.
25. A method for assessing wear of at least one physical element, said at least one physical element constituting a device incorporating a wear assessment subsystem for implementing said method, said wear assessment subsystem comprising: - at least one vibration sensor (11) connected to the electronic processing device (2) and coupled to the physical element; - at least one vibration generator (3) intended to generate vibrations transmitted to said physical element, said generator (3) being parameterized to generate a vibration sequence having at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude, The electronic processing device (2) is programmed with at least one reference vibration distribution of the physical element, Characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - triggering the vibration generator (3) periodically, or automatically after detecting a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor connected to the electronic processing device (2), or by a one-time request, in order to activate the wear assessment subsystem; - analyzing the vibrations generated by the vibration generator (3) and captured by the vibration sensor (11) to determine a captured vibration distribution of the physical element; - issuing a notification regarding a degradation of said captured vibration profile compared to said at least one reference vibration profile of said physical element.