Subsystem for assessing the wear of at least one mechanical element constituting a device

Abstract

Title: Subsystem for assessing wear of at least one mechanical element constituting a device The invention relates to a subsystem for assessing wear of a mechanical element comprising a vibration sensor (11) connected to electronic processing means (2) and coupled to the mechanical element, a vibration generator (3) intended to produce vibrations transmitted to said mechanical element, the generator (3) being configured to produce a sequence of vibrations, the electronic processing means (2) are programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of the mechanical element, and are configured to: trigger the vibration generator (3); analyze vibrations produced by the vibration generator (3) and captured by the vibration sensor (11) to determine a captured vibration profile of the mechanical element; issue a notification relating to a degradation of the captured vibration profile. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Subsystem for assessing the wear of at least one mechanical element constituting a device Field of invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of logistics.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a system and a method for transporting objects using reusable containers intended to contain the objects. State of the art

[0003] Conventionally, deliveries of objects involve the use of a container intended to contain the object, and to form a protective envelope around this object.

[0004] Cardboard boxes are the simplest form of such containers. These boxes are not, or are very little, capable of supporting deliveries other than the first. Indeed, the boxes tear or deform in an inelastic manner in the event of too great an impact, or careless handling.

[0005] Reusable boxes are increasingly being used for shipping items. These reusable boxes are made from materials that are more robust than cardboard. For example, such reusable boxes can be made from reinforced plastic, such as expanded polystyrene, which is much more durable than cardboard.

[0006] These reusable boxes can be provided with on-board electronics and, for example, an external screen allowing, if necessary, delivery information to be displayed outside the container. This avoids the use of self-adhesive labels to be printed for each delivery of a package formed by one of the reusable boxes.

[0007] This technique makes it possible to form packages whose container (the box) used for delivery is not intended to be thrown away following the first delivery.

[0008] Nevertheless, the very nature of a delivery causes these reusable boxes to be subjected to shocks and potentially destructive handling. Thus, despite the significant durability sought, degradation of these reusable boxes is inevitable.

[0009] Various components of these boxes can therefore be damaged and weakened.

[0010] The walls of these boxes can for example break, crack and split, become deformed. In this case, the boxes become difficult to use, or even completely unusable. Indeed, during delivery, the contents of the box can then be damaged or even lost.

[0011] Degradation of a wall of these reusable boxes thus makes it impossible to reuse these boxes as containers for deliveries.

[0012] Consequently, a periodic inspection of the condition of these reusable boxes must be carried out to prevent a degraded box from being reused.

[0013] Given the large number of reusable boxes that can be implemented within an object delivery system, the inspection of each of these reusable boxes can become problematic.

[0014] This control of the wear of a box typically requires a human operator. This human operator may, for example, correspond to the person who has just received a reusable box, who can then observe and control the condition of the reusable box before returning this reusable box.

[0015] Such monitoring may not be sufficient and is inherently subjective. Wear may therefore not be detected. Objectives of the invention

[0016] The invention aims in particular to respond to this problem.

[0017] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a subsystem for evaluating the wear of a physical element of a device in which it is integrated.

[0018] The invention also aims to provide reusable containers integrating a wear evaluation subsystem according to the invention.

[0019] The invention also aims to propose a system for transporting objects using reusable containers whose wear can be easily controlled, despite a large number of reusable containers.

[0020] The invention also aims to provide such a system which makes it possible to make the detection of wear more reliable during an inspection of the reusable container. Presentation of the invention

[0021] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject a subsystem for evaluating the wear of at least one physical element constituting a device in which said subsystem is integrated, said subsystem comprising at least one vibration sensor connected to electronic processing means and coupled to the physical element, the subsystem also comprising: - at least one vibration generator intended to produce vibrations transmitted to said physical element, the generator being configured to produce a sequence of vibrations with at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude, and the electronic processing means are programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of the physical element, and are configured to: - periodically trigger the vibration generator, or automatically after the detection of a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor connected to the electronic processing means, or trigger the vibration generator by a one-off request to activate the wear assessment subsystem; - analyze vibrations produced by the vibration generator and captured by the vibration sensor to determine a captured vibration profile of the physical element; - issue a notification relating to a degradation of the captured vibration profile compared to at least one reference vibration profile of the physical element.

[0022] In other words, the electronic processing means are programmed to, substantially in parallel, on the one hand, trigger the production of a series of vibrations or vibration profile transmitted to the physical element and on the other hand directly or indirectly capture the vibrations produced, retransmitted by and therefore through the physical element.

[0023] Thanks to these technical characteristics, the wear assessment subsystem which integrates its own vibration generator, produces a reference vibration profile which it submits directly or indirectly to the physical element under surveillance. Thus, for the analysis, the source of the vibrations is perfectly controlled and the vibrations generated are reproducible. The comparison of the captured vibration data forming the vibration profile to be analyzed with the reference vibration profile then makes it possible to follow the evolution of the aging of the physical element.

[0024] Furthermore, the wear assessment subsystem has the advantage of autonomously monitoring the physical element under observation and enabling self-diagnosis.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the or one of the reference vibration profiles of the physical element corresponds to a vibration profile of the physical element in a new state, or in a repaired state, or in a transient state determined by vibration analysis at a predetermined instant.

[0026] According to another solution, the or one of the reference vibration profiles of the physical element corresponds to an aggregate of vibration profiles of physical elements previously analyzed by the electronic processing means.

[0027] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vibration generator and / or the vibration sensor are directly coupled to the physical element. In other words, the vibration generator and / or sensor is in direct contact and therefore has a common interface with the physical element to be observed. This makes it possible to obtain the vibration signature of said physical element throughout the life of the product in which it is integrated.

[0028] Thanks to these characteristics, only the response to the vibration profile of the physical element integrated in the device is analyzed. It is thus possible to determine with precision maintenance, repair or replacement of the physical element concerned, when a wear threshold is crossed, unlike an indirect coupling which provides the vibration response of a set of elements or mechanism in which it remains to identify the tired physical element.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the vibration sensor is chosen from a group comprising an accelerometer, a velocimeter, a displacement sensor, a resistive strain gauge.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a reusable container for containing objects, forming the device which comprises the physical element and the wear evaluation subsystem.

[0031] Thus, a container-type device which permanently includes the entire wear assessment subsystem according to the invention can, throughout its lifetime, assess at any time and as needed, the level of wear of the physical element under monitoring.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one-off request for activation of the wear evaluation subsystem is issued when the container is in a reference situation.

[0033] Thanks to these characteristics, the acquisition of a new vibration profile for control, observation or monitoring can be carried out under conditions similar to those in which a reference vibration profile of the physical element under monitoring was acquired. For example, the reference situation is that of the device equipped with the physical element under monitoring, the assembly being unused and at rest. A calibration can for example take place at the output of the production line of the device equipped with the wear evaluation subsystem, by the acquisition of the reference vibration profile in the new state, as described below. Thus, the reference vibration profile is specific to the physical element under observation. The monitoring of aging is therefore personalized and specific to the physical element under observation.In other words, the acquisition of a new vibration profile on request in a situation similar to the reference one, i.e. a known and substantially reproducible situation, makes the comparative analysis of vibration profiles and the diagnosis of fatigue or wear of the physical element of the device thus equipped more reliable.

[0034] It is understood that the reference situation may be defined according to other criteria. For example, for a container, the reference situation may be that of a container not empty, but with a determined load placed in the container. This determined load being chosen so as to highlight a particular characteristic of the container using the vibration profile which 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 in that the electronic processing means are configured to display on the display device the notification relating to a degradation of the captured vibration profile, said notification being emitted by the wear evaluation subsystem.

[0037] Thus, the device which integrates the wear assessment subsystem, here the container, can inform the user of its condition and its degradation.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a preventive maintenance system comprising wear assessment subsystems, a remote server, and for each subsystem means of communication with the remote server which is configured to record the notification relating to the degradation of the vibration profile captured by each wear assessment subsystem.

[0039] Thanks to these technical characteristics, each wear assessment subsystem is supervised and the history of notifications of the degradation of the vibration profile of the physical element under monitoring is stored.

[0040] Furthermore, the aggregation of the vibration profiles of several wear assessment subsystems coupled with physical elements of the same types makes it possible to cross-reference the history of the aging and degradation information of said elements so as to facilitate the implementation of a preventive maintenance strategy, anticipating breakdowns and operational shutdowns.

[0041] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, each wear assessment subsystem is integrated into a container forming a fleet of reusable containers for transporting objects, supervised by the preventive maintenance system.

[0042] Thanks to these technical characteristics, the wear of a fleet of containers is monitored, for preventive maintenance purposes.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method for evaluating the wear of at least one physical element constituting a device integrating a wear evaluation subsystem which implements the method, the wear evaluation subsystem comprising: - at least one vibration sensor connected to electronic processing means and coupled to the physical element; - at least one vibration generator intended to produce vibrations transmitted to said physical element, the generator (3) being configured to produce a sequence of vibrations with at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude, the electronic processing means (2) being programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of the physical element, the method comprising the steps of: - periodically trigger the vibration generator (3), or automatically after the detection of a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor connected to the electronic processing means (2), or trigger the vibration generator (3) by a one-off request to activate the wear assessment subsystem; - analyzing vibrations produced by the vibration generator (3) and captured by the vibration sensor (11) to determine a captured vibration profile of the physical element; - issue a notification relating to a deterioration in the captured vibration profile compared to at least one reference vibration profile of the physical element.

[0044] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a system for transporting objects comprising: - reusable containers intended to contain objects; - at least one accelerometer per container; - electronic processing means; characterized in that it comprises a subsystem for evaluating wear of reusable containers comprising: - at least one vibration generator intended to produce vibrations in at least one wall of at least one of the reusable containers, the generator being configured to produce a sequence of vibrations with at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude, and in that, for each container, the electronic processing means are programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of the container, and are configured to: - analyze vibrations produced by the vibration generator and captured by the accelerometer to determine a captured vibration profile of the container; - issue a notification relating to a deterioration in the captured vibration profile compared to at least one reference vibration profile of the container.

[0045] Thanks to the object routing system according to the invention, a reusable container can have its wear evaluated using a sequence of vibrations produced by the vibration generator and thanks to the capture of these vibrations by the accelerometer of said reusable container and the analysis of these vibrations.

[0046] The wear of a container corresponds, for example, to a weakening, a fracturing, a degradation, or a breakage of the container.

[0047] The analysis of the vibrations produced makes it possible to compare the captured vibration profile with the reference vibration profile.

[0048] This captured vibration profile, compared to the reference vibration profile, makes it possible to determine a level of degradation of the vibration profile and to know whether a predetermined level of degradation is reached or exceeded, or even to know the location of the degradation on the container.

[0049] This wear assessment of reusable containers is carried out without necessarily involving an operator, intended for example to carry out a visual inspection of the container. Preventive maintenance, for example automated, of the containers of the system is possible.

[0050] Thanks to an analysis of the captured vibration profile in relation to a reference vibration profile, the detection of visually undetectable wear can be detected to avoid the use of a container which would in reality be unsuitable for carrying out the transport of objects.

[0051] According to a preferred variant, the reusable containers are reusable parcel boxes which each comprise at least one accelerometer.

[0052] In this case, the reference vibration profile of the container corresponds to a reference vibration profile of the reusable box.

[0053] Such an application of the system according to the invention to containers of the “reusable parcel box” type is particularly advantageous in that these boxes undergo potentially destructive handling during their transport for delivery, and it is then important to be able to control their capacity to be reused.

[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, a check of the structural integrity of a container can be carried out autonomously, even when the container is used to make a delivery or is waiting to be used to make a delivery. In this case, the electronic processing means activate the vibration generator(s) integrated in the container, capture vibrations using the accelerometer integrated in the container, and then analyze the vibrations.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the system comprises an external vibration generator, separate from the reusable boxes.

[0057] Such an external generator can be used by a human operator, or by an automaton, intended to put said generator in contact with a wall of a box to be controlled.

[0058] Preferably, the system comprises, for each container, a computer unit forming at least partially the electronic processing means.

[0059] This makes it possible to conduct an analysis of the vibrations produced by the vibration generator directly using the computer unit of the container.

[0060] The computer unit can then issue the notification relating to the captured vibration profile on its own and, if necessary, put itself out of service if the wear of the container is too great or request a return for maintenance.

[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 with the container is then optimized.

[0063] According to another preferred design, the computer unit is attached to the container, the system comprising means for coupling the computer unit to a container.

[0064] In other words, coupling means ensure the integration and mechanical connection of the computer unit attached to the container.

[0065] This allows the use of computer units with different types of containers, and potentially containers not initially designed to be part of the system according to the invention.

[0066] Advantageously, the system comprises a remote server, and means of communication with the remote server for each container, the remote server being configured to record the notification relating to the degradation of the captured vibration profile.

[0067] In this way, the remote server groups together notifications relating to the degradation of the captured vibration profile of the system's containers.

[0068] This avoids having to repatriate and consult each container in the system to become aware of any deterioration of the containers.

[0069] The remote server can be advantageously configured so that, upon receipt of a notification relating to the degradation of the captured vibration profile of a container, it schedules preventive maintenance of said container.

[0070] The system then greatly simplifies container maintenance operations.

[0071] Advantageously, the remote server can at least partially form the electronic processing means.

[0072] In this case, the analysis of the vibrations, produced by the vibration generator and captured by the accelerometer, to determine a captured vibration profile of the container, can be carried out by electronic means more powerful than those of the computer unit of a container.

[0073] The communication means for each container are designed to transmit to the remote server the data relating to the vibrations captured by the accelerometer so that the remote server can analyze these vibrations.

[0074] According to a preferred solution, the generator is configured to produce 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 in a container.

[0076] According to an advantageous solution, the or one of the reference vibration profiles of the container corresponds to a vibration profile of the container in a new state, or in a repaired state, or in a transient state determined by vibration analysis at a predetermined instant.

[0077] The vibration profile of the container in a new state corresponds to the vibrations captured by the accelerometer of the container following the emission of vibrations by a vibration generator of the system after the design and manufacture of the container. Such a reference vibration profile makes it possible to precisely calibrate the original level of the vibration profile.

[0078] The vibration profile of the container in a transient state corresponds to the vibrations captured by the accelerometer of the container following the emission of vibrations by a vibration generator of the system at a predetermined instant, for example automatically or at the request of the remote server after use of the container.

[0079] According to another solution, the or one of the reference vibration profiles of the container corresponds to an aggregate of vibration profiles of containers previously analyzed by the electronic processing means.

[0080] The system then implements artificial intelligence to analyze such a data flow. Such a method makes it possible to enrich the reference vibration profile through the experience of artificial intelligence and observations of degradation.

[0081] Advantageously, the electronic processing means are configured to periodically trigger the vibration generator, or automatically after the detection of a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor of the container.

[0082] A periodic check of the structural condition of a container can thus be carried out and the evolution of wear can be observed to enable maintenance of the damaged container to be scheduled as accurately as possible.

[0083] A predetermined event may correspond to a fall of the container, or to a significant shock. The detection of such an event may for example be carried out using the accelerometer. Carrying out a check following such a predetermined event is particularly advantageous in that it makes it possible to know directly whether this predetermined event has caused degradation likely to render the container unusable.

[0084] According to an advantageous characteristic, the system comprises a display device intended to be visible to a user of the system, and the electronic processing means are configured to display on the display device the notification relating to a degradation of the captured vibration profile.

[0085] In this way, the system allows a user of the system to become directly aware of any observed deterioration of a container, without delay.

[0086] The invention also relates to a method for transporting objects comprising reusable containers intended to contain objects and each comprising an accelerometer, - characterized in that it comprises a step of evaluating the wear of the reusable containers implementing, during the evaluation of the wear of one of the containers: - production of a sequence of vibrations with a predetermined frequency and amplitude, in a wall of one of the reusable containers; - capture of vibrations propagating in the wall of the container by the accelerometer; - an analysis of the vibrations captured.

[0087] Preventive maintenance of reusable containers, allowing other objects to be transported, is then possible, for example by scheduling a shipment to a repair center. Figures

[0088] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of different preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended figures: • [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an object delivery system according to the invention, comprising a reusable container of the reusable parcel box type; • [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the object delivery system according to the invention, comprising any container. Detailed description of the invention

[0089] The subsystem for evaluating wear of at least one physical element according to the invention is intended to be integrated into a device which includes the physical element to be monitored. Thus, such a wear evaluation subsystem is a subassembly embedded in a third-party device. An example of a third-party device is described below with a reusable container 1 embedding such a wear evaluation subsystem.

[0090] According to the invention, such a subsystem comprises: - at least one vibration sensor 11 physically coupled, directly or indirectly, to the physical element to be observed, - at least one vibration generator 3 intended to produce vibrations transmitted, directly or indirectly, to a physical element of the support device,

[0091] Furthermore, this vibration sensor 11 is connected, so as to communicate, to electronic processing means 2. As we will see later in this description, the electronic processing means 2 are programmed with at least one reference vibration profile of the physical element, and are configured to: - periodically trigger the vibration generator 3, or automatically after the detection of a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor connected to the electronic processing means 2, or trigger the vibration generator 3 by a one-off request to activate the wear evaluation subsystem; - analyzing vibrations produced by the vibration generator 3 and captured by the vibration sensor 11 to determine a captured vibration profile of the physical element; - issue a notification relating to a deterioration in the captured vibration profile compared to at least one reference vibration profile of the physical element.

[0092] In Figures 1 and 2, the wear assessment subsystem is shown perfectly integrated into the device and system described below, in which all the containers of the system form a transport fleet within the meaning of the invention.

[0093] Thus, the object routing system according to the invention, represented by [Fig.l], implements an object routing method according to the invention.

[0094] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the object routing system comprises: - reusable containers 1; - electronic processing means 2.

[0095] The system also includes a remote server 4.

[0096] According to the embodiment illustrated by [Fig.l], the reusable containers 1 are reusable parcel boxes. These boxes can be used to send objects in the form of parcels.

[0097] With reference to [Fig.2], the container 1 shown is a transport box.

[0098] According to the principle of the invention with reference to figures 1 and 2, the system comprises also a subsystem for assessing wear and tear of reusable containers.

[0099] This evaluation subsystem comprises at least one vibration generator 3 intended to produce vibrations in a wall of at least one of the containers 1 reusable. This or these generators 3 are designed to produce at least one sequence of vibrations with at least one predetermined frequency and at least one predetermined amplitude.

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the evaluation subsystem comprises at least one vibration generator 3 integrated in each container 1.

[0101] More specifically, each container 1 comprises two vibration generators 3.

[0102] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the evaluation subsystem comprises a single vibration generator 3 integrated into the container 1.

[0103] According to one possible embodiment, the vibration generator 3 is an external generator and is separate from the reusable containers 1. This external generator is intended to be affixed to the surface of a wall of one of the containers 1 to produce a sequence of vibrations with a predetermined frequency and amplitude.

[0104] According to another conceivable embodiment, it is possible for the system to comprise vibration generators 3 integrated in each container 1, as well as external vibration generators 3.

[0105] With reference to [Fig.l], each reusable container 1, of the parcel box type, consists of a box 101 and a cover 102 mounted movably on the box 101 between a closed position of the box 101 and an open position allowing access to an internal volume delimited by the box 101 and, possibly, to an object that the reusable box contains. More particularly, the internal volume of the box 101 is delimited by a bottom wall and several side walls extending from the bottom wall, the side walls abutting each other to form a peripheral contour of the internal volume.

[0106] The cover 102 is in this case pivotally mounted on the body 101.

[0107] A vibration generator 3 is integrated into one of the walls of the box 101 of the illustrated reusable box, and another vibration generator 3 is integrated into the wall of the cover 102 of the reusable box.

[0108] The use of at least two vibration generators 3 makes it possible to multiply the locations of vibration generation in the walls of a reusable container 1.

[0109] A vibration generator 3 can take different forms.

[0110] A vibration generator 3 can for example be formed by a weight, or a vibrating element such as an unbalanced propeller.

[0111] It is also conceivable that a vibration generator 3 is formed by a vibrating surface (for example the membrane of a loudspeaker), or even by an ultrasonic generator.

[0112] These generators 3 are configured to produce said at least one vibration sequence with a predetermined frequency and amplitude. Advantageously, at least two vibration sequences with distinct predetermined frequencies and amplitudes are produced.

[0113] A vibration sequence may comprise a single frequency or a plurality of frequencies, the frequency of the vibrations changing as the sequence progresses, and a single amplitude or a plurality of amplitudes, the amplitude of the vibrations changing as the sequence progresses.

[0114] With reference to figures 1 and 2, the system comprises for each container 1: - at least one accelerometer 11; - a computer unit 12; - means of communication 13 with the remote server 4; - a 14 screen; - electrical accumulators intended to store electrical energy and to power the electronic functions of each container 1, including in particular the accelerometer 11, the computer unit 12, the means of communication 13, and the screen 14.

[0115] The accelerometer 11 is designed, among other things, to capture vibrations produced by the or generators 3 and propagating in the walls of container 1.

[0116] The screen 14 is located on an external face of the reusable container 1 and is intended to be visible from the outside.

[0117] Such a screen 14 is for example capable of displaying 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 for example be formed by the screen 14 of each container 1.

[0120] With reference to [Fig.l], the display device 5 can also be formed, alternatively or complementary to the screen 14, by an electronic device 51 of the user U such as a smartphone.

[0121] As illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, the remote server comprises data exchange means 41 and an electronic processing unit 42.

[0122] The data exchange means 41 of the remote server 4 are designed to allow the reception and sending of data from and to each container 1 via the communication means 13.

[0123] According to one embodiment, electronic processing means 2 are formed by the computer unit 12 of each container 1.

[0124] According to another embodiment envisaged, the electronic processing means 2 are formed by the electronic processing unit 42 of the remote server 4.

[0125] Finally, according to the embodiment of [Fig.l], the electronic processing means 2 are partially formed by the computer unit 12 of each container 1 as well as by the electronic processing member 42 of the remote server 4.

[0126] With reference to [Fig.l], the computer unit 12 is integrated into the container 1, and more particularly into one of the walls of the container 1.

[0127] More precisely, the container 1 is designed to have a housing in one of its walls which is complementary in shape to the computer unit 12.

[0128] With reference to [Fig.2], the computer unit 12 is attached to the container 1. The system then comprises 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 coupling of the computer unit 12 to a container 1.

[0131] According to the embodiments of figures 1 and 2, the vibration generators 3 are integrated into the containers 1 but are distinct from the computer units 12.

[0132] The vibration generators 3 are then connected to the computer units 12 via a wired connection or a wireless connection. These generators 3 can be provided with their own electrical power supply means and are either 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 a vibration generator 3 is integrated into a computer unit 12.

[0134] In a comparable manner, the accelerometers 11 can be integrated into the containers 1 in the computer unit 12 and / or outside the computer unit 12.

[0135] With reference to [Fig.l], a single accelerometer is integrated into the container 1 outside the computer unit 12.

[0136] According to another conceivable embodiment, this single accelerometer 11 can however be integrated into the computer unit 12.

[0137] With reference to [Fig.2], two accelerometers 11 are integrated into the container 1, one outside the computer unit 12 and another in the computer unit 12.

[0138] In the case where an accelerometer is integrated outside the computer unit 12, this accelerometer 11 is connected to the computer unit 12 via a wired connection or a wireless connection. This accelerometer can be provided with its own electrical power supply means. Finally, the accelerometer is then either integrated into one of the walls of the container 1, or fixed to one of the walls of the container 1.

[0139] According to the principle 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 profile may, for example, correspond to the vibration profile of a new model of container 1.

[0141] The reference vibration profile can also correspond to a repaired state of the container 1, or even to a transient state determined by vibration analysis at a predetermined instant.

[0142] This predetermined instant 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 fall 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 aggregate of vibration profiles of containers 11 previously analyzed. In this case, it is advantageous for the container 1 to have a standardized design and format such as is the case of the container 1 of the embodiment of [Fig.l] which is a reusable parcel box.

[0144] The reference vibration profile(s) are advantageously established when the container 1 is empty.

[0145] For this purpose, the system is configured to detect, for example using the weight sensor or a camera located in the container 1, that the container 1 is empty, to allow the establishment of a reference vibration profile.

[0146] The reference vibration profile(s) can also be established following the loading of the container 1 and its closing.

[0147] The electronic processing means 2 are configured to: - analyze the vibrations produced by the vibration generator(s) 3, and captured by the accelerometer 11, to determine a captured vibration profile of the container 1; - issue a notification relating to a deterioration in the captured vibration profile compared to the reference vibration profile of container 1.

[0148] Of course, the emission of the notification relating to the degradation of the captured vibration profile compared to the reference vibration profile involves an analysis of the captured vibration profile compared to the reference vibration profile. The observation of a degradation of the captured vibration profile can lead to the emission of the notification from a predetermined degree of degradation below which a degradation is not invalidating.

[0149] The analysis can be carried out in such a way that the difference between the reference vibration profile and the one captured is used to determine the type of wear, the severity and the location on the container 1.

[0150] As mentioned previously, each container 1 can communicate with the remote server 4.

[0151] In this way, the remote server 4 receives the notification relating to the degradation of the captured vibration profile compared to the reference vibration profile of the container 1.

[0152] This remote server 4 is configured to record this notification.

[0153] In the case where the analysis is carried out by the electronic processing units 42 of the remote server 4, then the notification is sent to the container 1.

[0154] Advantageously, the remote server 4 is configured to program preventive maintenance of the container 1 upon receipt of a notification relating to excessive degradation of the captured vibration profile compared to the reference vibration profile.

[0155] Preventive maintenance of container 1 can only be recorded and programmed in the remote server 4 which, associated with an identifier of container 1 that is too degraded, causes maintenance of container 1 as soon as the latter arrives at a location where it is likely to be repaired, or at the very least removed from the object transport circuits.

[0156] Advantageously, the remote server 4 is configured to return maintenance requirement information to the container 1.

[0157] Upon receipt of this maintenance requirement information, the electronic processing means 2 of the system are programmed to put the container 1 into a non-use configuration.

[0158] In this case, the electronic processing means 2 inform, for example via the screen 14, the users U of the inability of the container 1 to transport an object, and display on the screen 14 of the container 1 a destination address of a maintenance center of the container 1.

[0159] Container 1 can thus be sent for maintenance to the maintenance center.

[0160] Advantageously, the electronic processing means 2 are configured to periodically trigger the vibration generator 3.

[0161] In this way, a periodic verification of the integrity of the reusable container 1 is implemented.

[0162] The triggering periodicity of the vibration generator 3 can be: - spaced significantly over time if a slight degradation compared to a new condition of the vibration profile of container 1 is recorded; - brought closer in time as soon as an increasingly significant degradation of the captured vibration profile is detected compared to the reference vibration profile.

[0163] The electronic processing means 2 may also occasionally require activation of the wear evaluation subsystem, and trigger the vibration generator 3.

[0164] This activation may result from a command, or request, from the remote server 4, from an action carried out on the container 1, or from an automation whose trigger may for example be a shock detected on the container 1 by a sensor of the container 1, such as the accelerometer 11.

[0165] The electronic processing means 2 may also require activation of the wear evaluation subsystem following the request to make a delivery using the container 1, or following the closing of the container 1 after a delivery, so as to ensure that the container 1 is able to make a delivery.

[0166] The electronic processing means 2 may also require activation of the wear evaluation subsystem following the detection of a predetermined event detected by at least one sensor of the container 1. Following this evaluation, if the container 1 is considered suitable for continuing deliveries, it is possible for a new reference vibration profile to be established as mentioned previously.

[0167] In this way, it is easier to determine, as accurately as possible, as soon as the degradation threshold invalidating the use of the reusable container 1 is reached or exceeded.

[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 configured to display on the display device 5 the notification relating to a degradation of the captured vibration profile.

[0170] The routing method according to the invention uses reusable containers 1 intended to contain objects and each comprising at least one accelerometer 11.

[0171] This method comprises a step of evaluating wear of the reusable containers.

[0172] The step of evaluating wear of reusable containers includes, when evaluating the wear of one of the containers: - production of a vibration sequence with a predetermined frequency and amplitude, in a wall of one of the reusable containers; - capture of vibrations propagating in the wall of the container by the accelerometer; - an analysis of the vibrations captured.

[0173] The production of a sequence of vibrations with a predetermined frequency and amplitude is carried out by the vibration generator 3.

[0174] Advantageously, this production of a sequence of vibrations is carried out directly in a wall of the container 1 because the vibration generator 3 is integrated directly in the container 1 and more specifically on or in the wall of one of the containers 1.

[0175] As explained above, this production of a sequence of vibrations with a predetermined frequency and amplitude can also give rise to the production of other sequences of vibrations with other predetermined frequencies and other amplitudes.

[0176] The capture of the vibrations propagating in the wall(s) of the container 1 by the accelerometer 11 makes it possible to capture the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations after they have propagated in the wall.

[0177] This capture of vibrations makes it possible to determine a captured vibration profile.

[0178] Then, the analysis of the captured vibrations makes it possible to determine whether degradation of the container 1 has taken place.

[0179] This analysis implements algorithms to determine whether or not the container 1 has reached or crossed a threshold of excessive degradation. Advantageously, this analysis is also carried out to provide information on the type of degradation, its severity, and its location.

[0180] This analysis of the captured vibrations, and thus of the captured vibration profile, is carried out in relation to the reference vibration profile.

[0181] The step of evaluating wear of the reusable boxes can also implement, after the analysis of the vibrations captured, a recording and transmission of a notification relating to a deterioration of the captured vibration profile compared to the reference vibration profile of the container 1.

[0182] The object routing system according to the invention thus uses reusable boxes which can themselves, at any time, following an impact or a triggering event or on demand, easily check their state of mechanical wear.

[0183] Also, preventive maintenance can be scheduled as soon as possible upon detection of a serious fault, remotely and on demand.

[0184] In variants of the embodiments of the invention detailed above, it may also be provided to use other types of vibration detector than the accelerometer, i.e. any recorder of the transmission of a mechanical vibration.

[0185] Nevertheless, by accelerometer, we must understand all types known to those skilled in the art and in particular piezoelectric accelerometers, piezoresitive accelerometers, fiber optic accelerometers, torque-balanced or force-balanced accelerometers, resonator accelerometers, capacitive microelectromechanical system accelerometers known under MEMS terminology (the English acronym for "micro electro mechanical System").

[0186] The vibration detector can also be a velocimeter. In this case, it is of course necessary to include electrodynamic velocimeters, laser velocimeters also known under the terminology of vibrometers, ultrasonic velocimeters.

[0187] The vibration detector can also be a displacement sensor. This includes all types of displacement sensors and in particular inductive displacement sensors, capacitive displacement sensors, optical displacement sensors (in particular by interferometry, laser triangulation, reflection or transmission), differential transformer displacement sensors, and stretched wire displacement sensors of the potentiometer or encoder type.

[0188] The technique described above for producing a subsystem for evaluating the wear of at least one physical element can be used in different types of fixed or on-board devices, for example to constitute a parcel, a bundle or even luggage such as a trunk or a suitcase.

[0189] Furthermore, the term physical element must be understood in the broad sense, encompassing a mechanical part, a mechanism or mechanical subassembly, or even an electronic card.

Claims

Claims

1. A wear assessment subsystem intended to be permanently integrated into any device, so as to assess the wear of at least one physical element of said device, said subsystem (100) comprising: - a vibration sensor (11) operatively coupled to said physical element under monitoring; - a vibration generator (3) integrated into the device and arranged so that the vibrations produced are transmitted to said physical element; - electronic processing means (2) configured to: a) store at least one reference vibration profile of the physical element, including at least one aggregate obtained by machine learning from profiles of several similar physical elements; b) trigger the generator (3) according to at least two distinct modes; c) analyze the vibrations detected by the sensor (11) to constitute a captured vibration profile;d) compare said captured profile with the reference profile(s) and, when the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, automatically issue a notification relating to a deterioration of the captured vibration profile.;

2. Subsystem according to claim 1, characterized in that said two modes are chosen from: • periodic triggering; • automatic triggering after detection, by the vibration sensor, of a predetermined event (shock, fall or threshold exceeding); • triggering on a specific request received from a user or an external system.

3. Wear assessment subsystem according to claim 2, characterized in that the one-time activation request is issued when the device is in a predetermined reference situation.

4. Subsystem according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the generator (3) is capable of emitting at least two sequences having at least two different predetermined frequencies and / or amplitudes.

5. Subsystem according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said notification relating to the degradation is transmitted to a remote server, the server being configured to, upon receipt, record the notification and / or automatically initiate a preventive maintenance action relating to the physical element concerned.

6. Subsystem according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aggregate obtained by automatic learning is formed of vibration profiles corresponding to a new state, and / or to a repaired state, and / or to a transient state determined by vibration analysis at a predetermined instant.

7. Wear assessment subsystem according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vibration sensor (11) is chosen from: an accelerometer, a velocimeter, a displacement sensor and / or a resistive strain gauge.

8. Device chosen from a container (1) of the reusable transport box type or luggage, intended to contain objects, the device comprising the subsystem according to one of the preceding claims, said subsystem being directly coupled to at least one physical element constituting said device.

9. Preventive maintenance system, comprising a plurality of devices according to claim 8 and a remote server (4) capable of communicating with each subsystem by communication means (13), said remote server (4) being configured to record notifications relating to the degradation of the vibration profile captured then emitted by each subsystem and trigger preventive maintenance actions.

10. Method for assessing wear of at least one physical element of a device implementing a wear assessment subsystem comprising: - a vibration sensor (11) operatively coupled to said physical element under monitoring; - a vibration generator (3) integrated into the device and arranged so that the vibrations produced are transmitted to said physical element; - electronic processing means (2), the method comprising the following steps: a) storing, in the electronic processing means (2), at least one reference vibration profile of the physical element, including at least one aggregate obtained by automatic learning from profiles of several similar elements; b) triggering the vibration generator (3) according to at least two distinct modes; c) analyzing, using the electronic processing means (2), the vibrations produced by the generator (3) and captured by the sensor (11) to constitute a captured vibration profile; d) comparing the captured vibration profile with the stored reference vibration profile(s) and, when the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, automatically issuing a notification relating to a deterioration of the captured vibration profile.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that said two modes are chosen from: • periodic triggering; • automatic triggering after detection, by the vibration sensor, of a predetermined event (shock, fall or threshold exceeding); • triggering on a specific request received from a user or an external system.

12. Method according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the generator (3) is capable of emitting at least two sequences having at least two different predetermined frequencies and / or two amplitudes.

13. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that said notification relating to the degradation is transmitted to a remote server which, upon receipt, records the notification and / or automatically initiates a preventive maintenance action relating to the physical element concerned.

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