Autonomous Cargo Handling Coordination for Aircraft Loading Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional human-operated end-to-end cargo loading systems are inefficient and pose safety risks due to human error and operator involvement in aircraft cargo handling operations.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous cargo handling system comprising a transportation unit and a lift unit, both equipped with sensing agents and a control module, that communicate over a network to autonomously move and load cargo units from a warehouse to an aircraft, reducing human intervention and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If human operators manually prepare and move cargo units using forklifts, then cargo handling can be performed with simple equipment, but efficiency is reduced due to human error and safety risks arise for operators

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo handling system performs operations autonomously without human intervention. The transportation unit navigates independently to locate and transport cargo units, while the lift unit automatically positions cargo onto the aircraft. This self-service capability eliminates safety risks to human operators while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations by human operators are replaced with an automated control system that integrates sensing agents, communication modules, and coordinated mechanical units. The control system processes sensor data and directs the transportation and lift units through wireless communication, substituting human decision-making with automated control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If human operators manually handle cargo loading operations, then equipment and system complexity can be minimized, but productivity and efficiency are reduced due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo handling efficiencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Sensing agents equipped with sensors continuously monitor the environment and cargo unit positions, transmitting data back to the control system. This feedback loop enables the automated system to detect cargo locations, track transportation unit positions, and make real-time adjustments to optimize loading operations, thereby improving productivity through data-driven decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the transportation unit and planning cargo handling sequences before actual loading begins. The control system receives cargo manifest data in advance and prepares the automated loading sequence, reducing delays and improving overall productivity during the cargo loading process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11834198B2Autonomous system for air cargo end-to-end operations

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an end-to-end cargo handling system. The end-to-end cargo handling system comprises a transportation unit comprising a first sensing agent, a lift unit comprising a second sensing agent, and a control module in communication with the transportation unit and the lift unit via a network, wherein the transportation unit and the lift unit are configured to move a cargo unit from a first location to a second location autonomously.