Autonomous Container Transport Scheduling With Automated Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large ports, the continuous operation of truck drivers is not feasible, leading to high costs and safety concerns due to the need for multiple drivers to manage the transportation of containers 24/7, and existing solutions fail to achieve fully automated goods transportation efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a management system, vehicle scheduling system, autonomous driving control devices, and loading/unloading control devices that communicate to manage goods information, generate transportation plans, and control autonomous vehicles for fully automated transportation within specific areas like ports, warehouses, and distribution centers, eliminating the need for human drivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If human drivers are used to transport containers 24/7, then transportation can be performed, but the cost increases due to needing multiple drivers and the working environment becomes dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous transportation capabilityVSAvoiddriver safety risks and operational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous vehicle performs transportation tasks independently without human intervention. The vehicle is equipped with autonomous driving control devices that enable it to navigate, transport containers, and return to the starting point automatically, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for human drivers in hazardous environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of human drivers operating vehicles with an autonomous control system. The autonomous driving control devices use sensors, processors, and control algorithms to substitute human mechanical operation, enabling continuous 24/7 transportation without the safety risks and costs associated with human labor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of moving object

If multiple truck drivers are assigned to each truck for 24/7 operation, then continuous transportation is achieved, but the number of drivers and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation timeVSAvoidnumber of drivers required

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous vehicle operates independently without requiring multiple drivers. The vehicle's autonomous driving control system manages all operations including navigation, container handling, and return trips, enabling continuous 24/7 operation with a single automated system rather than multiple human operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous vehicle performs multiple functions including transporting containers from the starting point to the destination, returning empty to the starting point, and preparing for the next task. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for specialized driver roles and reduces the total number of operators required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If human drivers operate in port areas with many vehicles and containers, then transportation tasks are completed, but the working environment becomes dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation task completionVSAvoidworkplace safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous vehicle independently completes transportation tasks in the port area without human drivers being present in the hazardous environment. The vehicle's autonomous control system handles all navigation and operation, removing humans from situations with many moving vehicles and containers where safety risks are high

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous driving control device acts as an intermediary between the transportation task requirements and the physical vehicle operation. It processes sensor data, makes navigation decisions, and controls vehicle movements, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for human drivers to directly operate vehicles in dangerous port environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12118498B2System for realizing automated transport of goods and related apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 BEIJING TUSEN WEILAI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A system for automated goods transportation is provided. The system includes a management system, a vehicle scheduling system, a loading/unloading control device, and autonomous driving control devices provided on respective autonomous vehicles. The management system is configured to manage goods information, generate a transportation plan based on the goods information, and transmit the transportation plan to the vehicle scheduling system. The vehicle scheduling system is configured to generate transportation tasks based on the transportation plan and the transportation statuses of the respective autonomous vehicles, and transmit each of the transportation tasks to the autonomous driving control device of the matching autonomous vehicle. The autonomous driving control device is configured to control the autonomous vehicle to complete transportation in accordance with the transportation task. The loading/unloading control device is configured to control a loading/unloading device to automatically load goods onto or unload goods from the autonomous vehicles.