Airport Baggage Conveyor System with Segmented Transport Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Airport baggage conveyor systems face inefficiencies due to overdimensioned transport containers, leading to 'empty transportation' and suboptimal use of storage space, which limits throughput and requires costly upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A method and conveyor system that utilize two categories of transport containers, with dimensions optimized for variable-sized baggage, where the system automatically allocates baggage to the appropriate container size based on recorded dimensions, allowing for efficient use of space and reduced manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transport containers are sized to accommodate the largest baggage items, then all baggage can be transported using the same container size, but empty space is accumulated in baggage storage and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the homogeneous fleet of transport containers into multiple size categories (first category with larger containers, second category with smaller containers). This segmentation allows the system to match container size to baggage size, eliminating empty space accumulation and increasing storage capacity and throughput without requiring infrastructure upgrades.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single category of large transport containers is used, then the system can handle all baggage sizes, but space utilization is inefficient and costly infrastructure upgrades are required to increase capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transport container fleet into size categories (first and second categories) to efficiently utilize storage space. Smaller containers in the second category reduce empty space accumulation in baggage storage, while the first category handles larger items, thereby increasing overall storage capacity without infrastructure upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of container size by introducing multiple size categories. This parameter change allows optimization of space utilization in baggage storage, as containers are better matched to the actual size of baggage items, reducing wasted space and increasing effective storage capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual separation of bulky baggage is performed, then bulky items can be handled separately, but the system complexity increases and manual handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic dimension recording and background system allocation that eliminates the need for manual separation of bulky baggage. The system self-services by automatically measuring baggage dimensions and assigning appropriate container categories, reducing system complexity and eliminating manual handling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical separation processes with automatic dimension recording systems and background software allocation. This substitution eliminates manual handling of bulky baggage while reducing system complexity, as the automated system seamlessly integrates container allocation into the existing conveyor infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If overdimensioned transport containers are used, then all baggage types can be accommodated, but empty transportation occurs and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments containers into size categories to prevent empty transportation. By matching smaller containers (second category) to appropriately sized baggage and reserving larger containers (first category) for bulky items, the system eliminates wasted space and improves conveyor efficiency without reducing adaptability to handle various baggage types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the container size parameter dynamically by selecting from multiple categories based on recorded baggage dimensions. This parameter optimization ensures containers are appropriately sized for each baggage item, eliminating empty transportation and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining the ability to accommodate all baggage types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the optimized operation of a transport container conveyor system for items of cargo, in particular of an airport luggage conveyor system, includes: a) introducing an item of cargo into the conveyor system at an introduction point; b) providing larger transport containers of a first category and smaller transport containers of a second category for receiving a respective item of cargo; c) automatically recording a dimension of the item of cargo; d) depending on the recorded dimension, automatically assigning the item of cargo to a transport container of a first or second category; e) automatically loading the assigned transport container with the item of cargo; f) transporting the transport container loaded with the item of cargo on active conveyor sections; g) repeating the above steps for further items of cargo. There is also described a novel conveyor system.