Cable-Based Measuring System for Automated Dimensional Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual measurement and data entry for item dimensions in the shipping and packaging industries are prone to human error, time-consuming, and costly, making it inefficient to generate custom-sized boxes based on inventory information.
Innovation Solution
A cable-based measuring system that includes a cable with an inner member moving linearly within an outer housing, equipped with encoders to detect movement and generate measurement information, which is communicated to a computer system to create custom-sized box templates or update item databases with accurate dimensional data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement and data entry methods are used, then the process is simple to implement, but human error increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated cable-based measuring system that uses encoders to detect cable extension and contraction, converting mechanical movement into digital measurement data automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring system performs self-measurement by automatically detecting cable movement through encoders and generating measurement data without requiring human intervention in the measurement and data entry process
2Loss of time
If manual measurement and data entry are used, then device complexity is low, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces time-consuming manual operations with an automated mechanical-electrical system where cable movement is automatically converted into digital data through encoders, reducing measurement and data entry time
Solution Approach 2:
The cable acts as an intermediary element that physically connects to the item being measured, while encoders serve as intermediaries that convert mechanical cable movement into digital measurement signals for the computer system
3Volume of stationary object
If custom-sized boxes are created based on accurate measurements, then storage space and shipping costs are reduced, but measurement system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cable-based measuring system with encoders provides precise dimensional data needed to create optimally sized boxes, reducing storage space requirements while the automation justifies the increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by automatically transmitting measurement data to update item databases and inform box creation processes, enabling continuous improvement of packaging efficiency based on accurate measurement feedback
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces human error and increases efficiency by automating the measurement and data entry process, enabling the precise creation of custom-sized boxes that reduce storage needs, packaging costs, and shipping expenses by accurately determining item dimensions for on-demand box production.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring device includes one or more encoders. The encoder(s) are configured to detect movement of inner cable member (108) relative to outer cable housing (110)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure extends to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products related to a cable-based measuring system. The cable-based measuring system includes a cable, comprising an inner cable member configured to move linearly within an outer cable housing. The measuring system also includes a measuring device configured to generate measurement information regarding movement of the inner cable member relative to the outer cable housing using one or more encoders. A computer system receives the measurement information from the measuring device. The measurement information indicates length as a function of time, and represents three orthogonal dimensional measurements of a three-dimensional object. Based on the measurement information, the computer system identifies a length of each dimensional measurement, including a length, a width, and a height of the three-dimensional object. The computer system then initiates creation of a box template sized to accommodate the three-dimensional object and/or updates a database.