Automatic Cargo Capacity Detection and Dynamic Auction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cargo carrier management systems fail to utilize available cargo capacity efficiently, as it cannot be sold once the carrier departs, leading to wasted capacity and missed opportunities for potential purchasers along the route.
Innovation Solution
An automatic capacity detection system that continuously monitors and tracks available cargo capacity, using sensors like ultrasonic, microwave, or laser sensors, and a processor to estimate remaining capacity and facilitate electronic auctions for potential buyers as the carrier travels towards its destination, allowing dynamic pricing based on distance to the next route segment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cargo carrier management systems are used, then the cargo carrier can maintain simple operation, but the available cargo capacity cannot be sold after departure leading to wasted capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring cargo capacity availability and proactively initiating electronic auctions before the cargo carrier reaches its destination. The capacity detector and processor prepare and list available capacity segments in advance, allowing potential purchasers to bid before time runs out, thus preventing capacity waste while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated capacity detection and auction facilitation. The capacity detector automatically identifies available capacity, the processor manages the electronic auction process, and the system handles transactions without requiring manual intervention from cargo carrier operators, thereby improving capacity utilization while keeping operational complexity manageable
2Productivity
If electronic auctions are conducted for available cargo capacity during travel, then revenue from capacity sale increases, but the system complexity and real-time monitoring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cargo capacity into discrete available capacity segments based on location and time parameters. The capacity detector divides the total cargo space into monitorable sections, and the processor creates corresponding auction segments with specific start and end locations. This segmentation enables manageable real-time monitoring and targeted auctions, increasing revenue while keeping system complexity controlled through modular management
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the capacity detector continuously monitors actual cargo capacity availability and feeds this information to the processor. The system also tracks the cargo carrier's location in real-time and adjusts auction parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures accurate capacity detection and dynamic auction management, maximizing revenue while maintaining system efficiency through automated information flow
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of cargo capacity is performed, then accurate capacity tracking is achieved, but energy consumption and system resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacity detector operates using periodic sampling rather than continuous uninterrupted monitoring. The system checks cargo capacity availability at regular intervals and updates the processor with new data only when changes occur. This periodic action maintains adequate measurement precision for accurate capacity tracking while significantly reducing energy consumption and system resource usage compared to truly continuous monitoring
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
Enables the efficient sale of available cargo capacity through electronic auctions, maximizing revenue by adjusting prices according to proximity to route segments, thereby reducing waste and capturing market demand in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
The capacity detector can be selected from the group consisting of an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor and a laser sensor
Implementation Method 2
The capacity detector can be selected from the group consisting of an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor and a laser sensor
Implementation Method 3
The capacity detector can be selected from the group consisting of an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor and a laser sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments relate to an automatic capacity detection system and methods thereof. The system includes a capacity detector for continuously monitoring an area to track an available amount of capacity; a location sensor for automatically identifying a current location at which the available amount of capacity is available; a processor in remote communication with the capacity detector and the location sensor to: compare the current location of the available amount of capacity with a destination of the available amount of capacity; estimate a remaining value of the available amount of capacity based on the comparison; and assign at least some of the available amount of capacity at the remaining value to an offering party.