Autonomous Cargo Transport and Lift Coordination for Aircraft Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional human-operated end-to-end cargo loading systems in aircraft are inefficient due to human error and pose safety risks, necessitating a more reliable and safer method for cargo handling.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous end-to-end cargo handling system comprising a transportation unit and a lift unit, both equipped with sensing agents and a control module, that communicate via a network to move cargo units from a warehouse to an aircraft or vice versa, allowing for autonomous loading and unloading without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If human operators prepare and move cargo units using forklifts, then cargo loading can be performed, but efficiency is reduced due to human error and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo handling safetyVSAvoidcargo loading efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous cargo loading system performs cargo handling operations independently without human intervention. The system includes autonomous vehicles equipped with sensors and computing modules that automatically navigate, detect cargo units, and execute loading operations based on received instructions, eliminating the need for human operators to physically handle cargo

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system. The control module communicates with autonomous vehicles through a network, transmitting instructions and receiving status information to coordinate the entire cargo loading process, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with computer-controlled automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If autonomous vehicles are used for cargo loading, then safety and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo loading efficiencyVSAvoidautonomous system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous cargo loading system is divided into separate functional modules: autonomous vehicles with sensing and computing capabilities, a network communication layer, and a control module. Each component performs a specific function and communicates with others through standardized interfaces, making the complex system manageable and maintainable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous vehicles are designed as multi-functional units that can perform various cargo handling operations. The sensing agents and computing modules can detect different types of cargo units and adapt to different loading scenarios, making the system versatile rather than specialized for a single task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10994865B2Autonomous system for air cargo end-to-end operations

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 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.