Cargo Position Tracking via Drive Unit and Sensor Data Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing freight loading systems in transportation modes like airplanes provide imprecise positioning of cargo items, as they only determine the block location rather than exact position within the cargo hold.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor the status of drive units and overlap sensors via a data bus to calculate the position of freight items by integrating conveying speed, chronological sensor signal changes, and freight size and shape, with optional corrections for varying speeds and end stop considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only overlap sensor status is evaluated to determine freight item position, then the system is simple to operate, but the position determination precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data sources (overlap sensor status, drive unit status including conveying direction and speed, and freight item size) to calculate position, rather than relying on sensor evaluation alone. This merging of information sources resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while achieving precise position determination through integrated data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computing unit that acts as an intermediary to process and integrate data from multiple sources (sensors, drive units, freight characteristics) to calculate position. This intermediary component enables precise position determination without requiring direct complex interaction between all system elements, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple data sources are integrated to calculate precise position, then position determination precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing unit serves multiple functions: it receives and processes data from overlap sensors, evaluates drive unit status (conveying direction and speed), retrieves freight item size information, and calculates position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task, thereby improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing components (drive units with integrated speed measurement, data bus for communication) to provide the information needed for position calculation. The drive units self-report their status and speed, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices, thus achieving precise position determination without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If conveying speed is measured and integrated over time for position calculation, then position accuracy is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive units themselves measure and report their conveying speed through the existing data bus communication infrastructure. This self-service approach allows the system to obtain speed data without additional measurement devices or energy-intensive monitoring systems, enabling accurate position calculation through time integration while limiting energy consumption.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a piece of cargo (1) in a cargo hold by means of a cargo loading system having drive units (2, 3, 4, 5) which comprise overlap sensors, and a databus (11) to which the drive units (2, 3, 4, 5) and the overlap sensors are connected, the condition of the drive units (2, 3, 4, 5) and of the overlap sensors being monitored by means of the data bus (11). The position of the piece of cargo (1) is calculated from the condition of the drive units (2, 3, 4, 5) having a part in the transport of the piece of cargo, the chronological order of output signals of the pertaining overlap sensors and the size of the piece of cargo (1).