Cargo Handling Position Planning for Non-Rectangular Objects

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo handling systems struggle to efficiently arrange non-rectangular objects within containers or accommodating portions without overlapping boundaries or other objects, particularly when manual intervention is required for loading and unloading.

Innovation Solution

A cargo handling device equipped with a control device that determines optimal arrangement positions for non-rectangular objects by calculating positions that avoid interference with container boundaries and other objects, using a method that involves shifting search positions in orthogonal directions and setting reference lines to optimize stacking efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual loading and unloading is used for cargo handling, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and labor efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidloading and unloading efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic cargo handling through robotic devices that autonomously perform loading and unloading operations. The control device automatically determines arrangement positions and controls robotic movements, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated robotic systems. The robotic device uses controlled mechanical movements guided by the control device to perform cargo handling tasks that were previously done manually, thereby improving productivity while maintaining the ability to handle various cargo configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If simple arrangement methods are used for non-rectangular objects, then ease of operation is maintained, but space utilization and arrangement precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of arrangementVSAvoidarrangement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary calculation to determine the optimal arrangement position for non-rectangular objects before the robotic device executes the placement. This pre-computation of position determination based on object dimensions and container geometry ensures precise arrangement while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts arrangement strategies by changing parameters such as rotation angles and position coordinates based on the specific dimensions and shape of non-rectangular objects. The control device adjusts these parameters dynamically to achieve precise fitting within the container, improving arrangement precision without complicating the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated cargo handling is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and control system requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo handling efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed as a universal system that can handle various cargo types and container configurations through a single integrated platform. It performs multiple functions including position determination, robotic control, and coordination of movement, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity through multi-functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary between the high-level automation requirements and the low-level robotic control mechanisms. It simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a centralized control layer that manages the complexity of coordinating robotic movements and determining optimal positions, thereby enabling automated cargo handling without excessive system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12448232B2Arrangement position determination method of object, control device, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, cargo handling device, and cargo handling system

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

An arrangement position determination method of an object, including: based on information of dimensions of a predetermined area and dimensions of a plurality of objects to be accommodated in the predetermined area stored in a storage section of a control device, searching for a position at which the object does not interfere with a boundary of the predetermined area and other objects in a first direction; and when there is no position at which the object does not interfere with the boundary and the other objects in the first direction, searching for a position at which the object does not interfere with the boundary and the other objects in the first direction at a position shifted in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.