Cargo Restraint Sensor Monitoring for Load Shift Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are concerned about the stability of cargo during transport, as strapped-down cargo can shift and pose a danger to other vehicles, leading to instability and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using sensors to monitor restraining components on vehicles and trailers, analyzing image and vibration data to detect movement and vibrations, comparing data over time to determine if load shift is occurring, and notifying users of potential instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cargo is strapped down on the vehicle/trailer, then the cargo is secured for transport, but the user cannot visually monitor the cargo stability during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection with an automated sensor-based monitoring system. Sensors detect movements and vibrations of the cargo and restraining components, converting physical states into electrical signals that are processed by controlling circuitry. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous visual monitoring while providing reliable cargo stability information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors cargo position and restraining component status, then provides feedback to the user through notifications when load shift is detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows users to be informed about cargo status without needing to visually inspect the cargo during transport.
2Reliability
If the user continuously monitors the cargo during transport, then cargo stability can be assessed, but the user's attention is diverted from driving
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates autonomously without requiring driver intervention. Sensors automatically detect cargo movements, the controlling circuitry processes the data, and the system generates notifications when issues are detected. This self-service approach allows cargo monitoring to occur independently, freeing the driver to focus on operating the vehicle.
3Measurement precision
If automated sensors are used to monitor restraining components, then load shift detection is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into distinct functional modules: sensors for detecting physical parameters, controlling circuitry for processing signals, and notification systems for alerting users. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making the complex function of load shift detection manageable and maintainable.
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
Early detection of load shift reduces the risk of cargo escaping and minimizes the risk of accidents, enhancing safety for other vehicles and reducing insurance liability by monitoring restraining components effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor data comprises image data and/or video data... determining a time between a first and a second frame and a position of the monitored restraining component at the first respectively at the second frame
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A method for detecting load shift of cargo on a vehicle and/or a trailer during transport, wherein cargo is restrained to the vehicle and/or the trailer by one or more restraining components, is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining (101) sensor data of the one or more restraining components via one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are arranged on the vehicle and/or the trailer, receiving (102) the obtained sensor data in a controlling circuitry, comparing (103) the received sensor data over time in the controlling circuitry in order to establish differences in the received sensor data, and determining (104) in the controlling circuitry whether any established differences in the received sensor data meet or exceed a set threshold for the one or more restraining components, wherein the set threshold is indicative of movement in the one or more restraining components capable of allowing load shift of the cargo.