Transport Unit Securing Detection for Air-Cargo Radio Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current real-time monitoring systems for goods in transit cannot effectively monitor air freight shipments due to aviation regulations that require radio-based transmission devices to be switched off during flights, as they can interfere with aircraft electronics, lacking a reliable method to switch them on and off safely.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that detect when a transport unit is secured to a vehicle using securing means, such as pawls or claws, to automatically change the operating mode of an electronic device from active to standby or off, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations by only enabling radio transmission when the unit is not in flight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If radio-based transmission is enabled for real-time monitoring, then monitoring capability is improved, but interference with aircraft electronics occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidinterference with aircraft electronics
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting the securing state of the transport unit before enabling radio transmission. The detection means check whether securing means are present, and only after confirming the unit is properly secured does the system activate the radio module for transmission, preventing interference during aircraft movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the securing state through detection means and automatically adjusting the radio module's operating state accordingly. When securing means are detected, transmission is enabled; when securing means are absent, transmission is disabled, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents harmful interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If radio module is deactivated to comply with aviation regulations, then safety is improved, but real-time monitoring during flight is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidreal-time monitoring data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by making the radio module's operational state changeable based on detected conditions. Rather than being permanently deactivated, the radio module dynamically switches between active and inactive states according to the presence of securing means, allowing monitoring during ground transport while ensuring safety during flight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of stationary object

If electronic devices remain active during transport, then monitoring continuity is improved, but regulatory compliance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring continuityVSAvoidregulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by enabling the radio module to switch between active and inactive periods based on transport conditions. During ground transport when securing means are present, the module is active for monitoring. During flight when securing means are absent, the module is inactive to comply with regulations, creating a periodic monitoring pattern that balances continuity with compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2734960B1Changing the operating mode of an electronic device assigned to a transport unit
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 DEUT POST AG
  • EP2734960B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP2734960B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2734960B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (1; 3) comprising a detecting means (2) for detecting whether a transporting unit (4) to be transported by a vehicle is secured against a movement in at least one direction relative to the vehicle by at least one securing means (5; 7). The device also comprises a means (10; 30) for changing an operating mode of an electronic device paired with the transporting unit (4) dependent on a result of the detection or for outputting a signal in order to change the operating mode dependent on a result of the detection. The invention further relates to a corresponding method (200; 300; 400), to a corresponding computer program, and to a device (1') for receiving the outputted signal and for changing the operating mode on the basis of the received signal.