Cargo Vehicle Sensor System for Unloading Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for loading and unloading cargo vehicles or trailers are inefficient and lack real-time data to optimize the process, leading to reduced productivity and potential safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system is implemented with sensors around the vehicle's opening to measure the unpacked depth and volume over time, providing data to a processor that generates instructions for efficient loading and unloading, and detects safety issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual loading and unloading methods are used, then workers can handle packages, but productivity is reduced and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunloading efficiencyVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical unloading operations with an automated sensor-based monitoring and control system. Sensors track package locations and vehicle empty volume, while a processor automatically generates loading instructions, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle packages during the monitoring process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the loading and unloading process to self-regulate through automated sensing and instruction generation. The sensor system continuously monitors the vehicle's empty volume and automatically provides loading instructions without requiring human intervention for decision-making, allowing the process to optimize itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If traditional loading methods are used, then packages can be loaded, but real-time optimization data is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time data availabilityVSAvoidloading efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously measure the vehicle's empty volume and package locations during loading and unloading operations. This real-time data is processed to generate immediate feedback instructions that optimize subsequent loading arrangements, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously improves efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the current loading state using sensor data before generating the next loading instructions. By assessing the empty volume and package distribution in advance, the system can plan optimal loading arrangements before the actual loading occurs, improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If no monitoring system is implemented, then the process is simpler, but safety issues cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sensor systems and processing software as intermediary components between the physical loading/unloading operations and the decision-making process. These intermediaries detect safety issues and operational parameters without requiring direct human intervention in the hazardous zones, reducing exposure to safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system enhances productivity by optimizing the unloading process, improves safety by detecting potential hazards, and provides feedback for more efficient loading in subsequent vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The first plurality of sensors are configured to measure an unpacked depth of the vehicle or trailer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistance measurement:

Implementation Method 2

The processor is configured to receive first measured data generated by the first plurality of sensors, determine an empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer based on the first measured data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolume calculation:

Data Source

PatentUS10501001B2Sensor systems and methods for monitoring unloading of cargo

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

Sensor systems, methods and machine readable medium are provided for a cargo vehicle. A plurality of sensors are arranged about an opening associated with a door through which packages are unloaded from a vehicle or trailer. The plurality of sensors are configured to measure an unpacked depth of the vehicle or trailer. A processor is provided in communication with each of the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to receive measured data generated by the plurality of sensors, determine an empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer based on the measured data as packages are being unpacked from the vehicle or trailer, and generate instructions regarding loading packages in a subsequent vehicle or trailer based on the determined empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer.