Cargo Strap Tension Control for Shift-Safe Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Improper and insufficient loading of cargo in vehicles leads to safety risks, accidents, and damage due to shifting cargo during transportation, especially in autonomous vehicles where human expertise is lacking, and time constraints at loading stations often result in inadequate strapping.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that obtains cargo and vehicle information to determine a pack plan for optimal strapping tension, adjusts strap tension in real-time, and utilizes sensors to ensure accurate and consistent tension levels during transport, initiating actions if tensions deviate, such as changing tension or repacking cargo to prevent shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cargo loading is performed by human drivers, then cargo loading quality and safety are improved, but labor cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous cargo loading operations where the vehicle itself performs monitoring and adjustment functions previously requiring human drivers. Sensors and processing circuitry automatically detect cargo position, strap tension, and vehicle motion, then trigger appropriate actions without human intervention, making the system self-sufficient in safety-critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated sensing and control systems. Optical sensors, tension sensors, and processing circuitry substitute for human visual inspection and manual strap adjustment, converting mechanical labor into automated electronic monitoring and control functions.
2Reliability
If loading time is extended to ensure proper strapping, then cargo security is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and adjustment actions during the loading process itself rather than requiring a separate verification phase. Tension sensors continuously monitor strap tension in real-time, and the system can immediately trigger adjustments if improper tension is detected, eliminating the need for extended post-loading inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor cargo position and strap tension, compare readings against predetermined thresholds, and automatically trigger adjustments or alerts. This real-time feedback enables rapid correction of loading issues without extending overall loading time, maintaining both speed and security.
3Stability of the object's composition
If strap tension is increased to prevent cargo movement, then cargo stability is improved, but risk of cargo damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts strap tension parameters based on real-time conditions rather than using fixed high tension. Tension sensors continuously monitor strap force, and the control system modulates tension levels according to actual cargo stability needs, vehicle motion state, and cargo characteristics, optimizing the balance between stability and damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static strap tension to dynamic, adaptive tension control. The system continuously monitors cargo position and strap tension, then adjusts tension in real-time response to vehicle acceleration, braking, and cargo shift detection, maintaining optimal stability without excessive force that could damage cargo.
4Measurement precision
If continuous tension monitoring is implemented, then cargo shift detection is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that serve multiple purposes: optical sensors detect both cargo position and strap integrity, while tension sensors monitor both strap force and indirectly indicate cargo shift. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each monitoring function, thereby limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements monitoring at critical thresholds rather than continuous full-spectrum monitoring. The system triggers detailed analysis and corrective actions only when sensor readings exceed predetermined thresholds indicating potential cargo shift or improper strapping, reducing processing requirements and system complexity while maintaining effective detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system handles tension of at least one strap arranged for strapping cargo in a vehicle. The computer system includes processing circuitry configured to obtain cargo information; obtain vehicle information; determine, based on the cargo information and the vehicle information, a pack plan, wherein the pack plan comprises a planned tension; determine to start loading the cargo in the vehicle and using the planned tension; obtain information about a first current tension of the at least one strap when the loading is finished and before the vehicle drives; compare the planned tension and the first current tension; and to determine to initiate a first action when a result of the comparison indicates that the first current tension is different than the planned tension.