Container Underside Inspection Using Angled LiDAR for Twist Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container inspection systems fail to reliably identify unremoved twist locks on the underside of freight containers due to limitations in scanning technology, particularly when deformations and protrusions are present.
Innovation Solution
A container inspection system that dynamically or statically scans the entire underside of a freight container using angled 2D or 3D LiDAR sensors, combined with motion information to reconstruct the container's underside, enabling precise identification of structural irregularities such as twist locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical 2D distance sensors are arranged opposite each other forming a horizontal monitoring plane, then the shipping container can be examined for deformations and irregularities on its outer walls, but deformations and protrusions on the underside of the container, especially unremoved twist locks, cannot be determined reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal 2D scanning to angled 3D scanning by orienting the laser scanner at an angle alpha (0° < alpha < 90°) relative to the container's longitudinal axis. This dimensional change enables the sensor to capture the underside of the container, particularly the corner areas where twist locks are located, resolving the detection reliability issue while maintaining a relatively simple single-sensor configuration
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor unit scans only perpendicular to the underside of the container, then the scanning process is simple, but the entire underside cannot be captured and analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
By angling the laser scanner relative to the container's longitudinal axis, the system expands the scan coverage from a limited perpendicular view to a comprehensive angled view that captures the entire underside including corners. This single sensor angled configuration replaces what would otherwise require multiple sensors or complex multi-axis movement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the scan evaluation by correlating sensor data with position and movement information from the motion monitoring unit. This allows the stationary angled scanner to effectively scan the entire underside as the container moves through the monitoring area, achieving comprehensive coverage without physical sensor repositioning
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to scan the entire underside of the container, then complete coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The angled orientation of a single laser scanner creates an extended detection range that captures the entire underside of the container in one scanning pass. This eliminates the need for multiple sensors positioned at different locations, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive inspection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The single laser scanner performs multiple functions: it scans the main body, captures corner areas, detects twist locks, and identifies deformations all through one angled positioning. This multi-functional approach replaces what would otherwise require a阵列 of specialized sensors for different inspection zones
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
Enables reliable detection of unremoved twist locks by analyzing the spatial configuration of protrusions, distinguishing them from measurement noise and deformations, with fewer sensors required, thus improving inspection accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor unit is configured to generate sensor data for the entire underside of a freight container
Implementation Method 2
the sensor unit comprises at least, and in particular exactly, a 2D scanner, for example, a 2D LiDAR sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container inspection system 100 for checking the condition of a freight container 1. The container inspection system 100 comprises a sensor unit 5, which is configured to generate sensor data for the entire underside of a freight container 1 that is located within the monitoring area of the sensor unit 5 and/or that passes through the monitoring area of the sensor unit 5 in a predetermined direction of movement. Furthermore, the container inspection system 100 comprises an evaluation unit 7, which is configured to identify structural irregularities of the underside of the respective freight container 1, in particular missing twist locks 9, based on the generated sensor data and to output a corresponding signal. The present invention further relates to a container crane with such a container inspection system 100 and a corresponding method for inspecting freight containers 1.