Cuboidal Box Dimension Measurement Using Laser Rangefinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of box deliveries due to online retail shopping has made efficient packing of cuboidal boxes into delivery vehicles a logistical challenge, as existing methods lack a streamlined and automated process for accurately measuring and digitizing box dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A cuboidal container measurement system comprising a transmitter unit with a barcode reader, infrared communication, wireless connectivity, and laser rangefinders, and a receiver unit with proximity sensors and infrared communication, allowing for quick and accurate measurement of box dimensions, which can be synchronized with computer systems for efficient packing optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used for box dimensions, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into two separate handheld units: a transmitter unit (Tx) that emits laser beams and a receiver unit (Rx) that detects them. This segmentation allows each unit to be simpler in design while achieving high measurement precision through their coordinated operation. The Tx unit contains laser rangefinders and infrared transmitters, while the Rx unit contains corresponding receivers and processors, dividing the functional complexity across separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with optical and electromagnetic systems. Laser rangefinders use light propagation and time-of-flight measurements to determine distances, while infrared communication replaces physical contact or visual reading methods. This substitution dramatically improves measurement precision and enables automated data capture without the complexity of traditional mechanical measuring tools.
2Productivity
If automated measurement systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each handheld unit is designed to perform multiple functions: laser distance measurement, infrared wireless communication, barcode scanning, and data processing. The Tx unit can measure distances in multiple directions and communicate measurement data wirelessly, while the Rx unit receives and processes data from multiple Tx units. This multi-functionality increases productivity by consolidating several measurement and communication tasks into single devices, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system automatically performs data capture, processing, and transmission without requiring manual intervention for each measurement step. The laser rangefinders continuously measure distances, the infrared systems automatically transmit and receive data, and the embedded processors handle calculations and communication protocols. This self-service capability dramatically improves productivity by eliminating repetitive manual operations while the integrated design keeps individual device complexity manageable.
3Loss of time
If manual data entry methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry with automated optical and electromagnetic systems. Laser rangefinders use time-of-flight measurements of light to automatically determine distances, and infrared communication systems automatically transmit measurement data wirelessly between units and to external systems. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual transcription of measurements while the integrated automated systems manage the complexity of data capture, transmission, and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared communication as an intermediary mechanism between the measurement devices and external systems. This intermediary enables automatic wireless transmission of measurement data from the handheld units to computers or other processing systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry. The infrared intermediary handles the complex tasks of data formatting, transmission, and reception automatically, reducing both time loss and the operational complexity for users.
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 efficient and automated measurement of cuboidal box dimensions, facilitating better packing strategies and reducing manual errors, thereby optimizing logistics and automating instructions for box placement in delivery vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a first laser rangefinder system that emits a laser to the Rx unit when the Tx unit is placed on a second edge of the cuboidal box
Implementation Method 2
the first laser rangefinder system measures a distance between the Tx unit and the Rx unit
Implementation Method 3
a Tx infrared communication system that communicates with infrared signals to an Rx infrared communication system
Data Source
AI summary
A cuboidal container measurement system for cuboidal box dimension measurement, the (CCM) system a transmitter (Tx) unit and a receiver (Rx) unit. The (Tx) unit includes a barcode, a Tx infrared communication system, and an Rx infrared communication system. The system further includes a wireless system, a Tx proximity sensor, a first laser rangefinder system that emits a laser to the Rx unit when the Tx unit is placed on a second edge of the cuboidal box, wherein the first laser rangefinder system measures a distance between the Tx unit and the Rx unit, a second laser rangefinder system that receives the laser from the Tx unit and emits a laser pointing down to the surface supporting the cuboidal box, and an Rx infrared communication system that wirelessly communicates a set of cuboidal box dimensional measurements made by the second laser rangefinder system to the Tx unit.