Distributed Cargo Sensor System for Volumetric Occupancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo sensor systems for trailers are unreliable due to their reliance on optical imaging techniques, which are prone to inaccuracy and require significant computing resources, and cannot determine the amount of loaded cargo effectively.
Innovation Solution
A distributed cargo sensor system using distance sensors, such as laser time-of-flight or ultrasonic sensors, mounted on the ceiling of cargo containers to detect cargo presence and calculate the occupied volume by comparing distance signals to a threshold, providing accurate cargo occupancy information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical imaging techniques are used to determine cargo occupancy, then cargo presence can be detected, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to large distances and requires significant computing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo container interior is divided into multiple detection zones, each monitored by a distributed distance sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor to measure a specific local area with high precision, avoiding the need for complex global optical imaging while maintaining accurate cargo occupancy measurement across the entire container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical imaging techniques with distance sensing technology (such as laser or ultrasonic sensors). This substitution eliminates the need for complex image processing and computing resources while providing direct, accurate distance measurements to cargo surfaces, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity.
2Reliability
If optical imaging techniques are used to determine cargo occupancy, then cargo presence can be detected, but reliability deteriorates due to inaccuracy from large distances
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the container into multiple zones with dedicated distance sensors, each sensor operates within a limited, optimized detection range. This segmentation ensures reliable and accurate measurements in each local zone, collectively providing reliable cargo occupancy detection throughout the entire container without the reliability issues of long-range optical imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces unreliable optical imaging with distance sensors that provide direct, contactless measurement of cargo surface positions. This substitution eliminates the inaccuracy inherent in optical techniques at large distances, thereby improving both reliability and measurement precision for cargo occupancy detection.
3Measurement precision
If distributed distance sensors are used throughout the cargo container, then volumetric occupancy reading accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container interior is segmented into multiple detection zones, each equipped with a simple distance sensor. This segmentation enables accurate volumetric occupancy measurement by combining data from multiple simple sensors, achieving high measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed distance sensors are mounted on the container ceiling and can detect cargo in various zones. Each sensor serves multiple purposes: detecting cargo presence, measuring cargo height, and determining cargo position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized sensors for each measurement task, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high volumetric occupancy reading accuracy.
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 accurately determines the amount of loaded cargo without optical imaging, enhancing the efficiency of cargo transportation by providing reliable volumetric occupancy readings, enabling better asset utilization and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
each distance sensor is a laser time-of-flight (ToF) sensor
Implementation Method 2
the distance sensor may be any sensor that can determine the distance between the sensor and an impeding object, such as an ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo detection apparatus installed within a cargo container includes multiple distance sensors and one or more processors in communication with the distance sensors. The distance sensors, which are configured for mounting on or adjacent to a ceiling of the cargo container, generate distance signals. Each distance signal indicates a distance between a corresponding one of the distance sensors and a surface within the interior space of the cargo container. The one or more processors are operable to execute instructions to compare the distance indicated by each of the distance signals to a distance threshold, and generate a cargo-present indication if the distance is less than the distance threshold. The distance sensors may be laser-ranging time-of-flight sensors or ultrasonic sensors.