Dual-System Tracking Tag for Air Cargo Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo handling systems, particularly in air cargo, lack an integrated methodology for facilitating the routing, transport, and status tracking of shipments according to scheduled and uniquely identifiable transport accommodations, requiring centralized handling facilities and inefficiently combining freight and baggage tracking.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a dual-system tracking tag that combines air cargo/air waybill identification with passenger baggage identification, allowing direct routing and tracking between transport accommodations without centralized handling, using a Cargo Routing Guide to optimize transport and generate a sophisticated shipment tag for various transport accommodations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If shipments are routed through centralized handling facilities for sorting and re-tendering, then comprehensive cargo tracking and sorting control are achieved, but transit time increases and handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking and identification function from the centralized cargo handling system by implementing a dual-system tag that works with both passenger baggage systems and cargo systems. This allows shipments to be tracked independently without requiring centralized facility intervention for tracking purposes, thereby reducing transit time while maintaining tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a tracking tag that serves multiple functions: it works with passenger baggage tracking systems, cargo tracking systems, and provides unique identification across different transport accommodations. This multi-functional tag eliminates the need for separate tracking infrastructure, reducing both transit time and facility complexity.
2Reliability
If separate tracking systems are used for cargo and passenger baggage, then specialized tracking requirements are met, but system integration and tracking efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate cargo and baggage tracking systems into a single dual-system tag. The tag contains both a cargo tracking number and a passenger baggage identification code, allowing both tracking systems to operate simultaneously on the same physical object without requiring separate tags or systems, thus maintaining reliability while reducing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking tag is designed with universal compatibility, functioning within both cargo management systems and passenger baggage handling systems. This multi-functionality allows a single tag to satisfy the tracking requirements of both specialized systems without requiring complex integration protocols between the systems themselves.
3Productivity
If traditional cargo handling processes are used, then comprehensive cargo monitoring is achieved, but transit speed and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assigning both cargo tracking numbers and passenger baggage identification codes to shipments before they enter the transport system. This pre-configured dual identification allows shipments to be directly routed and tracked without requiring intermediate processing or system translation, thereby increasing handling efficiency and reducing transit time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-system tag enables self-service tracking where the shipment carries its own identification for both cargo and baggage systems, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex system coordination at each handling point. This self-contained identification system streamlines operations and accelerates transit.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to facilitate the transport of shipments via hub based facilities according to a scheduled and uniquely identifiable transport accommodation by (a) acknowledging a customer request to transport at least one shipment between two uniquely identifiable and geographically disparate origination and destination locations; (b) determining a routing sequence and at least one scheduled and uniquely identifiable transport accommodation satisfying the customer's request; (c) booking transport space for the shipment aboard the determined transport accommodation; (d) printing or otherwise displaying a shipment tag which denotes shipment routing information and bar coded information recognized by two distinguishably purposed and automated tracking systems; (e) attaching or otherwise affixing the shipment tag generated in step (d) to a shipment to be transported according to the routing sequence and transport accommodation determined in step (b); (f) stowing the shipment of step (e) aboard a first transport accommodation consistent with shipment routing information generated in step (d); (g) monitoring and recording the transport of the shipment stowed in step (f) as it is transported between uniquely identifiable and geographically disparate origination and destination locations; and (h) advising a customer of the shipments arrival in a final destination location.