Handling Control Strategy for Changing Piece Goods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handling devices for piece goods face challenges in adapting to changing boundary conditions, such as variations in piece goods, due to subjective and time-consuming manual adjustments that fail to consider all boundary conditions simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that detects piece goods information, transmits it to a data center, determines key characteristics of the handling process, and adapts the control strategy based on key performance indicators, enabling automated responses to changing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual control adjustment is used to adapt handling devices to changing piece goods, then the control can be fine-tuned based on user observations, but the process becomes time-consuming and subjective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing piece goodsVSAvoidtime for manual control adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device automatically adapts to changing piece goods by using its own sensors and control system to detect piece goods characteristics and adjust control parameters without manual intervention. The control device autonomously optimizes handling based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring piece goods position, velocity, and handling outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor piece goods characteristics and handling process outcomes, transmit this information to the control device, which then automatically adjusts control parameters. This feedback loop enables real-time adaptation to changing boundary conditions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual control adjustment is used to prevent handling errors, then user experience can guide optimization, but not all boundary conditions can be considered simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling error preventionVSAvoidconsideration of boundary conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to detect and respond to multiple boundary conditions simultaneously. The control device processes sensor data about piece goods characteristics, handling forces, and process parameters to comprehensively optimize handling and prevent errors across all relevant conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed as a multi-functional system that simultaneously monitors multiple boundary conditions including piece goods physical properties, handling device state, and process parameters. It integrates various sensing capabilities and control functions into a single system that can consider and respond to all relevant boundary conditions together rather than individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If control strategy is determined locally at the handling device, then quick adaptation is possible, but computing resources may be insufficient for complex optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of control adaptationVSAvoidcomputing resource requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides computational tasks between the local control device and external computing resources. The control device handles real-time control decisions and basic processing, while complex optimization algorithms and large-scale data analysis are performed remotely or on separate computing systems. This segmentation allows quick local responses while utilizing external computing power for complex optimization without overburdening the embedded control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4571613A1Computer-implemented method for determining a control strategy for controlling a handling process of at least one handling device for handling piece goods
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 KERBER SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS GESELLSCHAFT MITT BESCHLENKTEL HAFZUNG
  • EP4571613A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4571613A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4571613A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for determining a control strategy for controlling a handling process of at least one handling device (1) for handling piece goods (2) is provided. The method comprises detecting or obtaining at least one piece of piece goods information for at least one piece of piece goods (2) that was handled by the handling device (1), transmitting the at least one piece of piece goods information to a data center (7), determining at least one key identification number of the handling process of the handling device (1) based on the at least one piece of piece goods information, and determining a control strategy for the at least one handling device (1) based on the at least one key identification number. Furthermore, a computer program and a handling device (1) are provided.