Load Carrier Position Sensing via Utility Vehicle Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in logistics depots is the time-consuming and confusing process of locating mobile, interchangeable load carriers, such as trailers and containers, which can lead to inefficiencies and difficulties in accessing them, especially in confined spaces, and existing GPS-based solutions are costly and unreliable due to driver reporting errors.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing the commercial vehicle's integrated GNSS and ECAS systems to automatically detect unloading and loading events, generating position reports without additional sensors, and transmitting these via existing wireless networks to a fleet management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based position tracking devices are equipped on each load carrier, then position detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional hardware and power supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by utilizing the commercial vehicle's existing ECAS system components (air pressure sensors, level control sensors) for dual purposes: maintaining vehicle suspension performance and detecting load carrier position. This eliminates the need for dedicated GPS devices on each load carrier, resolving the contradiction between position detection capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the commercial vehicle's ECAS system to automatically detect and report load carrier positions without requiring additional sensors or power supplies on the load carriers themselves. The vehicle's existing systems serve the dual function of suspension control and position tracking, reducing overall system complexity
2Device complexity
If driver reporting systems are used to track load carrier positions, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to human error and incomplete reporting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual driver reporting system with an automated electronic detection system using the vehicle's ECAS sensors. This substitution eliminates human error and incomplete reporting while maintaining system simplicity, as the existing electronic sensors automatically capture position data without requiring driver intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback by continuously monitoring ECAS sensor data and automatically reporting load carrier positions to the fleet management system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable position tracking without depending on driver memory or manual reporting discipline
3Productivity
If load carriers are temporarily stored in confined depot spaces to optimize utilization, then productivity is improved, but accessibility deteriorates when load carriers are parked in inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by providing real-time position information before drivers arrive at the depot. Fleet managers can pre-assign accessible parking locations and guide drivers to specific spots, ensuring that load carriers are parked in accessible locations from the outset rather than requiring subsequent adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an information intermediary in the form of real-time position data transmitted to the fleet management system. This information acts as a mediator between depot space constraints and driver needs, enabling optimized parking arrangements that maintain accessibility through better planning and communication
4Productivity
If multiple load carriers are pre-loaded and temporarily parked to reduce waiting times, then productivity is improved, but time consumption increases for locating and accessing specific load carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback on load carrier positions to drivers and fleet managers. This immediate information feedback eliminates the time required to search for and locate specific load carriers in the depot, allowing drivers to proceed directly to their assigned locations while maintaining high throughput from pre-loading operations
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for sensing the position of at least one mobile, exchangeable load carrier (3; 3a, 3b), which can be moved by means of a utility vehicle (2), in a delimited sensing zone, in particular a depot (1), in which the at least one mobile, exchangeable load carrier (3) is moved by means of utility vehicles (2), wherein receiving processes (Mb) and/or unloading processes (Ma) of the at least one mobile, exchangeable load carrier (3) in the sensing zone (1) are determined as reporting events (M) by the at least one utility vehicle (2), position data (Pi) for indicating the position in the sensing zone (1) are determined for the reporting events (M) by the at least one utility vehicle (2), and position reporting signals (PS) are formed from the determined reporting events (M) and from the position data (Pi) and transmitted to a central communication station (8) of the sensing zone (1) via a wireless network (12) by the at least one utility vehicle (2), and wherein in the central communication station (8) the current position data (Pi) for the at least one load carrier (3) are determined from the received position reporting signals (PS) and are stored and continually updated in a data store (50).