Loading Bridge Insertion Control Using Proximity and Door Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Loading bridges are often manually inserted into cargo spaces of transport vehicles without ensuring that necessary conditions are met, leading to potential safety issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using proximity and opening sensors to determine when a loading bridge can be safely inserted into a cargo space, involving a control unit to automate the insertion process based on predefined rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual insertion of loading bridge is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unsafe insertion conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The loading bridge insertion system performs self-checks using proximity sensors and opening sensors to automatically determine whether insertion conditions are met, eliminating the need for manual safety verification by operators while ensuring reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives feedback from proximity sensors detecting vehicle-ramp distance and opening sensors detecting door/roller door status, processing this information to automatically enable or disable loading bridge insertion based on predefined safety criteria

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If automatic sensor-based control is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages loading bridge insertion control, processes proximity sensor data, monitors opening sensor status, and enforces safety logic, consolidating these functions into a single existing vehicle control system rather than adding separate dedicated systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines proximity sensors and opening sensors into a unified control logic within the control unit, merging multiple safety verification functions into a single integrated decision-making process for loading bridge insertion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4678573A1Effecting and/or controlling the insertion of a loading bridge into a loading space of a transport vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 SCHMITZ CARGOBULL AG

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AI summary

The disclosure includes, among other things, a method comprising: - acquiring (301) proximity information, wherein the proximity information represents the approach of the rear of the transport vehicle to a loading ramp as detected by a proximity sensor of the transport vehicle; - acquiring (302) opening information, wherein the opening information represents the opening of a closing device, in particular a rear door and/or a rear roller door, as detected by an opening sensor of the transport vehicle; - determining (304), taking into account the proximity information and the opening information, that at least a partial insertion of a loading ramp-side loading bridge into a cargo space of the transport vehicle is to be effected; - causing (305) the at least partial insertion of the loading ramp-side loading bridge into the cargo space of the transport vehicle.