Logistics Load Carrier Design Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large assembly industries, designing customized logistics load carriers is time-consuming and inefficient due to the use of grid-shaped layout elements that do not optimize part density, requiring frequent adjustments to dimensions and layouts, leading to suboptimal arrangements and increased logistics costs.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that determines available interior space as a constraint for designing logistics load carriers, optimizing the arrangement of components within a frame and layout element to maximize density, thereby avoiding unnecessary changes to dimensions and streamlining the design process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a grid-shaped layout element is used for designing logistics load carriers, then the design process follows a standard procedure, but the part density is not optimized and frequent adjustments to dimensions and layouts are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign process standardizationVSAvoidpart density
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts layout parameters and dimensions based on the actual geometry and dimensions of the parts to be transported, optimizing part density without requiring manual intervention. The computer program calculates optimal spacing, orientation, and arrangement parameters to maximize the number of parts that can be transported efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical design process using grid-shaped layout elements is replaced by an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to optimize part arrangement. This substitution eliminates the need for designers to manually adjust grid layouts and perform repeated dimension modifications.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of parts to be transported is insufficient with the initial layout, then the designer must change the dimensions of the layout element, but this requires time-consuming adjustments to the logistics load carrier design as well

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout adaptabilityVSAvoiddesign adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The computer program performs preliminary calculations and optimizations during the initial design phase, determining the optimal layout and dimensions before production begins. This preliminary action prevents the need for subsequent time-consuming adjustments by ensuring the design is optimized from the start based on the actual number and dimensions of parts to be transported.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops that automatically evaluate the part arrangement and provide real-time information about density optimization opportunities. When parts are added or removed from the transport list, the system automatically recalculates and adjusts the layout to maintain optimal density without requiring manual designer intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If margins are provided for the initial design of the logistics load carrier, then design changes are avoided, but an optimal arrangement with high density of parts is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign stabilityVSAvoidpart density
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The design system transitions from static margin-based designs to dynamic optimization where the computer program continuously adjusts the layout parameters based on the actual parts data. The system dynamically recalculates optimal dimensions and arrangements as parts are added or removed, maintaining both design stability and high part density without requiring excessive safety margins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If a tailor-made logistics load carrier is designed quickly, then time pressure is reduced, but the design may not be optimal in terms of logistics costs and part density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign speedVSAvoidlogistics costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The automated computer-based design system replaces manual design processes, enabling rapid generation of optimized logistics load carrier designs. The system performs complex calculations and optimizations automatically, achieving both high design speed and optimal part density simultaneously, thereby reducing logistics costs without sacrificing design quality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The computer program performs self-optimization of the layout and dimensions based on the input parts data, automatically determining the most cost-effective design without requiring iterative manual adjustments. This self-service capability enables quick design generation that is already optimized for logistics cost efficiency and part density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240046004A1Computer-implemented method, computer system and computer program for designing a logistics load carrier
Publication Date: 2024.02.08 CONREVOR INT NV

AI summary

Computer implemented methods for design of a logistics carrier (LC) comprising: determining an available interior space for the LC; selecting a model of a first element of the LC (first element is a type of frame); selecting a model of a second element of the LC, (second element is a type of classification element); adding a 3D model of a third element of the LC, (third element is a component to be transported) and where the 3D model includes the dimensions of the component; determining dimensions of the frame and a layout element; optimizing an arrangement of the components in the layout element to maximize a number of the components in the LC, with the components positioned within the layout element; and, generating a 3D model of the designed LC.