Luggage Stowing Control for Stable Container Space Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luggage stowing systems fail to optimize the stowage factor inside containers, leading to inefficient use of space and potential luggage collapse due to random placement of luggage with varying dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A luggage stowing device that includes a luggage detection unit to identify luggage dimensions, a stowing unit to adjust the order of priority and placement of luggage in containers based on detected dimensions, and a control unit to ensure efficient stowage by placing luggage in appropriate containers, reducing empty spaces and preventing collapse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional stowing devices are used, then luggage can be stored, but the luggage is exposed to external environment causing contamination and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluggage contamination and damageVSAvoidstowing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The luggage storage compartment is nested within the seat assembly structure, with the storage compartment positioned between the seat cushion and the seat backrest. This nesting approach allows the storage function to be integrated into the existing seat structure without adding external complexity, while providing protection from external environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A removable cover or barrier is introduced as an intermediary element that can be placed over the luggage storage compartment. This cover acts as a mediator between the luggage and the external environment, preventing contamination and damage while allowing access when needed. The cover can be integrated into the seat structure or provided as a separate component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If fixed stowing structures are used, then luggage is protected, but accessibility and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluggage accessibilityVSAvoidluggage protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stowing device incorporates movable components including a retractable tray or sliding mechanism that allows the luggage storage compartment to move between different positions. This dynamic structure enables easy access to luggage while maintaining protection when in the retracted or closed position. The mechanism may include guides, rollers, or telescoping elements that facilitate smooth movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system is divided into multiple segments or zones, with the ability to access different portions independently. The removable cover or barrier can be opened selectively to access specific luggage items without exposing the entire storage compartment. This segmentation allows for flexible access patterns while maintaining overall protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If integrated seat storage is used, then space utilization improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidseat assembly integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seat assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: providing seating support, containing luggage storage, and offering backrest functionality. The storage compartment structure is integrated into the seat frame in a way that utilizes existing structural elements, allowing the same components to serve both structural and storage purposes. This multi-functionality approach reduces the need for additional dedicated parts.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The luggage storage compartment and its protective elements are pre-integrated into the seat assembly during manufacturing. The removable covers, barriers, or protective layers are pre-installed or pre-positioned within the seat structure, eliminating the need for separate installation steps by the end user and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4223466B1Luggage stowing device
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORP
  • EP4223466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4223466B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4223466B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A luggage stowing device 1A includes a second hand luggage detection unit 29 detecting information of pieces of hand luggage 3 transported by a main conveyor 5, a stowing robot 15 stowing pieces of the hand luggage 3 transported by the main conveyor 5 with respect to two containers 2, and a stowing computation unit 33 and a stowing control unit 38 controlling the stowing robot 15 such that at least one of the order of priority of the containers 2 for stowing pieces of the hand luggage 3 and the order of stowing pieces of the hand luggage 3 in the containers 2 with respect to the order of transporting pieces of the hand luggage 3 is adjusted on the basis of the information of pieces of the hand luggage 3 detected by the second hand luggage detection unit 29.