Mobile Dimensioner Table for Accurate Freight 3D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate freight dimensions in LTL shipping lead to operational inefficiencies, requiring rework, sub-optimal delivery schedules, and increased costs due to underutilized loads, change loads, and damage risks, which are exacerbated by the lack of dimensional data for dynamic dock operations and autonomous loading solutions.
Innovation Solution
A portable dimensioner table (DT) that can be removably or permanently affixed to a mobile platform (MP) that can be used to scan freight at the point of pickup or pickup or each time it is unloaded/loaded onto a new MP, providing accurate 3D models and damage detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stationary dimensioner is used in a fixed location, then measurement precision can be maintained, but device mobility and adaptability to different pickup locations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dimensioning system is divided into modular components that can be detached and reattached to different mobile platforms. The dimensioner table can be separated from the mobile platform and reconfigured at different pickup locations, enabling both measurement precision and operational flexibility without requiring a fixed stationary installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static stationary dimensioner to a dynamic mobile dimensioning solution. The dimensioner table can be moved between different pickup locations on mobile platforms, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy through consistent positioning capabilities.
2Productivity
If dimensional data is collected at pickup, then productivity and operational efficiency improve, but device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platform integrates the dimensioner table with autonomous positioning and scanning capabilities. The system automatically positions itself at pickup locations and captures dimensional data without requiring manual intervention or complex setup procedures, thereby improving productivity while keeping operational complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimensioner table is pre-configured and calibrated before being mounted on the mobile platform. This preliminary setup ensures that when the system is deployed at pickup locations, it can immediately begin capturing dimensional data without requiring time-consuming calibration or configuration, thus improving operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple scans are performed to detect damage, then reliability and freight safety improve, but loss of time and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dimensioner table performs multiple scans at different pickup locations continuously throughout the shipping process. Rather than performing comprehensive damage inspection only at the end, the system continuously monitors freight conditions at each pickup point, detecting damage early while minimizing total processing time through parallel scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system compares dimensional data from successive scans to identify changes that may indicate damage. By providing immediate feedback on dimensional changes between scans, the system can quickly identify damaged freight without requiring extensive manual inspection, thus improving reliability while controlling processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a dimensioner table (DT) that is highly transportable and can be removably or permanently affixed to a mobile platform (MP). This allows freight to be scanned at the time of pickup or each time it is unloaded/loaded onto a new MP. The dimensioning information collected from the DT can be used to create a 3D model of the freight which can be used to help provide loading instructions. The successive scans of the freight by each DT can also be used to identify any discrepancies in the 3D models or captured images which may indicate damage or partial loss of freight.