Modularized Freight Trailers for Dynamic Operator Assignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Freight services face challenges in accommodating deviations to planned schedules, particularly in large-scale operations, where flexibility in trailer allocation and operator selection is limited, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that utilizes modularized trailers and a network service to select and assign freight operators based on proximity and availability, allowing shippers to generate freight requests for preloaded trailers without requiring operators to own or provide trailers, thereby expanding the pool of available operators and improving cost efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional large-scale freight operations are used, then operational stability is maintained, but flexibility in accommodating schedule deviations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the freight operation into independent modular components: trailers are separated from operators, with each trailer being a self-contained module that can be independently assigned to different operators. This segmentation enables flexible reassignment of trailers to accommodate schedule deviations while maintaining overall operational stability through the structured modular framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic trailer allocation where trailers can be reassigned between operators based on real-time needs and schedule requirements. The modular design allows the system to adapt dynamically to changing conditions, enabling flexible accommodation of schedule deviations while maintaining operational reliability through controlled reassignment processes.
2Quantity of substance
If operators are required to own or provide trailers, then equipment availability is ensured, but operator pool size and cost efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal trailer pool that can be shared across multiple operators, eliminating the requirement for each operator to own equipment. The modular trailers serve multiple functions and can be assigned to any qualified operator in the pool, thereby expanding the available operator base while reducing individual equipment investment requirements and improving overall cost efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modularized trailers with independent assignment are implemented, then flexibility and operator pool size improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into modular trailers does increase system complexity, it enables independent assignment and tracking of each trailer module. The patent manages this complexity through structured modular design where each trailer is a standardized unit with identifiable characteristics, allowing for systematic allocation and monitoring that balances flexibility with manageable system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system receives a freight request from a shipper, where the freight request specifies a destination for a load of the shipper. The computer system implements a selection process to select a freight operator to haul a corresponding trailer of the trailer module from a location of the shipper to a destination. The trailer module may be monitored using information transmitted from the trailer, to determine when the trailer is picked up and/or delivered at the destination.