Modular Status Reporting Device for Container Handlers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing status reporting devices for container handlers are costly and inefficient due to the need for small production runs and varied circuitry to accommodate different types of container handlers, which complicates inventory management and increases the risk of illicit use and container damage.
Innovation Solution
A modular status reporting device system using a micro-controller module with wireless communication capabilities, capable of sensing and reporting various states such as operator identity, container presence, and machine states, which can be integrated with a terminal operating system to improve inventory management and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If status reporting devices are customized for different container handler types, then device functionality and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal status reporting device with standardized circuitry that can interface with multiple container handler types through a common architecture. The device uses a standardized microcontroller unit, wireless communication module, and sensor interface that remain consistent across different applications, while adaptability is achieved through software configuration and standardized physical interfaces rather than hardware customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The status reporting device is divided into modular functional segments: a standardized core module containing the microcontroller and wireless communication, and interchangeable sensor modules that can be attached to different container handler types. This segmentation allows the main circuitry to remain simple and standardized while adapting to different applications through module selection rather than custom circuit design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If status reporting devices are customized for different container handler types, then device functionality is improved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mass production of a single standardized status reporting device design that can serve multiple container handler types including quay cranes, RTG cranes, and UTR trucks. The universal design allows manufacturers to produce large volumes of identical units, achieving economies of scale, while the devices can be deployed across different handler types through standardized interfaces and configuration rather than producing separate custom units for each application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If status reporting devices use varied circuitry for different container handlers, then device adaptability is improved, but inventory management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a standardized status reporting device with uniform circuitry, part numbers, and component specifications that can be used across all container handler types. This standardization creates a single inventory SKU that simplifies procurement, storage, and distribution logistics. The device maintains adaptability through standardized physical interfaces and software configuration capabilities rather than requiring different hardware variants for different applications.
4Measurement precision
If status reporting devices are customized for different container handlers, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but device reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a standardized status reporting device with consistent quality control standards, manufacturing tolerances, and component specifications across all units. This standardization ensures uniform reliability and performance characteristics regardless of the container handler application. The device achieves accurate monitoring of different handler types through standardized sensor interfaces and calibrated measurement protocols rather than through custom circuitry variations that would introduce inconsistency and reduce reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism and method for making status reporting devices for container handlers, including: providing a micro-controller module, and installing a program system into memory accessed by a computer directing the micro-controller module. The micro-controller module communicatively couples with means for wirelessly communicating and for sensing a state of the container handler. Means for wirelessly communicating may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location. The micro-controller module may be communicatively coupled to a separate means for determining location. An apparatus making the devices may include a second program system directing the invention's method through a second computer, which may control an assembly device in creating the micro-controller, coupled with the means for sensing and for wirelessly communicating.