Movable Camera Sensor Washing for Container Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container scanning systems are inefficient due to late identification of container information, high maintenance costs, and inability to scan front and rear sides of containers, with limited reliability and increased complexity in harsh environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A camera/sensor unit movably mounted on a container handling crane, coupled with a control unit and a rail, featuring a washing station for automated maintenance and cleaning, allowing for reduced human intervention and increased reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If cameras are mounted on the sill beams to scan container sides, then container identification can be read, but the identification becomes available too late in the handling process and front/rear sides cannot be scanned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the camera/sensor unit movable along the rail instead of fixed on sill beams. The camera can dynamically reposition to scan different container sides (front, rear, or side) by moving along the rail mounted on the spreader, enabling flexible scanning timing and orientation while maintaining a simple single-unit configuration
2Reliability
If multiple cameras are mounted on sill beams to scan containers, then container identification can be captured, but maintenance costs increase due to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing a single camera/sensor unit that can perform multiple scanning functions by moving to different positions along the rail. This single multi-functional unit replaces multiple specialized cameras, reducing the number of components exposed to harsh environments and thereby lowering maintenance costs while maintaining scanning reliability across all container sides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Self-service principle through the automated washing station that cleans the camera/sensor unit automatically during or between operations. This self-maintenance capability reduces the frequency and cost of manual maintenance interventions required in harsh port environments, improving ease of manufacture and operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are fixed on sill beams at 6 meter height, then container side scanning is enabled, but front and rear sides of containers cannot be scanned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by enabling the camera/sensor unit to move along the rail to different positions, allowing it to adaptively scan any container surface (front, rear, or side) as needed. This dynamic repositioning capability provides full scanning coverage with a single versatile unit rather than requiring multiple fixed cameras positioned at different locations
Data Source
AI summary
A container scanning system includes: a camera/sensor unit movably mounted on a container handling crane, having a camera and/or sensor for scanning the exterior surface of a container; a control unit configured to control movement of the camera/sensor unit; and a rail mounted on a support beam of the container handling crane, the camera/sensor unit being movably mounted on the rail. The container scanning system includes a washing station mounted on the support beam or the rail at a predetermined location. In a washing mode, the control unit moves the camera/sensor unit to the predetermined location and controls the washing station to wash at least a surface of the camera and/or sensor.