Multi-Level Chassis Handling With Sensor-Based Damage Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation and logistics industry faces inefficiencies in handling and storing chassis due to land scarcity, cluttered storage areas, and the risk of damaged chassis being mistakenly reused, leading to delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level chassis handling system with a transfer mechanism that includes sensors and a hoisting mechanism for efficient storage, retrieval, and alignment, allowing for secure docking and tracking of chassis, minimizing the use of land and reducing the risk of damaged chassis being placed back in service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ground level storage areas are used to store chassis, then chassis can be stored and accessed, but the land footprint is large and storage efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level storage to elevated multi-level storage racks, utilizing vertical space to increase chassis storage capacity without proportionally increasing land footprint. This dimensional change allows multiple levels of chassis storage within the same horizontal area, directly resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and land usage.
2Reliability
If truck line carriers deposit damaged chassis in the usable chassis area to avoid damage claims, then phantom damage claims occur, but inspection processes are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary inspection of chassis at the point of return using sensors and imaging devices before chassis are placed in storage. This preliminary action identifies damaged chassis early, preventing them from being mistakenly placed in usable areas and reducing phantom damage claims, while maintaining a relatively simple inspection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary inspection and sorting system that acts as a mediator between chassis return and storage placement. This intermediary process uses sensors, cameras, and automated decision-making to determine chassis condition and appropriate storage location, reducing reliance on carrier self-reporting while keeping the overall system manageable.
3Productivity
If drivers are not aware that chassis is damaged, then delays occur when container is placed on damaged chassis, but continuous operation is preferred
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through sensors, cameras, and data tracking that monitor chassis condition and provide real-time information about damaged chassis. This feedback loop ensures that damaged chassis are identified and removed from circulation before they can cause operational delays, maintaining high productivity without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs preliminary detection of damaged chassis before they are placed in service or storage. By detecting damage in advance through automated systems, the patent prevents subsequent delays that would occur if damage were discovered only after container placement, thus maintaining continuous operational flow.
4Area of stationary object
If multi-level storage racks are implemented, then land use efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated storage system incorporates automated features such as sensors, cameras, and integrated control systems that enable self-inspection, self-sorting, and self-management of chassis. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual operations and personnel intervention, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high land use efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (400) for handling a container is disclosed. It can include the steps of: providing (410) a multi-level structure (450) including a plurality of levels (470) including a first level (472) with an opening (474) to receive a container (476) and a second level (478); locating (420) a plurality of shelves (480) adjacent to the opening (474) including a port shelf (482) and a starboard shelf (484), each configured to receive a container (476); and providing (430) a transfer mechanism (530) configured to pick a container (176) and place it on one of the plurality of shelves (480). Advantageously, the method (400) provides enhanced container handling and logistics, and has wide use cases in warehousing, assembly manufacturing, ports and distribution hubs.