Object-Shifting System for In-Transit Routing and Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in efficiently organizing, routing, and tracking a large number of objects in logistics networks, leading to limited capacity and resource inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of an object-shifting system that includes an object-shifting apparatus capable of detecting, locating, identifying, engaging, and shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion, using object-detection components and object-engaging components that can adapt to different shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated object detection and shifting systems are implemented, then productivity and handling capacity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: object-detection components (cameras, sensors), object-engaging components (grippers, clamps), shifting mechanisms (conveyors, robots), and computing devices for control. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing the system to handle high object volumes through modular scalability while managing complexity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The object-shifting apparatus incorporates multiple functionalities within integrated components. The object-detection components can identify objects, determine their destinations, and guide engagement. The object-engaging components can adapt to various object shapes and sizes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If object-detection components are used to locate and identify objects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device serves as an intermediary that processes data from multiple object-detection components (cameras, sensors, scanners). It integrates information from these components to accurately locate and identify objects, then translates this information into control signals for the shifting mechanism. This intermediary approach achieves high measurement precision while managing detection system complexity through centralized intelligent processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement and positioning systems with optical and electronic detection components. Instead of using mechanical encoders, rulers, or physical positioning mechanisms, the patent uses cameras, image processing, and sensor arrays to detect object locations and identities with high precision. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If object-engaging components are made adaptable to different shapes and sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The object-engaging components are designed with dynamic, adjustable features rather than fixed configurations. Grippers can change their shape or opening width, clamps can adjust their force and position, and the components can adapt their geometry based on real-time feedback from object-detection components. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle diverse object shapes and sizes while managing complexity through programmable control and feedback mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Detecting, locating, identifying, engaging, and/or shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion as well as methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-program products therefor. Embodiments used for shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion may be implemented in stationary environments, and/or in moving, e.g., in-transit, environments, and may be used to transfer, route, and/or organize objects based on their designated destinations. The embodiments may further be implemented in a logistics network, thereby increasing the efficiency and capacity of the logistics network, among other benefits.