Package Dimensioning Device with Contactless Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining parcel postage rely on manual input of dimensions and weight, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and existing automated solutions primarily measure three-dimensional dimensions without efficiently integrating weight and additional dimensions for accurate shipping calculations.
Innovation Solution
A package dimensioning device comprising a frame, weight sensor, contactless sensors, control unit, and communication unit, which automatically measures the weight and four-dimensional measurements (height, length, width) of packages, and communicates these measurements to a computer network resource for use in shipping management processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual input of dimensions and weight is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (dimensional measurement via contactless sensors and weight measurement via weight sensor) into a single integrated automated system. The frame structure integrates both sensing systems, and the control unit consolidates data processing from both sensors, eliminating the need for separate manual measurement and weighing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated dimensioning device serves multiple functions: it measures all three dimensions of packages, determines weight, calculates dimensional weight, and interfaces with shipping management systems. This multi-functional capability replaces multiple separate tools and manual processes with a single universal device.
2Measurement precision
If traditional three-dimensional measurement is used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates for shipping calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends traditional three-dimensional measurement by incorporating weight as a fourth measurement dimension. The system simultaneously captures length, width, height, and weight data, creating a four-dimensional measurement profile that provides comprehensive data for accurate shipping calculations and carrier selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit merges dimensional data from contactless sensors with weight data from the weight sensor into a unified measurement record. This integration allows the system to provide comprehensive shipping information in a single automated operation, improving both precision and efficiency.
3Productivity
If automated dimensional measurement is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with automated contactless sensing technology. The contactless sensors use optical or electromagnetic fields to measure dimensions without physical contact, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and operations, thereby increasing processing speed while reducing human intervention.
4Reliability
If contactless sensors are used for dimensional measurement, then reliability improves by avoiding contact, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical contact-based measurement with contactless sensing technology. The contactless sensors use non-contact methods (such as optical or electromagnetic fields) to measure package dimensions, eliminating wear and tear associated with mechanical contact while maintaining measurement accuracy and consistency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables efficient and accurate automatic measurement of package dimensions and weight, reducing manual input errors and enhancing the integration of these measurements into shipping management systems, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of parcel postage determination.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor configured to output a weight data signal that is related to a weight of the package
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of contactless sensors may be configured to output a dimensional data signal that is related to at least one of a height, length and width of the package
Data Source
AI summary
A package dimensioning device is provided. The device may comprise a frame, a weight sensor, contactless sensors, a control unit, and a communication unit. The frame may be configured to receive a package thereon. The weight sensor may be configured to output a weight data signal that may be related to a weight of the package. The contactless sensors may comprise a plurality of contactless sensors. The plurality of contactless sensors may be configured to output a dimensional data signal that may be related to at least one of a height, length and width of the package. The control unit may be communicatively coupled to the weight sensors and the plurality of contactless sensors. The communication unit may be coupled to the control unit. The communication unit may be configured to output measurements of the package to a computer network resource.