Smart Pallet Repositioning for Autonomous Trailer Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional palettes require manual repositioning and lack autonomy in dynamic environments, such as distribution warehouses, which limits their efficiency and safety, especially when needing to avoid obstacles.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart palettes equipped with onboard computing systems and drive mechanisms that allow them to autonomously load and unload cargo onto trailers, coordinate with other palettes, and reposition within trailers based on sensor data and changing conditions, such as load distribution and route changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional palettes are used for cargo transport, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the palettes require manual repositioning and lack autonomy in dynamic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The palette is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including onboard sensors (laser range finders, ultrasonic sensors, cameras), processors, and drive mechanisms that enable it to independently detect obstacles, determine optimal paths, and reposition itself without manual intervention. The palette computes its own motion plans and executes autonomous navigation to transport cargo between locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical repositioning with an automated system integrating sensors (laser range finders, ultrasonic sensors, cameras), processors for computing motion plans, and drive mechanisms. This substitution transforms the palette from a passive manual-repositioning structure to an active autonomous navigation platform.
2Productivity
If manual repositioning of palettes is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the operational speed and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The palette independently performs navigation and repositioning tasks through onboard sensors and processors that detect obstacles, compute motion plans, and control drive mechanisms. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operation while significantly increasing operational speed and productivity in dynamic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The palette incorporates multiple sensors (laser range finders, ultrasonic sensors, cameras) that continuously monitor the environment and provide feedback to the onboard processor. This feedback enables real-time obstacle detection, dynamic path adjustment, and autonomous repositioning, thereby increasing operational speed without compromising safety.
3Reliability
If palettes cannot automatically move, then the system is simpler, but safety is compromised when palettes are in the way of persons or objects
Solution Approach 1:
The palette employs multiple sensors (laser range finders, ultrasonic sensors, cameras) that continuously scan the environment ahead of time to detect obstacles including persons and objects. The onboard processor computes motion plans that proactively avoid detected obstacles, and the drive mechanisms execute preventive maneuvers before collisions can occur, ensuring safety in dynamic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous safety system integrates real-time feedback from multiple sensors that monitor the palette's surroundings. The onboard processor continuously processes sensor data to detect obstacles and dynamically adjusts the motion plan, enabling the palette to automatically move out of the way of persons or objects while maintaining safe operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for transporting cargo using smart palettes includes determining receipt of a first cargo onto a platform of a first smart palette at a first distribution hub. The method includes generating one or more signals that control a loading of the first smart palette and the first cargo onto a trailer located at the first distribution hub. The method includes determining a coordination with one or more second smart palettes associated with the trailer to determine a first position inside the trailer for the first smart palette and the first cargo. The method includes generating one or more signals that position the first smart palette and the first cargo at the first position inside the trailer.