Pinhole Cargo Detector for Robust Container Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo handling systems are complex and fragile, making them unsuitable for detecting cargo container positions and velocities effectively in harsh environments, as they rely on expensive and fragile optical sensors with lenses and focus control.
Innovation Solution
A cargo handling system incorporating a cargo detector with a charge-coupled image sensor, a shutter containing a pin hole, and a light source, which captures images of the cargo without the need for expensive lenses, using a pin hole to focus light onto the sensor, allowing for detection of cargo container positions and velocities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vision systems with optical sensors, lenses and focus control are used to detect cargo container positions and velocities, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability deteriorates due to fragility in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex optical components (lenses, focus control mechanisms) from the detection system, retaining only the essential pinhole aperture and image sensor. This extraction eliminates the fragile parts while preserving the core imaging function needed for cargo detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile optical components with a simple, inexpensive pinhole aperture that has no moving parts and requires no maintenance. The pinhole is a permanent, non-consumable feature that eliminates the need for complex optical assemblies.
2Measurement precision
If vision systems with optical sensors, lenses and focus control are used to detect cargo container positions and velocities, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to fragility in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fragile optical components (lenses, focus control mechanisms) that cause reliability issues in harsh environments, retaining only the robust pinhole aperture and solid-state image sensor that can withstand vibration, temperature extremes, and other harsh conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fragile, expensive optical components with a simple pinhole aperture that has no moving parts and cannot break. This permanent feature eliminates the reliability issues associated with complex optical systems while maintaining detection capability.
3Device complexity
If simple pinhole detection system is used instead of vision systems with lenses and focus control, then device complexity is reduced and reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter from complex optical alignment and lens positioning to simple pinhole diameter and position. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining detection precision, as the pinhole dimensions can be controlled through standard machining or laser drilling processes.
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 system effectively detects cargo container positions and velocities, even in high-speed environments, by using a pin hole to focus light onto a charge-coupled device sensor, providing reliable and robust cargo handling capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a pin hole disposed in the shutter... the pin hole to focus light onto the sensor
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor having a sensing surface... the image sensor is a charge-coupled device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A cargo handling system is disclosed herein. The cargo handling system includes a conveyance surface (102) a power drive unit (110) for moving cargo along the conveyance surface (102) where the power drive unit (110) disposed in the conveyance surface (102) and a cargo detector coupled to the power drive unit (110). The cargo detector includes an image sensor having a sensing surface, the sensing surface being oriented towards the cargo, a shutter disposed between the image sensor and the cargo, and a pin hole disposed in the shutter.