Quay Crane Container Scanning Layout for Faster Port Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container scanning systems occupy a large floor area and reduce the circulation efficiency of containers at ports due to the need for a separate inspection location and time-consuming inspection processes.

Innovation Solution

Integrate a scanning device onto the scanning platform of a quay crane, allowing for in-transit scanning during loading and unloading, and utilize multiple scanning stations and hoisting components to facilitate continuous inspection without the need for additional space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cargo holds are inspected manually by opening container doors and using flashlights, then inspection personnel can visually examine the cargo, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection (personnel entering containers with flashlights) with an automated optical inspection system. A camera mounted on a movable arm captures images of container interiors, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze the captured images to detect cargo conditions, thereby eliminating manual labor and significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining or improving inspection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates visual copies (images) of the container interior using a camera system. Instead of personnel directly observing the cargo, the system captures images and processes them to generate information about cargo conditions. This copying approach allows multiple analyses of the same scene without requiring physical presence, thereby reducing inspection time and enabling automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If inspection personnel manually enter containers to inspect cargo, then direct visual examination is possible, but the work environment becomes harsh and physically demanding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection qualityVSAvoidharsh work environment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces human personnel with an automated camera-based inspection system that operates remotely. The camera captures images of container interiors without requiring human entry, thereby eliminating exposure to harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and potential hazardous materials while maintaining inspection quality through automated image analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (camera system with movable arm) between the inspector and the container interior. This intermediary captures visual information and transmits it to the inspection system, allowing thorough examination of cargo conditions without direct human exposure to harmful environmental factors inside containers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple containers are inspected sequentially by manual methods, then each container receives individual attention, but overall productivity remains low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection thoroughnessVSAvoidcontainers inspected per hour
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous inspection operations by eliminating the need for personnel to physically enter and exit each container. The automated camera system can rapidly move between containers and capture images continuously, while parallel processing of images allows multiple containers to be analyzed simultaneously, thereby maintaining inspection thoroughness while dramatically increasing productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary image capture and processing for each container in the sequence, preparing inspection data in advance. By capturing images and initiating analysis before moving to the next container, the system optimizes workflow and enables overlapping processing of multiple containers, thereby increasing overall throughput while maintaining individual inspection quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3779519B1Container inspection system, port facility, and container inspection method
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3779519B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3779519B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3779519B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a container scanning system, a port facility, and a container scanning method. The container scanning system comprises a quay crane (100) and a scanning device (200), wherein the quay crane (100) comprises a scanning platform (103) and a first hoisting component (101), the first hoisting component (101) being configured to hoist a container (300) and transport the container (300) to the scanning platform (103); and the scanning device (200) is movably disposed on the scanning platform (103), and is configured to move relative to the container (300) to perform scanning inspection on the container (300). The port facility comprises the container scanning system. According to embodiments of the container scanning system of the present disclosure, a small floor area is occupied, and scanning inspection is performed during loading/unloading to avoid in-yard inspection, thereby effectively shortening the circulation time of a container at a port and providing high circulation efficiency.