Sensor-Mounted Container Lifting Mechanism for Security Inspection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for inspecting shipping containers are inefficient, with only 2-3% of containers being inspected, and profiling-based inspections can be bypassed through forgery, leading to potential security risks.

Innovation Solution

A system that attaches sensors to container lifting mechanisms to collect security parameters while the container is being moved, using a hardware processor to analyze sensor data against manifest data and output mismatch signals, correlating discrepancies with security categories using statistical techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If profiling-based inspection methods are used to focus resources on suspected containers, then inspection efficiency is improved, but security reliability deteriorates because profiles can be forged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual profiling and inspection methods with automated sensor-based detection systems. Sensors mounted on lifting mechanisms automatically collect physical data (weight, dimensions, material composition) during container handling operations, eliminating the need for human-operated profile analysis and reducing vulnerability to forged documentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection system performs self-validation by automatically comparing sensor-collected physical parameters against expected ranges and historical data. The system autonomously identifies discrepancies and flags suspicious containers without requiring external profiling inputs, making the inspection process independent of potentially forged shipping profiles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If only 2-3% of containers are inspected due to cost and logistical constraints, then operational costs are controlled, but security coverage is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational feasibilityVSAvoidsecurity coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the container lifting operation with the inspection process by mounting sensors directly on the lifting mechanisms. This integration allows 100% of containers to be inspected during routine handling operations without requiring separate inspection procedures, eliminating the need to choose between inspection coverage and operational feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system mounted on lifting mechanisms serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs security inspection, collects operational data, and monitors container conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated inspection infrastructure, making universal inspection economically and logistically feasible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If physical examination methods are used requiring customs personnel presence, then inspection accuracy is improved, but operational speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidcontainer handling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical examination by customs personnel with automated sensor systems that collect and analyze container data during lifting operations. Multiple sensors (weight, dimensions, material composition) simultaneously gather comprehensive inspection data without requiring human presence, maintaining high accuracy while preserving operational speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection process occurs continuously during the container lifting operation rather than as a separate sequential step. Sensors continuously collect data throughout the lifting process, eliminating idle time and ensuring that inspection accuracy is achieved without interrupting the container handling workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11748691B2Multi-threat maritime detection system

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 S T I SECURITY TECH INTEGRATION

AI summary

A system adapted to collect security parameters from a shipping container while a container lifting mechanism is lifting and moving said container, comprising: a mount adapted to attach at least one sensor to a container lifting mechanism, wherein the at least one sensor is adapted to capture at least one sensor parameter associated with a shipping container while the container lifting mechanism lifts said shipping container; a network interface adapted to receive over a network at least one manifest parameter associated with the shipping container; at least one hardware processor adapted to execute code for detecting a mismatch between data deduced from an analysis of the at least one sensor parameter and the at least one manifest parameter, and outputting a signal indicative of said mismatch.