Smart Pallet Coordination for Autonomous Trailer Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallets are manually positioned or repositioned, lacking the ability to autonomously navigate and respond to dynamic environments, which hinders efficient cargo transportation.
Innovation Solution
Smart palettes equipped with onboard computing systems and sensors that enable autonomous movement, loading, and unloading of cargo, as well as real-time environmental comprehension and coordination with other palettes to optimize trailer positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual positioning methods are used for pallets, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and loading efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including onboard sensors, processors, and drive mechanisms that enable it to self-position and self-load without manual intervention. The pallet autonomously determines its own position, navigates to the cargo, and executes loading operations, thereby resolving the contradiction by making the pallet self-sufficient while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated system combining sensors (optical, acoustic, electromagnetic), processors for decision-making, and drive mechanisms. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with sensor-processor-actuator systems resolves the contradiction by enabling autonomous operation that improves loading efficiency while managing complexity through integration
2Loss of time
If pallets lack autonomous navigation capability, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time in cargo transportation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet performs preliminary actions by proactively navigating to the cargo before loading is required, and by pre-positioning itself optimally. The autonomous system continuously monitors and adjusts position in advance, eliminating waiting time and accelerating the cargo transportation process while managing complexity through proactive control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet's autonomous navigation system independently determines optimal routes, navigates to cargo locations, and executes positioning without external control. This self-service capability eliminates time losses associated with manual positioning while containing complexity within the pallet's integrated navigation stack
3Adaptability or versatility
If pallets cannot respond to dynamic environment, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to transportation changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the dynamic environment (cargo position, obstacles, spatial constraints) and feed this information to the onboard processor. The system adjusts its navigation and positioning in real-time based on sensor feedback, enabling adaptive response to environmental changes while managing complexity through closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet transitions from a static, passive structure to a dynamic, active system capable of real-time adaptation. The onboard computer processes environmental information and dynamically adjusts navigation parameters, speed, and positioning strategies to respond to changing transportation conditions, resolving the contradiction by embedding adaptability within the pallet's control architecture
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.