Smart Pallet Coordination for Autonomous Trailer Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallets are manually positioned or repositioned, lacking the ability to move autonomously and respond dynamically to environmental changes, which hinders efficient cargo transportation.
Innovation Solution
Smart palettes equipped with onboard computing systems and drive mechanisms that enable autonomous movement, sensor data processing, and communication with other palettes and vehicles to optimize cargo loading, unloading, and positioning within trailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual positioning of pallets is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and cargo transportation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The smart palette is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including onboard sensors, processors, and drive mechanisms that enable it to move itself without external assistance. The palette can independently determine its position, navigate to designated locations within trailers, and coordinate with other smart palettes, thereby eliminating the need for manual positioning and significantly improving cargo transportation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated system combining electronic sensors, computer vision, and controlled drive mechanisms. The smart palette uses cameras, LIDAR, and other sensors to detect its environment and automatically adjusts its position using electric or hydraulic drive systems, substituting human-operated mechanical methods with automated electromechanical systems.
2Productivity
If smart palettes with autonomous movement capability are deployed, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart palette integrates multiple functions into a single platform: cargo support, autonomous navigation, communication with other palettes and trailers, sensor data processing, and coordinated movement. This multi-functionality allows the palette to perform loading, unloading, and repositioning operations autonomously, improving productivity while consolidating complexity into a unified system rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart palette incorporates sensors, cameras, and LIDAR that continuously monitor its position, orientation, and surrounding environment. This feedback is processed by onboard computers that adjust the palette's movement in real-time to achieve precise positioning within trailers and coordinate with other smart palettes, enabling autonomous operation despite the complexity of the systems involved.
3Loss of time
If smart palettes coordinate autonomously within trailers, then loss of time at distribution hubs is reduced, but device complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The smart palettes use wireless communication systems and standardized protocols to exchange position, status, and coordination information with each other and with the trailer's control system. This intermediary communication layer enables autonomous coordination without requiring complex direct physical connections or centralized control, allowing palettes to independently negotiate their positions and movements while reducing time spent at distribution hubs.
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.