Trailer Loading Surface Detection for Flexible Automated Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated loading systems struggle with flexibility and reliability when handling diverse trailer types due to the need for manual measurement and parameterization, leading to inefficiencies and susceptibility to errors, especially with road trailers that lack standardized designs.
Innovation Solution
A method and handling device that utilize a laser scanner to generate a point cloud of the trailer's surface geometry, classify and locate suitable loading surfaces, determine angular positions, and identify fastening elements, enabling precise and automated loading without prior knowledge of trailer types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional systems use explicit knowledge of predefined trailer types, then the system can operate with known parameters, but the system becomes inflexible and cannot handle new or variant trailer types
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables trailers to present their own identification features (reflective elements, geometric patterns) to the scanning device, allowing the system to automatically detect and identify trailer types without pre-programming. The trailer essentially serves itself by providing the necessary identification information passively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement and parameterization processes with an automated optical scanning system using reflective elements and geometric pattern recognition. This substitution eliminates the need for physical measurements during commissioning and enables automatic identification of trailer characteristics.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional systems require manual measurement and parameterization during commissioning, then the system can be configured for specific trailers, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of trailer identification features during the normal operation phase rather than requiring preliminary manual measurement during commissioning. The reflective elements and geometric patterns are detected automatically when the trailer is positioned for loading, eliminating pre-commissioning measurement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual measurement processes are replaced with automated optical scanning using reflective elements and image processing. The system captures geometric patterns and reflective feature positions, then processes this information algorithmically to determine trailer parameters, replacing time-consuming manual procedures with automated digital detection.
3Reliability
If conventional systems maintain databases of known trailers, then the system can recognize familiar trailer types, but the system is susceptible to errors when encountering similar but new trailer variants
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static database lookup to dynamic feature extraction and pattern recognition. Instead of matching against predefined trailer profiles, the system continuously detects and analyzes geometric patterns and reflective element positions, adapting its recognition based on the actual visual characteristics detected in the current situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the trailer's geometric patterns and reflective feature arrangements rather than relying on stored profiles. This digital model is generated from the actual visual data captured during operation, allowing the system to work with any trailer variant that presents recognizable geometric patterns, including those not in the database.
4Measurement precision
If the system uses laser scanning to detect surface geometry, then the system achieves high measurement precision, but the processing time for determining angular positions must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task into identifying key geometric features (corners, edges, reflective elements) rather than processing the entire point cloud for angular calculations. By focusing on discrete, easily identifiable features and their spatial relationships, the system achieves precise angular determination faster than full-point-cloud processing would require.
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
Enables flexible and reliable automated loading by accurately detecting trailer surfaces and elements, reducing manual intervention and minimizing errors, thus enhancing system adaptability and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a method for detecting a loading surface of a transport means for automated loading with a loading container
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method (PRC) for loading a transport means (TPT) with a loading container (CNT). To automate the handling process by means of a handling device, is it proposed: a) defining a spatially fixed coordinate system (MCS), the first and second coordinate directions of which (COX, COY) are located substantially in a horizontal plane (PLN) and the third coordinate direction (COZ) of which extends substantially vertically in the height direction (HDR), b) receiving a surface geometry (SGT) in the region of a handling region (TOA), c) identifying a region of a transport means (TPT), d) determining the location of a loading surface of the transport means (TPT), e) determining a spacial angular position of a loading surface of the transport means (TPT), f) identifying and classifying one or more determined loading surfaces (LDR) of the transport means (TPT), g) identifying fastening elements (TWL) and/or guide elements (GDE) and/or obstacles (OBT) and/or loads (LOD) on the loading surface (LDR), h) choosing a loading container (CNT) that fits a determined loading surface (LDR) and the associated fastening elements (TWL) of the transport means (TRT), i) loading the loading surface (LDR) of the transport means (TRT) with the chosen loading container (CNT).