Vehicle Storage Capacity Detection Using Wireless Sensor Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle storage technologies are inefficient and unsafe for storing objects during travel, as they do not effectively utilize space and risk damage to items, leading to delays and additional costs associated with delivery.

Innovation Solution

A wireless vehicle system that uses sensors, cameras, and cloud-based data storage to determine the storage capacity and compatibility of objects within the vehicle, providing real-time guidance on optimal placement and orientation to maximize space and minimize risk of damage through a notification component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional vehicle storage methods are used, then loading is simple, but space utilization is inefficient and objects may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of the storage space before loading objects, analyzing the space characteristics in advance, and determining optimal placement positions and orientations. This preliminary analysis enables efficient space utilization while preventing object damage through pre-planned placement strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes images of the storage space and objects, analyzes their characteristics, and generates placement recommendations. This intermediary system mediates between the physical storage space and the loading process, enabling intelligent space management without requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual loading without guidance is used, then the process is quick, but objects may be improperly placed causing damage or instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject safetyVSAvoidloading time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by analyzing images of the storage space and objects, determining optimal placement positions and orientations, and presenting multiple placement options with recommendations. This feedback loop enables users to make informed decisions about object placement, ensuring safety and stability while maintaining efficient loading processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the storage space and objects before loading begins, capturing images and determining optimal placement strategies in advance. This preliminary action ensures object safety is considered from the outset, preventing improper placement and potential damage while streamlining the loading process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If storage space is not analyzed, then loading is straightforward, but available capacity cannot be determined accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacity measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with image-based analysis. By capturing images of the storage space and using computational algorithms to analyze dimensions, volume, and available capacity, the system achieves precise measurements without requiring physical measurement tools or complex mechanical structures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary image analysis layer that bridges the gap between visual information and precise storage capacity measurements. This intermediary process captures images, extracts spatial characteristics, and calculates available capacity, enabling accurate measurement while keeping the system relatively simple and non-intrusive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11086946B2Determining available storage capacity of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.08.10 LYFT INC
  • US11086946B2 patent drawing
  • US11086946B2 patent drawing
  • US11086946B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Tracking remaining storage capacity of a vehicle using sensors via a wireless system of the vehicle is presented herein. A method can include receiving first data representing an object; receiving second data representing a storage space of a vehicle; and determining, using the first data and the second data, whether the object is capable of placement within the storage space of the vehicle. In an example, the method can further include displaying information representing an order of placements of a set of objects comprising the object, a proposed location for the object, and/or a proposed orientation for the object within the storage space of the vehicle in response to the object being determined to be capable of placement within the storage space of the vehicle.