Wireless Cargo Controller Real-Time Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy cargo handling systems lack real-time localization capabilities for wireless devices, leading to safety risks and operational inefficiencies, especially when control panels move and there is no system in place to guarantee the controller's location in space.

Innovation Solution

A cargo handling system that includes a wireless cargo controller with a processor and memory, utilizing ultra-wide band radio signals to communicate with cargo emergency stations and determine the real-time location of the controller within the system, allowing for precise location tracking and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wireless cargo controllers are used to reduce the number of operators, then operator reduction is achieved and operational flexibility is improved, but the system loses the ability to guarantee controller location in space, creating safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator reductionVSAvoidcontroller location guarantee

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/fixed control panel system with a wireless controller system. The fixed control panels that were physically located at known positions are substituted with wireless controllers that operators can move freely, enabling operator reduction while maintaining control functionality through wireless communication and RTLS technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary RTLS (Real-Time Location System) infrastructure consisting of anchors and tags to mediate between the wireless controller and the cargo handling system. This intermediary system enables the wireless controller to maintain awareness of its location without being physically fixed, thus preserving safety guarantees while enabling mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fixed control panels are used, then controller location is known and safe operation is ensured, but operator flexibility is reduced and more operators are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller location knownVSAvoidnumber of operators needed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed control panel system into a dynamic wireless controller system. The controller transitions from being fixed at known positions to being mobile while maintaining location awareness through RTLS technology, enabling a single operator to move freely and perform multiple functions that previously required multiple fixed stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If wireless cargo interfaces are added to reduce operators, then operational flexibility is improved, but the system complexity increases due to lack of location tracking capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator freedom to positionVSAvoidlocation tracking system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal RTLS infrastructure that serves multiple functions: it tracks controller location for safety, enables wireless communication, and provides spatial awareness for operational control. This multi-functional system avoids the need for separate location tracking mechanisms, managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system enhances operator safety by providing real-time location tracking of wireless devices, preventing dangerous operations and improving operational efficiency by allowing single-operator control with precise location awareness.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless emergency module including an ultra-wide band radio, the wireless emergency module configured to communicate with a plurality of cargo emergency stations of a cargo handling system using the ultra-wide band radio

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltra-wide band radio: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The memory comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive ultra-wide band radio signals from the plurality of cargo emergency stations, determine a location within the cargo handling system based on the received ultra-wide band radio signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio signal reception and processing: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250117739A1Cargo handling real time localization system

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A cargo controller is disclosed herein. The cargo controller includes a wireless emergency module including an ultra-wide band radio, the wireless emergency module configured to communicate with a plurality of cargo emergency stations of a cargo handling system using the ultra-wide band radio, a wireless control module configured to communicate with a cargo control station of the cargo handling system, a processor, a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The memory includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive ultra-wide band radio signals from the plurality of cargo emergency stations, determine a location within the cargo handling system based on the received ultra-wide band radio signals, and transmit the location to the cargo handling system.