Wireless Cargo Tracking via Leaky Feeder Antenna Grid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cargo handling systems lack the ability to wirelessly track and locate unit load devices (ULDs) and mobile cargo controllers within cargo compartments, leading to manual and time-consuming processes, which also hinder visual inspection of latches and cargo movement during loading.

Innovation Solution

A cargo handling system that employs a mobile cargo controller with actuators and transmitters, in conjunction with a leaky feeder antenna grid, to determine the location of ULDs and mobile cargo controllers, allowing for wireless tracking and alerts to manage movement and safety within the cargo compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual tracking and location recording by loader is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading process efficiencyVSAvoidtracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated wireless tracking system using transmitters, receivers, and processors to determine ULD locations automatically, eliminating the need for manual recording and improving loading efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service tracking where the ULDs themselves carry transmitters that automatically broadcast their location information, and the system automatically processes and uses this information without requiring manual intervention from loaders

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If loader remains at fixed main control panel location, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to visually inspect cargo

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual inspection capabilityVSAvoidmobile controller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed control panel into a dynamic mobile cargo controller that can move throughout the cargo compartment, allowing operators to visually inspect cargo while maintaining control capabilities, thus improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile cargo controller combines multiple functions including cargo movement control, location determination, and visual inspection capabilities in a single portable device, making it universally applicable throughout the cargo compartment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If manual location relay and storage is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information processing timeVSAvoidautomated tracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual location recording and relay processes with an automated electronic system that continuously tracks ULD locations using wireless transmitters and processors, eliminating time-consuming manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous automatic tracking and location determination of ULDs throughout the loading process, eliminating interruptions and delays associated with manual location reporting and enabling real-time monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If wireless tracking system with transmitters and receivers is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity and use of energy increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo tracking efficiencyVSAvoidwireless tracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements wireless tracking using electromagnetic signals from transmitters and receivers instead of mechanical or electronic wired systems, reducing physical complexity while maintaining high tracking efficiency and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient wireless tracking and location determination of ULDs and mobile cargo controllers, reducing manual effort, enhancing safety by providing alerts for proximity and zone awareness, and streamlining the loading process.

Implementation Method 1

A cargo handling system may be used in conjunction with a cargo compartment (e.g., of an aircraft), for instance to load cargo into the cargo compartment and to unload cargo from the cargo compartment. One or more unit load devices or ULDs may be disposed within the cargo compartment.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11675043B1Wireless tracking and ranging for cargo systems

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A cargo handling system may utilize a leaky feeder antenna grid to determine the location of a ULD, a mobile cargo controller, or both within a cargo compartment. This location determination may be used for any appropriate purpose. For instance, the noted location determinations may be used to alert an operator of an approaching ULD, to terminate motion of an approaching ULD, or both.