Wireless Memory Cargo Containers for Dynamic Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The aviation industry faces challenges with misplaced or misdirected cargo, particularly luggage, due to delays and changes in passenger travel plans, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in handling and reputational damage.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a mobile reader that connects to wirelessly readable memory devices on cargo containers, which stores and updates onward handling information, including passenger destination data, to ensure accurate routing and location tracking of cargo items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standard cargo handling processes are used to identify cargo items inside closed containers, then cargo items can be located, but the process is time-consuming and requires partially or completely unloading containers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo identification accuracyVSAvoidcargo identification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical search and identification processes with wireless reading technology. Readers wirelessly read container content information from memory devices without physically accessing or unloading the container, substituting mechanical search operations with electromagnetic field-based data retrieval.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces memory devices as intermediaries that store container content information. These memory devices act as mediators between the cargo system and the reading system, allowing information to be transmitted wirelessly without direct physical access to the cargo or container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cargo is routed based on initial passenger destination information, then cargo can be delivered, but delays or changes in passenger travel plans cause cargo misrouting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo routing accuracyVSAvoidcargo routing flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where readers continuously read container content information and compare it with updated passenger destination information. When discrepancies are detected, the system provides feedback to re-route cargo, ensuring that routing decisions are based on current passenger travel plans rather than initial information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the cargo routing system dynamic by enabling real-time updates of passenger destination information and continuous monitoring of container content. The system adapts to changing conditions by allowing routing information to be modified based on current passenger travel plans, transforming a static routing process into a dynamic one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If individual cargo items are identified by comparing numerical ID sequences, then cargo can be located, but the comparison process is difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo identification accuracyVSAvoidcargo identification efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual comparison of numerical ID sequences with wireless reading technology. Readers automatically read and process container content information wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual or mechanical comparison processes and significantly improving identification efficiency.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copies of cargo information stored in memory devices attached to containers. Instead of directly accessing and comparing individual cargo item IDs, the system reads copied information about container contents from the memory devices, making the identification process faster and easier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10289882B2Cargo handling system
Publication Date: 2019.05.14 AMADEUS SAS
  • US10289882B2 patent drawing
  • US10289882B2 patent drawing
  • US10289882B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for managing information flow when handling cargo. A mobile reader may be configured to connect to wirelessly readable memory devices provided on aircraft cargo containers. The memory device stores onward handling information for individual pieces of cargo stored in the container. The mobile reader may be further configured to display the onward handling information.