Improved evaluation of filling state in cargo transport

Monitoring system for evaluating a filling state of a load bearing means, said monitoring system comprising a sensing module;

• said load bearing mean adapted for being carried by a transport unit;
• said load bearing mean comprising a loading space, and said load bearing means being a cargo vessel for holding cargo;
• wherein said sensing module is mounted on said load bearing mean outside of said loading space or on a portion of said transport unit outside of said loading space;
• said sensing module comprising an emitter, a receiver, an evaluator and a memory comprising calibration data;
• said sensing module configured for carrying out the steps of:
• generating an emitted sound wave by means of said emitter;
• converting a reflected sound wave in a reflected signal by means of said receiver;
• and
• evaluating said filling state indicative of the loading space being filled or not by means of said evaluator based on at least said calibration data and said reflected signal;
• wherein a spacing (S) between said emitter and said receiver does not exceed 200 mm, preferably does not exceed 100 mm;
• and wherein a maximum dimension (M) of said load bearing means, preferably a length (M) of said load bearing means, is not smaller than 4 m, preferably not smaller than 6 m.

Transport unit, preferably a cargo wagon, comprising a monitoring system for evaluating a filling state of a load bearing means, said monitoring system comprising a sensing module;

• said transport unit adapted for carrying said load bearing means;
• said load bearing means being a cargo vessel for holding cargo, belonging to said cargo wagon;
• said load bearing mean comprising a loading space;
• wherein said sensing module is mounted on said load bearing mean outside of said loading space or on a portion of said transport unit outside of said bearing means;
• said sensing module comprising an emitter, a receiver, an evaluator and a memory comprising calibration data;
• said sensing module configured
• for carrying out the steps of:
• generating an emitted sound wave by means of said emitter;
• converting a reflected sound wave in a reflected signal by means of said receiver;
• and
• evaluating said filling state indicative of the loading space being filled or not by means of said evaluator based on at least said calibration data and said reflected signal;
• wherein a spacing S between said emitter and said receiver does not exceed 200 mm, preferably does not exceed 100 mm;
• and wherein a maximum dimension (M) of said load bearing means, preferably a length (M) of said load bearing means, is not smaller than 4 m, preferably not smaller than 6 m.