Parcel delivery using drones integrated with vehicle elevator units

Abstract

The present disclosure provides parcel delivery using drones integrated with vehicle elevator units. A delivery vehicle is disclosed. The delivery vehicle may include a vehicle lift unit configured to move a storage bin to a storage bin pickup area in an interior portion of the vehicle. The delivery vehicle may also include a vehicle drone unit disposed on a top portion of the vehicle elevator unit. The vehicle drone unit may be removably coupled to the vehicle elevator unit. The vehicle drone unit may include a vehicle landing platform for a drone. The landing platform may include an opening to enable the drone to engage the storage bin for the last mile delivery of the storage bin. The opening may be proximate to the bin pickup area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to package delivery using drones, and more particularly to package delivery using drone units integrated with vehicle lift units. Background Art

[0002] E-commerce companies and their delivery partners deliver an increasing number of packages every day while trying to limit the expenditure on resources (e.g., labor, etc.) and reduce delivery time. Various methods are currently used to optimize the process of loading / unloading delivery packages onto / from delivery vehicles. For example, e-commerce companies load packages with similar delivery addresses that are close to each other into delivery vehicles to increase the efficiency of unloading packages. In addition, e-commerce companies optimize the delivery routes of their delivery vehicles to reduce energy consumption and package delivery time.

[0003] While conventional methods performed by e-commerce companies are effective in improving efficiency, there are still challenges that cause inconvenience to vehicle drivers and / or e-commerce companies. For example, unloading delivery packages from delivery vehicles for last-mile delivery is still a manual process and requires resources that may be unavailable or expensive. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure describes a delivery vehicle configured to perform storage bin (or package) delivery. The delivery vehicle may include a vehicle lift unit configured to move the storage bin / package vertically along the height of the vehicle and set the storage bin / package to a pickup area located near the top portion of the vehicle. The delivery vehicle may also include a vehicle drone unit that may be enclosed in the top portion of the vehicle (e.g., enclosed in a cutout or recess in the top portion of the vehicle). The vehicle drone unit may enclose a drone configured to perform the last mile delivery of the storage bin. The vehicle drone unit may be disposed above the vehicle lift unit and may be aligned with the vehicle lift unit.

[0005] In some aspects, the vehicle drone unit can be connected to the vehicle lift unit via a mechanical interface, a data interface, and a power interface. The mechanical interface can enable the vehicle drone unit to be directly inserted into the top portion of the vehicle lift unit. The data interface can enable the delivery vehicle to provide delivery instructions to the drone (e.g., instructions for engaging with the storage box and performing the last mile delivery of the storage box). The power interface can enable the drone to receive power from a power source (e.g., from a vehicle battery).

[0006] In some aspects, the vehicle drone unit may include a vehicle landing platform for the drone. The landing platform may include an opening to enable the drone to engage with the storage bin for storage bin last mile delivery. The opening may be proximate to the pickup zone, and the opening may be aligned with the pickup zone.

[0007] In an additional aspect, the vehicle drone unit may include a sliding hatch at a top portion of the vehicle drone unit, the sliding hatch being configured to cover / expose the top portion of the vehicle drone unit. When the top portion of the vehicle drone unit may be exposed, the drone may be moved out of the vehicle drone unit. Additionally, the vehicle drone unit may include a drone resting platform, the drone resting platform being configured to move up and down along the height of the vehicle drone unit to enable the drone to be moved into or out of the vehicle drone unit.

[0008] In some aspects, the storage box may include a cutout that may enable the drone to engage with the storage box. For example, the drone may be equipped with a gripping mechanism to grip or engage with the storage box.

[0009] In further aspects, to facilitate drone-vehicle lift unit alignment (e.g., to enable a drone to grab a storage box from a pickup area in a vehicle lift unit), the landing platform may include one or more recesses (e.g., conical recesses). The conical recesses may be configured to receive drone legs. In some aspects, the conical recesses may include a first magnetic material that may enable magnetic coupling between the landing platform and the drone, which may have a second magnetic material. In further aspects, the landing platform may have a shape corresponding to the shape of a landing gear of the drone, which may enable the landing gear to snap into the landing platform to facilitate drone-vehicle lift unit alignment.

[0010] The present disclosure discloses a delivery system and method that uses drones and vehicle lift units to facilitate storage bin last mile delivery, thereby improving the efficiency of delivering packages and reducing manual labor. The system also facilitates the effective integration of the vehicle drone unit with the vehicle lift unit so that the drone can conveniently pick up the storage bin / package and perform the last mile delivery.

[0011] These and other advantages of the present disclosure are provided in detail herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the accompanying drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. The elements and / or components in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably, depending on the context.

[0013] Figure 1 An example environment is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0014] Figure 2 Depicted are example vehicle drone units and vehicle lift units according to the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 Describes the invention according to the present disclosure Figure 2 An example sliding hatch associated with a vehicle drone unit.

[0016] Figure 4 Describes the invention according to the present disclosure Figure 2 An example drone resting platform associated with a vehicle drone unit.

[0017] Figure 5 A first example storage bin grab mechanism according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0018] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A second example storage bin grab mechanism according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0019] Figure 7 A third example storage bin grab mechanism according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0020] Figure 8 A first example drone-vehicle lift unit alignment according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0021] Fig. 9 A second example drone-vehicle lift unit alignment according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0022] Fig.10 A third example drone-vehicle lift unit alignment in accordance with the present disclosure is depicted.

[0023] Fig.11 Depicted is a flow chart of an example method for facilitating storage bin / package delivery in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown and which are not intended to be limiting.

[0025] Figure 1 An example environment 100 is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. Environment 100 may include a delivery vehicle 102 (or vehicle 102), which may be a truck, a van (including a walk-in van), a truck trailer, etc. In some aspects, vehicle 102 may be an autonomous vehicle. In other aspects, a driver (not shown) may operate vehicle 102. Furthermore, vehicle 102 may include any powertrain, such as, for example, a gasoline engine, one or more electric actuation motors, a hybrid powertrain, etc.

[0026] The vehicle 102 may include one or more layers / arrays of a plurality of motorized tiles 104a, 104b, 104c (collectively, a plurality of motorized tiles 104) to which a plurality of storage boxes 106a, 106b, 106c, etc. (collectively, a plurality of storage boxes 106) may be secured. Each storage box 106 may be configured to hold one or more packages. In an exemplary aspect, the location of each storage box 106 in the vehicle 102 and the allocation of each package in each storage box 106 may be optimally pre-planned or preset so that unloading each package / storage box from the vehicle 102 may be convenient (e.g., when the vehicle 102 arrives at a package delivery location).

[0027] Environment 100 may also include a vehicle lift 108, which may be arranged in the interior portion of the vehicle, close to the rear portion of the vehicle. In an exemplary aspect, the vehicle lift 108 may be arranged below the sliding top portion (not shown) of the vehicle 102. The vehicle lift 108 may be configured to move the storage box 106 (or parcel) to a storage box pick-up area (e.g., a first pick-up area) in the interior portion of the vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle lift 108 may be configured to receive the storage box 106 from one or more motorized tiles in a plurality of motorized tiles 104, and move the storage box 106 along the vehicle height to place the storage box 106 in the first pick-up area. The first pick-up area may be close to the top portion of the vehicle. In another aspect, the vehicle lift 108 may be configured to move the storage box 106 (or any other storage box) to a second storage box pick-up area (e.g., close to the vehicle cargo compartment) for the vehicle operator to perform the last mile delivery of the storage box in response to receiving the storage box 106 from the motorized tiles. The second pick-up area may be proximate to an underbody portion of the vehicle.

[0028] The environment 100 may also include a drone 110, which may be communicatively coupled to the vehicle 102 via one or more networks. The drone 110 may be configured to receive the storage bin 106 from the first pickup zone and perform a last mile delivery of the storage bin (e.g., move the storage bin 106 from the first pickup zone to a delivery address associated with the storage bin 106).

[0029] The above network illustrates an example communication infrastructure in which the connected devices discussed in various embodiments of the present disclosure may communicate. The network may be and / or include the Internet, a private network, a public network, or other configurations operating using any one or more known communication protocols, such as, for example, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11, and cellular technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPDA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and Fifth Generation (5G), to name a few examples.

[0030] The vehicle 102 may also include one or more units, including but not limited to a vehicle transceiver 112, a vehicle memory 114, and a vehicle processor 116. The vehicle transceiver 112 may be configured to exchange information / data / signals with an external device or vehicle component (such as a drone 110). The vehicle memory 114 may store programs and / or store data in code form for performing various operations according to the present disclosure. Specifically, the vehicle processor 116 may be configured and / or programmed to execute computer executable instructions stored in the vehicle memory 114 for performing various functions according to the present disclosure. Therefore, the vehicle memory 114 may be used to store code and / or data code and / or data for performing operations according to the present disclosure.

[0031] In some aspects, the vehicle processor 116 can be configured to communicate with one or more memory devices (e.g., the vehicle memory 114 and / or one or more external databases ( Figure 1 The vehicle memory 114 may include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.), and may include any one or more non-volatile memory elements (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0032] The vehicle memory 114 may be an example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or memory and may be used to store programs / instructions in code form and / or store data for performing various operations according to the present disclosure. The instructions in the vehicle memory 114 may include one or more separate programs, each of which may include an ordered list of computer-executable instructions for implementing logical functions.

[0033] In some aspects, the vehicle memory 114 can store information associated with the inventory loaded in the vehicle 102. The information associated with the inventory (e.g., real-time information) can include, for example, the package size / dimensions associated with each delivery package in the vehicle 102, the package weight, the parcel shape, etc. The information can also include the size of the storage box in which the package / item can be placed, the mapping of multiple packages to multiple storage boxes 106 (e.g., which package is placed in which storage box), etc. In addition, the vehicle memory 114 can include delivery information. The delivery information can include the delivery location, the delivery route, the order of package delivery, the delivery date and time, customer information (such as contact information, delivery address, etc.), etc.

[0034] The vehicle processor 116 may obtain information, including inventory information and delivery information, from the vehicle memory 114. In response to obtaining the information, the vehicle processor 116 may determine a storage box 106 (e.g., a storage box 106 or a package disposed in the storage box 106) that may be scheduled for delivery at the next delivery location in the delivery route based on the obtained information. In some aspects, in the case of a storage box last mile delivery, the storage box may only include orders / items associated with one delivery location / address.

[0035] In response to determining the storage bin 106, the vehicle processor 116 may cause the storage bin 106 to move from its storage location on the plurality of motorized tiles 104 (determined based on inventory information obtained from the vehicle memory 114) to the vehicle lift 108 via one or more motorized tiles. When the storage bin 106 may be placed on the vehicle lift 108, the vehicle processor 116 may cause the vehicle lift 108 to move the storage bin 106 to the first pick-up area. Specifically, the vehicle processor 116 may generate instructions for causing the vehicle lift 108 to move the storage bin 106 to the first pick-up area and transmit the instructions to the vehicle lift 108. The vehicle lift 108 may receive the instructions from the vehicle processor 116 and may move the storage bin 106 to the first pick-up area based on the received instructions.

[0036] In some aspects, the vehicle processor 116 may also be configured to determine (e.g., via a vehicle sensor, a vehicle camera, etc.) that the storage bin 106 may be placed in the first pickup zone. In response to determining that the storage bin 106 may be placed in the first pickup zone, the vehicle processor 116 may be configured to generate instructions for the drone 110 to perform a last mile delivery of the storage bin and transmit the instructions to the drone 110. In some aspects, the instructions may include delivery information, which may include a delivery or destination location associated with the storage bin 106. The drone 110 may receive the instructions and may engage with the storage bin 106 to move the storage bin 106 to the delivery / destination location.

[0037] In some aspects, the drone 110 may include one or more units, including but not limited to a drone transceiver 118, a drone memory 120, a drone processor 122, and a drone sensor 124. The drone transceiver 118 may be configured to exchange information, data, notifications, signals, etc. with the vehicle transceiver 112. For example, the drone transceiver 118 may be configured to receive instructions for performing a last mile delivery of a storage box, and may store the received instructions in the drone memory 120. The drone processor 122 may be configured to obtain instructions from the drone transceiver 118 and / or the drone memory 120, and may cause the drone 110 to perform the last mile delivery of the storage box based on the obtained instructions.

[0038] As an example, in response to receiving the instruction, the drone 110 may first engage with the storage box 106 at the first pickup area, and then fly to deliver the storage box 106 to the delivery / destination location. When the drone 110 completes the storage box delivery, the drone 110 may return to the vehicle 102 for the next storage box delivery, and then the above process may be repeated. In some aspects, the structure / features / functions of the drone memory 120 and the drone processor 122 may be the same as the structure / features / functions of the vehicle memory 114 and the vehicle processor 116, respectively. In some aspects, the drone 110 may also include a sensor 124 configured to facilitate drone operation. For example, the sensor 124 may include a proximity sensor to determine whether the storage box 106 is set in the first pickup area. In addition, the sensor 124 may include a pressure sensor to confirm that the drone has landed.

[0039] Drone 110 may be autonomous or may be remotely operated via an operator or server. In the case of autonomous remote navigation and operation, drone 110 may maintain communication with vehicle 102 through a visual system (e.g., within line of sight) or through the above-mentioned network. In addition, although the present disclosure describes the use of one drone (e.g., drone 110) to achieve the last mile delivery of a storage box from vehicle 102, the present disclosure is not limited to the use of a single drone. In other aspects, vehicle 102 may use multiple drones to perform multiple deliveries simultaneously to improve unloading or operating efficiency.

[0040] In another aspect, the vehicle processor 116 can cause the vehicle lift 108 to move another storage box to a second pickup area (e.g., near the vehicle cargo box). In response to moving the other storage box to the second pickup area, the vehicle processor 116 can transmit instructions / notifications to a user device associated with the vehicle operator or to the vehicle infotainment system (not shown) to perform the storage box last mile delivery. Thus, the vehicle processor 116 can enable the storage box last mile delivery via the drone 110 and the vehicle operator according to the delivery location stop.

[0041] The vehicle 102 , vehicle operator, and drone 110 implement and / or perform operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the vehicle owner's manual and safety guidelines.

[0042] Figure 2 Depicted is a vehicle drone unit 202 and a vehicle lift unit 204 according to the present disclosure. The vehicle lift unit 204 may be the same as the vehicle lift 108, or a combination thereof. Figure 1 1. As described above, the vehicle lift unit 204 can be configured to move a storage bin (eg, storage bin 106) to a first pick-up area in an interior portion of a vehicle.

[0043] The vehicle drone unit 202 can be disposed on a top portion of the vehicle. In some aspects, the top portion of the vehicle can include a cutout or recess configured to receive / enclose the vehicle drone unit 202. The vehicle drone unit 202 can be configured to enclose the drone 110 inside the vehicle 102. In some aspects, the vehicle drone unit 202 can include a landing platform 206 for the drone 110. The landing platform 206 can include an opening 208 (e.g., a first opening 208) to enable the drone 110 to engage with the storage box 106 for the last mile delivery of the storage box. When the vehicle drone unit 202 can be attached to the top portion of the vehicle, the first opening 208 can be close to the first pickup area and can be aligned with the first pickup area.

[0044] In some aspects, the vehicle drone unit 202 can be disposed on a top portion of the vehicle lift unit 204, such as Figure 2 . The vehicle drone unit 202 can be aligned with the vehicle lift unit 204 to enable the drone 110 to perform the storage bin last mile delivery. In some aspects, the vehicle lift unit 204 can include an opening 210 (e.g., a second opening 210) at a top portion of the vehicle lift unit that can be aligned with the first opening 208 to enable the drone 110 to pick up the storage bin / package from the first pickup area.

[0045] The vehicle drone unit 202 can be attached to the vehicle lift unit 204. In some aspects, the vehicle drone unit 202 can be removably attached to the vehicle lift unit 204 via a first mechanical attachment interface 212a and a second mechanical attachment interface 212b (collectively referred to as mechanical interfaces 212). The vehicle drone unit 202 (e.g., a vehicle drone unit bottom portion) can be inserted (or slid) into the vehicle lift unit top portion via the mechanical interface 212. In some aspects, the first mechanical structure 212a can be disposed on the vehicle drone unit bottom portion, and the second mechanical structure 212b can be disposed on the vehicle lift unit top portion. The first mechanical structure 212a can be configured to engage with the second mechanical structure 212b to couple the vehicle drone unit 202 with the vehicle lift unit 204.

[0046] In additional aspects, the vehicle drone unit 202 can be coupled to the vehicle lift unit 204 via a data and power interface 214. In some aspects, the data and power interface 214 can be disposed on the first mechanical structure 212a and the second mechanical structure 212b. In some aspects, the drone 110 (e.g., the drone transceiver 118) can be configured to exchange information with the vehicle 102 (e.g., the vehicle transceiver 112) via the data interface. For example, the vehicle transceiver 112 can be configured to transmit delivery information (such as a delivery location) and / or instructions associated with the storage box to the drone 110 (e.g., the drone transceiver 118) via the data interface. In addition, the drone 110 can be configured to receive power from a power source via the power interface. For example, the drone 110 can receive power from the vehicle 102 (e.g., a vehicle battery) or an external power source via the power interface. In this way, when the drone 110 can be located in the vehicle drone unit 202, the drone 110 can be charged via the power interface. In other words, the drone 110 can be charged while the drone 110 is in a stationary or idle position in the vehicle drone unit 202. In other aspects, the drone 110 can have a built-in small fast rechargeable battery to reduce drone weight. The drone 110 can be charged between delivery runs.

[0047] Figure 3 An example sliding hatch 302 associated with a vehicle drone unit 202 according to the present disclosure is depicted. The sliding hatch 302 can be disposed on a top portion of the vehicle drone unit. The sliding hatch 302 can be configured to slide and open / close the top portion of the vehicle drone unit. In some aspects, the sliding hatch 302 can be configured to cover (e.g., in a closed position) the top portion of the drone unit to protect the drone 110, for example, from the surrounding environment. The sliding hatch 302 can slide and can be moved to an open position to expose the drone 110 (or vehicle drone unit 202) so that the drone 110 can be lifted vertically upward and perform a storage box last mile delivery. In addition, the sliding hatch 302 can be moved to an open position to enable the drone 110 to land directly into the vehicle drone unit 202 (e.g., after the delivery is completed).

[0048] Figure 3 Different example positions of the sliding hatch 302 are depicted in views 304, 306, and 308. In view 304, the sliding hatch 302 is in a closed position. In this position, the sliding hatch 302 may completely cover the top portion of the vehicle drone unit and may not enable the drone 110 to move in or out of the vehicle drone unit 202. In view 306, the sliding hatch 302 is partially open, and in view 308, the sliding hatch 302 is fully open (i.e., the sliding hatch 302 is in an open position in view 308). When the sliding hatch 302 is in an open position, it may enable the drone 110 to move in or out of the vehicle drone unit 202.

[0049] In some aspects, the sliding door 302 can be configured to open or close based on a command / command signal transmitted by the vehicle processor 116 or a user input. In other aspects, the sliding door 302 can enable the drone 110 (e.g., a drone vision system) to identify a landing zone in the interior portion of the vehicle. In some aspects, when the drone 110 can be resting in the vehicle drone unit 202 or when the drone 110 can be in flight mode, the drone wings can remain in the deployed state.

[0050] Figure 4An example drone resting platform 402 associated with a vehicle drone unit 202 according to the present disclosure is depicted. The drone resting platform 402 may be disposed in an interior portion of the vehicle drone unit. The drone resting platform 402 may be configured to move vertically up and down along the height of the vehicle drone unit to enable drone movement in the vehicle drone unit 202. In other words, the drone resting platform 402 may be actuated up and down to raise or lower the drone 110 and move the drone 110 into or out of the vehicle drone unit 202. In some aspects, the drone resting platform 402 may include a telescopic / linear actuator 404 to move the drone resting platform 402 up and down in the vehicle drone unit 202. The telescopic / linear actuator 404 may include a plurality of telescopic legs (e.g., two legs on opposite sides). When the vehicle drone unit 202 may include the drone resting platform 402, the drone 110 may retract the drone wings to be stored in a compact / narrow space.

[0051] Figure 4 Different example views of the drone resting platform 402 are depicted in views 406, 408, and 410. In view 406, the drone resting platform 402 can be in a lower / downward position. In this position, the drone wings can be in a retracted position and can be in the vehicle drone unit 202. When the vehicle processor 116 generates instructions for the drone 110 to perform the last mile delivery of the storage box, the drone processor 122 can obtain the instructions and can enable the drone 110 to grab the storage box 106 (or package) set in the first pickup area. In response to the drone 110 grabbing the storage box 106, the drone resting platform 402 can begin to move upward (an intermediate position is shown in view 408) until the drone resting platform 402 moves to an upper / upward position as shown in view 410. In this position, the drone 110 can be fully lifted out of the vehicle drone unit 202, and the drone wings can be in an expanded / folded position to perform a vertical lift (as shown in view 410).

[0052] Figure 5A first example storage box grabbing mechanism according to the present disclosure is depicted. According to the present disclosure, a storage box grabbing mechanism can enable a drone (e.g., drone 110) to engage with a storage box 502. The storage box 502 can be a hollow cube or cuboid, and can include a storage box bottom portion 504 and a plurality of storage box side walls 506. In some aspects, the storage box 502 can additionally include a cover 508 at the top portion of the storage box. One or more storage box side walls 506 can include a cutout 510 on the top portion of the storage box side wall. In some aspects, the cutout 510 can be provided at a portion (e.g., 50% to 80%) of the side wall length. The cutout 510 can enable the drone 110 to engage with the storage box 502 or grab the box 502 (e.g., via a hook 512 attached to the drone 110). In some aspects, the cutout 510 and the hook 512 can form a storage box grabbing mechanism.

[0053] In some aspects, the storage box 502 can be arranged on a base 514, which is arranged in the vehicle 102. The storage box 502 can be detachably attached to the base 514. The base 514 can include, for example, locating pins 516 at the corners of the base. The locating pins 516 can be configured to engage with the storage box bottom portion 504 (e.g., engage with the locating holes 518 in the storage box bottom portion 504) to prevent the undesirable storage box movement inside the vehicle 102 (e.g., due to vehicle movement). In other aspects, the base 514 can be an inflatable cushion (e.g., for fall protection). In additional aspects, the storage box bottom portion 504 can also be an inflatable cushion. The storage box 502 can be made of a lightweight and disposable material (e.g., cardboard).

[0054] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A second example storage bin grabbing mechanism according to the present disclosure is depicted. According to the present disclosure, the storage bin grabbing mechanism can enable a drone (e.g., drone 110) to engage with the storage bin 602. In some aspects, the storage bin 602 can include a cutout in a top portion of the storage bin, as described above in conjunction with Figure 5 The storage bin grabbing mechanism may include a structural member 608 that may be attached to the drone 110 (eg, a bottom portion of the drone). FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Specifically depicted are top view 604 and side view 606 of storage box 602 and structural member 608 at different stages. Structural member 608 may be a plate that may be attached to the bottom portion of the drone. Structural member 608 may have any shape and size that may correspond to the shape and size of the storage box / package. For example, when storage box 602 may be shaped as a cube, structural member 608 may be square in shape.

[0055] In further aspects, the structural member 608 can include a hook 610 to engage with (or grab the storage bin 602) (e.g., a storage bin cutout). The hook 610 can be disposed eccentrically around the perimeter of the structural member. For example, the hook 610 can be disposed at a corner of the structural member. In some aspects, the hook 610 can be mounted on a spring-loaded hinge with a mechanical stop 612, such as ( FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B ) side view 606 is shown to engage the hook 610 with the storage box 602 (e.g., the storage box cutout). Alternatively, the hook 610 may include a counterweight (not shown) to engage the hook 610 with the storage box 602.

[0056] In some aspects, the hook 610 can be located at the end of an elongated member 614 of the structural member 608, which can be made of a material such as plastic or thin spring steel. In other aspects, the hook 610 can include a ramp 616 on the bottom portion of the hook, which enables the hook 610 to be pushed outward when in contact with the top of the storage box wall. The storage box 602 can be brought to a sufficient height to fully engage the hook 610 with the storage box cutout.

[0057] In some aspects, to grab the storage bin 602, the vehicle lift unit 204 can move the storage bin 602 upward until the storage bin 602 and the hook 610 engage (e.g., until vertical alignment is achieved between the hook 610 and the cutout in the storage bin wall). As the storage bin 602 can move upward, the storage bin sidewalls can push the hook 610 outward (e.g., via the ramp 616 and using a spring-loaded hinge with a mechanical stop 612, such as Fig. 6A As the storage bin 602 continues to move upward, the storage bin cutout in the storage bin sidewall may align with the hook 610. When the storage bin cutout may align with the hook 610, the hook 610 may move inward (e.g., due to the weight of the hook) and may move inside the storage bin cutout, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A Stage 620 is shown in side view 606 .

[0058] The drone 110 can then activate all of the drone propellers in the same direction (e.g., counterclockwise), thereby causing the drone 110 to rotate in the opposite direction (e.g., clockwise) due to conservation of angular momentum. When the drone 110 rotates in the opposite direction, the hook 610 can "lock" or engage with the storage box cutout, such as Fig. 6A 606 in stage 622. In response to hook 610 being locked / engaged with the storage bin cutout, drone 110 takes off vertically to perform the last mile delivery of the storage bin.

[0059] To release the storage box 602 from the hook 610 (e.g., when delivering), the drone 110 may begin to land on a surface (e.g., the ground). When the storage box 602 may have landed on the surface and the drone 110 continues to move downward, the storage box cutout in the storage box side wall may align with the hook 610, such as Figure 6B The drone 110 may then disengage the hook 610 from the storage box cutout by activating all propellers in the same direction (e.g., counterclockwise) so that the drone 110 rotates in the opposite direction (e.g., clockwise) due to conservation of angular momentum. The drone 110 thereby disengages the hook 610 from the storage box cutout, as shown in stage 624 of the side view 606 in FIG. Figure 6B 604 and the stage 626 of the side view 606 in FIG. The drone 110 then takes off vertically until all parts have left the top portion of the storage box. The drone 110 can then fly laterally and return to the vehicle 102 (and repeat the process).

[0060] Figure 7 A third example storage bin grabbing mechanism 702 according to the present disclosure is depicted. The storage bin grabbing mechanism 702 can enable a drone (e.g., drone 110) to engage a package 704 (or storage bin). In some aspects, drone 110 can couple the storage bin grabbing mechanism 702 (e.g., from a drone bottom portion) (or can be equipped with the storage bin grabbing mechanism 702). The storage bin grabbing mechanism 702 can be attached to the drone bottom portion using a mounting mechanism such as a bolt-screw connector. The storage bin grabbing mechanism 702 can be made of lightweight materials to reduce the overall drone weight, which can reduce the power consumption of the drone.

[0061] The storage box grabbing mechanism 702 may include a telescopic arm 706 and a clamping structure / arm 708. The clamping arm 708 may be arranged perpendicular to the telescopic arm 706, and in exemplary aspects, the two clamping arms 708 may be arranged relative to each other. In some aspects, the clamping arm 708 may be removably connected to the telescopic arm 706 and may be replaced when worn. The clamping arm 708 may include a clamping surface that can contact the wall of the package 704. In some aspects, the clamping surface may be made of a lightweight rubber filler to facilitate grabbing the package 704. In other aspects, the storage box grabbing mechanism 702 may include an armrest 710 for a drone landing pad. The armrest 710 may be arranged on two opposite sides of the telescopic arm 706. In some aspects, when the drone 110 performs the last mile delivery of the package, the drone processor 122 may control the movement of the clamping arm 708 to enable grabbing and detaching the package 704.

[0062] Figure 8A first example drone-vehicle lift unit alignment according to the present disclosure is depicted. As described above, drone 110 can be aligned with vehicle lift unit 204 to enable drone 110 to grab a bin (e.g., storage bin 106) to perform storage bin last mile delivery. In some aspects, to align drone 110 with vehicle lift unit 204, vehicle drone unit 202 can include mechanical alignment features described below (in addition to drone sensing, planning, and motion control schemes).

[0063] Specifically, Figure 8 A vehicle lift unit 204 is depicted that can move a storage bin 802 to a storage bin pickup area / first pickup area (e.g., toward a vehicle drone unit 202 where a drone 110 may be located). The drone 110 may be equipped with a package / storage bin gripper 804 configured to grab the storage bin 802. The vehicle drone unit 202 may include a landing platform 806 on which the drone 110 may land. The landing platform 806 may include one or more recesses 808 (e.g., conical recesses) to receive / engage the drone legs 810. The recesses 808 may facilitate precise drone-vehicle lift unit alignment.

[0064] In some aspects, the recess 808 can include a first magnetic material (e.g., an embedded magnet or an electromagnet) that can interact with a second magnetic material (e.g., a magnet or a ferromagnetic material) disposed in the drone leg 810. Thus, the landing platform 806 can be configured to magnetically couple with the drone 110 via the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material. In some aspects, the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material can provide enough attractive force to prevent unwanted drone movement, but not too much force to prevent the drone 110 from taking off. In an exemplary aspect, if the recess 808 includes an electromagnet, the holding force can be increased and then closed just before the drone takes off.

[0065] Fig. 9 A second example drone-vehicle lift unit alignment according to the present disclosure is depicted. Specifically, Fig. 9A vehicle lift unit 204 is depicted that can move a storage bin 902 to a storage bin pickup area (e.g., toward a vehicle drone unit 202 in which a drone 110 may be located). The drone 110 may be equipped with a package / storage bin gripper 904 configured to grab the storage bin 902. The vehicle drone unit 202 may include a landing platform / pad 906 on which the drone 110 may land. The landing platform 906 may include a base 908 and sidewalls 910. The sidewalls 910 may be set at a predefined non-zero angle relative to the base 908. The landing platform 906 may be of any size and shape and may be configured to receive a landing gear 912 of the drone 110. The landing platform shape may correspond to the landing gear shape so that the landing platform 906 and the landing gear 912 may snap together to achieve drone-vehicle lift unit alignment. In other words, the landing platform 906 can be configured to mechanically attach to the landing gear 912 to achieve drone-vehicle lift unit alignment.

[0066] Fig.10 A third example drone-vehicle lift unit alignment according to the present disclosure is depicted. Specifically, Fig.10 A vehicle lift unit 204 is depicted that can move a storage bin 1002 to a storage bin pickup area (e.g., toward a vehicle drone unit 202 in which a drone 110 may be located). The drone 110 may be equipped with a package / storage bin gripper 1004 configured to grab the storage bin 1002. The vehicle drone unit 202 may include a landing platform / pad 1006 on which the drone 110 may land. The landing platform 1006 may include resting pads 1008 that may be disposed on two opposing ends of a top surface of the landing platform. The resting pads 1008 may be configured to receive the package / storage bin gripper 1004. The resting pads 1008 may include a conical recess to receive a package gripper portion (e.g., a gripper leg) to facilitate drone-vehicle lift unit alignment. In some aspects, the vehicle drone unit 202 may include Figure 5 Sliding door 1010 described in.

[0067] Fig.11 A flow chart of an example method for facilitating storage box / package delivery according to the present disclosure is depicted. Fig.11 The following process is exemplary and is not limited to the steps described below. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than shown or described herein, and may include the steps in an order different from that described in the example embodiments below.

[0068] The method 1100 begins at step 1102. At step 1104, the method 1100 may include obtaining, by the vehicle processor 116, delivery information associated with a storage compartment (eg, the storage compartment 106). The delivery information may include a delivery location.

[0069] At step 1106 , the method 1100 may include causing, by the vehicle processor 116 , a vehicle lift unit (eg, the vehicle lift unit 204 ) to move the storage bin 106 to a storage bin pickup area in the interior portion of the vehicle in response to obtaining the delivery information.

[0070] At step 1108, the method 1100 may include generating, by the vehicle processor 116, instructions for the drone 110 to engage with the storage bin 106 in the storage bin pickup zone and perform the storage bin last mile delivery. At step 1110, the method 1100 may include transmitting, by the vehicle processor 116, the generated instructions to the drone 110.

[0071] Method 1100 ends at step 1112 .

[0072] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the above disclosure, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced. It should be understood that other implementations can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References to "one embodiment", "embodiment", "example embodiment" and the like in this specification indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when features, structures or characteristics are described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, those skilled in the art will recognize such features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0073] In addition, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed in one or more of the following: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and programs described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to specific system components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same function.

[0074] It should also be understood that the word "example" as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting in nature. More specifically, the word "example" used herein indicates one of several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0075] Computer-readable media (also referred to as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. A computing device may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions are executable by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above) and stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0076] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes may be practiced by performing the described steps in an order different from the order described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0077] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Upon reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent. The scope should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should be determined with reference to the entire scope of the appended claims and equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is expected and anticipated that the technology discussed herein will develop in the future, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In short, it should be understood that the present application is capable of modification and change.

[0078] Unless explicitly indicated to the contrary in this article, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by the skilled person described herein. Specifically, unless the claims state an explicit limitation to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as "one", "the", "said" and the like should be interpreted as describing one or more of the indicated elements. Unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in other ways within the context when used, conditional language such as, in particular, "can", "may", "can" or "may" is generally intended to express that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include certain features, elements and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require each feature, element and / or step in any way.

[0079] In one aspect of the invention, the vehicle drone unit is removably coupled to the vehicle lift unit via a mechanical interface.

[0080] In one aspect of the invention, the vehicle drone unit is coupled to the vehicle lift unit via a data interface, and wherein the vehicle is configured to transmit delivery information associated with the storage bin to the drone via the data interface.

[0081] In one aspect of the invention, the vehicle drone unit is coupled to the vehicle lift unit via a power interface, and wherein the drone is configured to receive power from a power source via the power interface.

[0082] In one aspect of the invention, the opening is proximate to the storage bin pickup area.

[0083] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: obtain delivery information associated with a storage box, wherein the delivery information includes a delivery location; in response to obtaining the delivery information, cause a vehicle lift unit of a vehicle to move the storage box to a storage box pick-up area in an interior portion of the vehicle; generate instructions for causing a drone to engage with the storage box in the storage box pick-up area and perform last-mile delivery of the storage box, wherein the drone is disposed in a vehicle drone unit, the vehicle drone unit being disposed on a top portion of the vehicle lift unit, wherein the vehicle drone unit includes a landing platform for the drone, and wherein the landing platform includes an opening to enable the drone to engage with the storage box for last-mile delivery of the storage box; and transmit the instructions to the drone, wherein the drone is configured to receive the instructions and engage with the storage box to perform last-mile delivery of the storage box.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle lift unit configured to move the storage bin to a storage bin pickup area in an interior portion of the vehicle; as well as A vehicle drone unit disposed on a top portion of the vehicle lift unit, wherein the vehicle drone unit includes a landing platform for a drone, wherein the landing platform includes an opening to enable the drone to engage the storage bin for storage bin last mile delivery, and wherein the opening is proximate to the storage bin pick-up area.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a vehicle top portion having a cutout, wherein the cutout is configured to enclose the vehicle drone unit.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle drone unit is removably coupled to the vehicle lift unit via a mechanical interface.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle drone unit is coupled to the vehicle lift unit via a data interface, and wherein the vehicle is configured to transmit delivery information associated with the storage bin to the drone via the data interface.

5. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle drone unit is coupled to the vehicle lift unit via a power interface, and wherein the drone is configured to receive power from a power source via the power interface.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle drone unit includes a sliding hatch at a top portion of the vehicle drone unit, and wherein the sliding hatch is configured to open or close the top portion of the vehicle drone unit to enable drone movement for last mile delivery of the storage bin.

7. A vehicle as described in claim 6, wherein the vehicle drone unit also includes a drone resting platform in an interior portion of the vehicle drone unit, and wherein the drone resting platform is configured to move up and down along the height of the vehicle drone unit to achieve drone movement in the vehicle drone unit.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment includes a storage compartment side wall, wherein the storage compartment side wall includes one or more cutouts, and wherein the drone is configured to engage with the storage compartment via the one or more cutouts.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the landing platform includes a recess configured to receive a drone leg.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the recess comprises a first magnetic material and the drone leg comprises a second magnetic material, and wherein the landing platform is configured to magnetically couple with the drone via the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material.

11. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the landing platform has a shape corresponding to a shape of a drone landing gear, and wherein the landing platform is configured to mechanically attach to the drone landing gear.

12. The vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a processor configured to: obtaining delivery information associated with the storage bin, wherein the delivery information includes a delivery location; and The vehicle lift unit is caused to move the storage box to the storage box pick-up area in response to obtaining the delivery information.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determining that the storage box is placed in the storage box picking area; In response to determining that the storage bin is placed in the storage bin pickup zone, generating instructions for the drone to perform a last mile delivery of the storage bin, wherein the instructions include the delivery information; and The instructions are transmitted to the drone, wherein the drone is configured to receive the instructions and engage with the storage bin to perform a last mile delivery of the storage bin in response to receiving the instructions from the processor.

14. A method comprising: obtaining, by a processor, delivery information associated with the storage bin, wherein the delivery information includes a delivery location; causing, by the processor, a vehicle lift unit of the vehicle to move the storage bin to a storage bin pickup area in an interior portion of the vehicle in response to obtaining the delivery information; generating, by the processor, instructions for a drone to engage the storage bin in the storage bin pickup zone and perform a last mile delivery of the storage bin, wherein the drone is disposed in a vehicle drone unit, the vehicle drone unit being disposed on a top portion of the vehicle lift unit, wherein the vehicle drone unit includes a landing platform for the drone, and wherein the landing platform includes an opening to enable the drone to engage the storage bin for the last mile delivery of the storage bin; as well as The instructions are transmitted by the processor to the drone, wherein the drone is configured to receive the instructions and engage with the storage bin in response to receiving the instructions to perform a last mile delivery of the storage bin.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: Determining that the storage box is placed in the storage box picking area; as well as The instructions for the drone are generated in response to determining that the storage bin is placed in the storage bin pick-up zone.

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