Last mile delivery system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a last mile delivery system. A vehicle is described. The vehicle may include a vehicle sensor configured to detect a cart position; and the lifting mechanism is arranged on the side wall of the vehicle. The lifting mechanism is configured to lift and secure the cart at a target location on the side wall of the vehicle. The vehicle may also include a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to obtain the cart position from the vehicle sensor and determine that the cart is aligned with the target position. In response to determining that the cart is aligned, the processor is configured to transmit a command signal to the lifting mechanism to lift and secure the cart at the target position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a last mile delivery system, and more particularly, to a last mile delivery system that facilitates alignment, lifting, and powering of carts in a delivery vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As Internet-based commerce continues to grow, package delivery is increasingly used to deliver goods to customers. In the United States in particular, it is expected that e-commerce business will continue to grow in the coming years.

[0003] Unprecedented growth has been a boon to e-commerce companies; however, rapid growth has also led to operational challenges in the supply chain. E-commerce companies and their delivery partners are delivering an ever-increasing number of packages every day while reducing resource consumption (e.g., delivery time, labor, etc.).

[0004] Various methods are currently used to optimize the delivery of packages. For example, a delivery partner may load multiple packages in a wheeled cart and may roll the cart inside a delivery vehicle to simplify the process of loading the packages into the vehicle. A delivery partner may additionally place packages with similar delivery addresses in the same cart to increase the efficiency of unloading the packages. Although the use of a cart may simplify the process of loading and unloading packages, securing the cart inside the vehicle may still be challenging for a delivery partner. Securing the cart inside the vehicle is important to ensure that the cart does not move while the vehicle may be moving.

[0005] Therefore, there remains a need for a system that helps secure a cart within a delivery vehicle.

[0006] It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosure herein is presented. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure describes a delivery vehicle for delivering a plurality of packages in a delivery route. Packages may be placed in one or more carts that may be secured inside the delivery vehicle. The delivery vehicle may facilitate alignment, lifting, and powering of the carts inside the delivery vehicle. The delivery vehicle may include one or more lifting mechanisms that may be disposed on the sidewalls of the vehicle. The lifting mechanism may be configured to engage with the cart and lift the cart above the vehicle floor. The lifting mechanism may also secure the cart in a lifted position (e.g., at a target location on the sidewalls of the vehicle).

[0008] In some aspects, a delivery vehicle may include a cart management system ("system") that may be configured to obtain a position of a cart inside the delivery vehicle from one or more vehicle sensors (such as a vehicle camera, a radar sensor, etc.) or a sensor disposed in the cart. The system may determine, based on the obtained cart position, that the cart may be aligned relative to a target location. For example, the system may determine, based on the cart position, that the cart may be located at a predefined orientation / position near the target location. In response to determining that the cart may not be aligned, the system may provide instructions to a vehicle operator via a user device or a vehicle audio / visual component to correctly align the cart relative to the target location. On the other hand, in response to determining that the cart may be aligned, the system may transmit a command signal to a lifting mechanism to engage the cart. The lifting mechanism may receive the command signal and lift and secure the cart above the vehicle floor.

[0009] In additional aspects, the delivery vehicle may include a power source that can supply power to the cart when the cart can be secured to a target location. In some aspects, the power source can be disposed on a vehicle sidewall and can include an inductive power transfer coil (or charging pad). The cart can receive power from the inductive power transfer coil and can use the power to actuate one or more cart electrical components, such as a light emitting diode (LED). In an exemplary aspect, the system can control the power source operation so that the cart electrical components can be actuated based on a command signal provided by the system.

[0010] The present disclosure discloses a delivery vehicle that facilitates lifting and securing a cart above a vehicle floor and prevents the cart from moving when the delivery vehicle may move. In addition, the delivery vehicle uses existing vehicle components to assist in aligning the cart with a target location, and therefore may not require external components. In addition, the delivery vehicle provides assistance to the vehicle operator during the package unloading operation. Specifically, the delivery vehicle can provide visual and / or audio guidance to minimize human error during package unloading.

[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 Depicted are example systems in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0014] Figure 2 An example delivery vehicle with a lift mechanism and a cart management system according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 An example loaded delivery vehicle is shown in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 An example delivery vehicle having a power source according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0017] Figure 5 Depicted is a flow chart of an example method for lifting and securing a cart in a delivery vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] Figure 1 An example system 100 in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented is depicted. The system 100 may include a delivery vehicle 105 and an operator 110 (or robot) that may load one or more carts 115 (hereinafter referred to as carts 115) in the delivery vehicle 105.

[0020] Delivery vehicle 105 may include, but is not limited to, a truck, a van (including a walk-in van), a truck trailer, etc. In some aspects, delivery vehicle 105 may be an autonomous vehicle. In other aspects, a driver (such as operator 110) may operate delivery vehicle 105.

[0021] The cart 115 can hold / store packages 120 to be delivered to the corresponding package destination location. In some aspects, the cart 115 can be open, such as Figure 1 As shown. In other aspects, the cart 115 can be enclosed (and can have an open front or top to load / unload packages 120). The cart 115 may include a plurality of shelves 125 configured to hold packages 120. In other words, the operator 110 can place the packages 120 on the shelves 125. In additional aspects, the cart 115 may include a plurality of boxes (not shown) in which the operator 110 can place the packages 120. The boxes can be attached or placed on the shelves 125. Each box can be configured to hold or store one or more packages 120, depending on the box size and the package size, weight, package destination location, etc. In addition, each package 120 can have any shape, size, and weight; and can enclose different types of delivery contents. The delivery contents may include, but are not limited to, books, electronic items, home decoration items, fragile items, etc.

[0022] The cart 115 may include casters 130 that may enable the cart to be moved inside or outside the delivery vehicle 105. For example, the operator 110 may push the cart 115 over an inclined track 135 (or ramp) and use the casters 130 to load the cart 115 inside the delivery vehicle 105. The track 135 may be removably attached to the delivery vehicle 105 and may assist the operator 110 in rolling the cart 115 from the outside of the delivery vehicle 105 to the inside. In some aspects, the cart 115 may include an electronic control system (e.g., a self-propulsion and steering device (not shown)) that may be configured to enable the cart 115 to be automatically moved / loaded inside or outside the delivery vehicle 105. The cart 115 may also include handle locks, brakes, or other components (not shown) that may assist in placing the cart 115 inside the delivery vehicle 105.

[0023] The delivery vehicle 105 may include a lifting mechanism 140 that may be located / disposed at a vehicle sidewall 145. The lifting mechanism 140 may be configured to engage the cart 115 when the cart 115 may be positioned inside the delivery vehicle 105 (e.g., in a predefined position and orientation) and lift the cart 115 above the vehicle floor 150. In some aspects, the lifting mechanism 140 may lift the cart 115 so that the casters 130 may be disposed at a predefined distance above the vehicle floor 150. The predefined distance may be in the range of 0.5 inches to 2 inches.

[0024] The lifting mechanism 140 can also secure the cart 115 to a target location on the vehicle sidewall 145 in response to lifting the cart 115. Lifting and securing the cart 115 on the vehicle sidewall 145 (and above the vehicle floor 150) can ensure that the cart 115 does not move when the delivery vehicle 105 may be traveling. The lifting mechanism 140 can be a rod-based mechanism. In some aspects, the lifting mechanism can be motor-actuated. The details of the lifting mechanism 140 are described below in conjunction with Figures 2 to 4 Give a description.

[0025] The delivery vehicle 105 may also include a guide mechanism on the vehicle floor 150 (at Figure 4 105). The guide mechanism may include a guide path, such as a track or groove that can guide the cart to move on the vehicle floor 150. The guide mechanism can guide the cart to move inside the delivery vehicle 105 so that the cart 115 can be properly aligned with respect to a target position where the cart 115 can be lifted by the lifting mechanism 140. When the delivery vehicle 105 can be properly aligned with the target position, the lifting mechanism 140 can engage with the cart 115 and lift the cart 115 above the vehicle floor 150.

[0026] The delivery vehicle 105 may additionally include a cart management system (in Figure 2100 ), which is shown as a cart management system 210 configured to manage the movement of carts within the delivery vehicle 105 (and the operation of lifting the carts off the vehicle floor 150). When the operator 110 moves the cart 115 into the delivery vehicle 105, the system can obtain the cart position from one or more vehicle sensors (such as internal vehicle cameras, radar sensors, etc.) or sensors that can be provided on the cart 115. In response to obtaining the cart position, the system can determine whether the cart 115 is properly aligned with the target location so that the cart can be lifted off the vehicle floor 150. In response to determining that the cart 115 cannot be aligned, the system can provide instructions to a user device (not shown) associated with the operator 110 or a vehicle component to move the cart 115 so that the cart 115 can be properly aligned. For example, the system can instruct the operator 110 or can assist the operator 110 in reaching the target location in the delivery vehicle 105 by using vehicle interior audio or visual components (such as an internal vehicle projector, a light emitting diode (LED) coupled to the delivery vehicle 105, a vehicle speaker, a vehicle display system, etc.). In further aspects, the system may be configured to provide instructions to the cart 115 to automatically move the cart 115 to a target location.

[0027] In response to determining that the cart 115 can be properly aligned, the system can transmit a command signal to the lifting mechanism 140 to engage with the cart 115. In response to receiving the command signal, the lifting mechanism 140 can engage with the cart 115 and then lift and secure the cart 115 to the target location on the vehicle sidewall 145.

[0028] In some aspects, the delivery vehicle 105 may include a power source (in Figure 4 The power source 425 is shown in the figure as a power source 425, which can be configured to supply power to the cart 115, for example, when the cart 115 can be secured to a target location on the vehicle side wall 145. In some aspects, the power source can be disposed on the vehicle side wall 145 and can include an inductive power transfer coil (or charging pad). The cart 115 can receive power from the inductive power transfer coil and can use the power to actuate one or more cart electrical components, such as a light emitting diode (LED).

[0029] Figure 2 An example delivery vehicle 200 having a lifting mechanism 205 and a cart management system 210 according to the present disclosure is shown. Delivery vehicle 200 can be the same as delivery vehicle 105, and lifting mechanism 205 can be the same as lifting mechanism 140. Figure 2 When you can refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 . Figure 3 An example loaded delivery vehicle according to the present disclosure is shown (eg, when the delivery vehicle 200 may be loaded with one or more carts), and Figure 4A delivery vehicle 200 is depicted having a power source 425 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0030] As described herein, system 210 may be implemented in hardware, software (e.g., firmware), or a combination thereof. System 210 may be part of an onboard computer (not shown) of delivery vehicle 200 and may be communicatively coupled to one or more servers 215 (or servers 215) via one or more networks 220 (or networks 220).

[0031] The network 220 may be, for example, a communication infrastructure in which connected devices discussed in various embodiments of the present disclosure may communicate. The network 220 may be and / or may 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), BLE, Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11, UWB, 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.

[0032] The server 215 may be part of a cloud-based computing infrastructure and may be associated with and / or include a telematics service delivery network (SDN) that delivers services to the delivery vehicle 200 and other vehicles that may be part of a fleet of vehicles ( Figure 3 In an additional aspect, the server 215 may be associated with a package delivery partner or an e-commerce operator that can facilitate the delivery vehicle 200 to deliver the package 120 to the corresponding package customer / destination location.

[0033] As described above, system 210 may facilitate aligning, lifting, securing, and powering cart 115 in delivery vehicle 200. System 210 may include a number of components including, but not limited to, transceiver 225, processor 230, and memory 235 communicatively coupled to one another.

[0034] The memory 235 may store programs in code form and / or store data for performing various system 210 operations according to the present disclosure. Specifically, the processor 230 may be configured and / or programmed to execute computer executable instructions stored in the memory 235 for performing various system 210 functions according to the present disclosure. Therefore, the memory 235 may be used to store code and / or data code and / or data for performing operations according to the present disclosure.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the processor 230 may be configured to communicate with one or more memory devices (e.g., the memory 235 and / or one or more external databases ( Figure 2 The memory 235 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.).

[0036] The memory 235 may be an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium and may be used to store programs and / or store data in code form for performing various operations according to the present disclosure. The instructions in the memory 235 may include one or more separate programs, each of which may include an ordered list of computer executable instructions for implementing logical functions.

[0037] The memory 235 may include one or more databases and / or modules. Examples of such databases / modules include, but are not limited to, an inventory database 240, a delivery route database 245, and a cart control module 250. The cart control module 250 as described herein may be stored in the form of computer executable instructions, and the processor 230 may be configured and / or programmed to execute the stored computer executable instructions for performing system 210 functions according to the present disclosure.

[0038] The transceiver 225 may be configured to receive information associated with the packages 120 and the carts 115 from an external database / server (e.g., the server 215), and may store the package information and the cart information in the inventory database 240. The package information may include, for example, package customer details (including the package destination location), package delivery schedule and delivery status, package content information, the location of the package in the cart 115, etc. The cart information may include, for example, a target location for each cart 115 in the delivery vehicle 200, an identifier of the package stored in each cart 115, etc. As described herein, the target location may be associated with a location on the vehicle sidewall 145 where the cart 115 may be secured. The processor 230 may be configured to obtain the target location from the inventory database 240, and may control the cart movement and lifting operations (e.g., aligning, lifting, and securing the cart 115 to the target location) inside the delivery vehicle 200 by using instructions stored in the cart control module 250. The transceiver 225 may also be configured to transmit instructions to a user device associated with the operator 110 or other vehicle components (including the lift mechanism 205, vehicle interior cameras, vehicle audio and visual components) to control cart movement and lift operations.

[0039] The transceiver 225 may also be configured to receive input from one or more sensors (not shown) installed in the delivery vehicle 200 (or cart 115). The sensor may be, for example, a vehicle interior camera, a radar sensor, etc. In some aspects, the transceiver 225 may receive the cart position inside the delivery vehicle 200 from the sensor. In an exemplary aspect, when the operator 110 loads or moves the cart 115 inside the delivery vehicle 200, the transceiver 225 may receive the cart position from the sensor at a predefined frequency (e.g., every 100 milliseconds).

[0040] The transceiver 225 may also be configured to receive delivery route details and / or navigation instructions associated with the delivery vehicle 200 from the server 215. The navigation instructions may assist the delivery vehicle operator (or autonomous vehicle controller) in driving the delivery vehicle 200 on the delivery route. In some aspects, the delivery route may be based on a package delivery schedule. The transceiver 225 may store the received delivery route details / navigation instructions in a delivery route database 245. During transportation, the processor 230 may obtain the delivery route details from the delivery route database 245 and may assist the delivery vehicle operator (or autonomous vehicle) in delivering the correct package at the correct package destination location.

[0041] In operation, the processor 230 may be configured to obtain a cart position (e.g., a real-time cart position) from the transceiver 225 when the cart 115 may be rolled into the delivery vehicle 200. In response to obtaining the cart position, the processor 230 may determine whether the cart 115 is aligned with the target location. In response to determining that the cart 115 may not be aligned with the target location, the processor 230 may provide instructions / notifications to a user device associated with the operator 110 or a vehicle component via the transceiver 225 to align the cart 115 with the target location. For example, the processor 230 may instruct the operator 110 to move along a track (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 The guide mechanism 405 shown in the figure moves the cart 115 and positions the cart 115 close to the vehicle side wall (e.g., the vehicle side wall 145). Figure 1 As described, processor 230 may assist or direct operator 110 to a target location in delivery vehicle 200 by using one or more interior vehicle audio and / or visual components (eg, interior vehicle projector, LEDs, vehicle speakers, vehicle HMI, etc.).

[0042] In further aspects, the processor 230 may be configured to transmit instructions to the cart 115 to automatically move the cart 115 to the target location using a self-propulsion and steering device (not shown) located in the cart 115. In this case, the processor 230 may additionally transmit navigation directions to the cart 115 and enable the cart to move to the target location. The cart 115 may receive the instructions and move based on the instructions and the navigation directions.

[0043] On the other hand, in response to determining that the cart 115 can be aligned with the target location, the processor 230 can transmit a command signal to the lifting mechanism 205 (via the transceiver 225) to engage with the cart 115. In some aspects, the command signal can "actuate" (or turn on) the lifting mechanism 205. In response to receiving the command signal, the lifting mechanism 205 can engage with the cart 115 and lift the cart 115 to a predefined distance "D" (e.g., 0.5 inches to 2 inches) above the vehicle floor 150, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 When the cart 115 can be lifted, the lifting mechanism 205 can also secure / hold the cart 115 in the lifted position (e.g., at the target location). Securing the cart 115 above the vehicle floor 150 can ensure that the cart 115 does not move when the driver drives the delivery vehicle 200 along the delivery route.

[0044] In some aspects, the delivery vehicle 200 may include one or more lifting mechanisms 205. For example, Figure 2Two lifting mechanisms 205 are depicted. The count of lifting mechanisms 205 in the delivery vehicle 200 can be based on the count of carts 115 that the delivery vehicle 200 may be expected to load. In some aspects, there may be one lifting mechanism for each cart in the delivery vehicle 200. Thus, when the delivery vehicle 200 may be expected to load four carts 115, the delivery vehicle 200 may include four lifting mechanisms 205. In addition, multiple lifting mechanisms can be disposed at different vehicle locations. For example, the lifting mechanisms can be disposed parallel to each other on the vehicle sidewall 145 above the vehicle floor 150, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 In other aspects, the lifting mechanism can be arranged in any other arrangement.

[0045] The lifting mechanism 205 can have any size and can be based on the size of the cart 115. In some aspects, the lifting mechanism 205 can include a rod-based device (not shown) that can enable the operator 110 to lift the cart 115 off the vehicle floor 150. In this case, when the cart 115 can be aligned relative to the target location, the processor 230 can transmit instructions to the operator 110 (via a user device or vehicle audio and visual components) to manually lift and secure the cart 115. The operator 110 can then use the rod-based device to manually lift the cart 115 and secure the cart 115 at the target location. In other aspects, the lifting mechanism 205 can include a motor-actuated device that can automatically lift the cart 115 off the vehicle floor 150, as described below.

[0046] The lifting mechanism 205 may include a first vertical member 255a and a second vertical member 255b. The first vertical member 255a may have a size similar to the size of the second vertical member 255b. The second vertical member 255b may be set at a predefined distance "D1" from the first vertical member 255a. The distance D1 may vary based on the size of the delivery vehicle and / or the size of the cart that can be expected to be loaded in the delivery vehicle 200. The first vertical member 255a and the second vertical member 255b may be solid or hollow and may be of any shape and size. For example, the first vertical member 255a and the second vertical member 255b may be rectangular and may have a length that may depend on the size of the delivery vehicle and / or the size of the cart. The first vertical member 255a and the second vertical member 255b may be made of any material, including but not limited to steel, iron, aluminum, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0047] Lifting mechanism 205 may also include a first cross tube 260a and a second cross tube 260b, which may be connected between the first vertical member 255a and the second vertical member 255b. The first cross tube 260a and the second cross tube 260b may be connected diagonally (e.g., in an "X" shape) between the first vertical member 255a and the second vertical member 255b, thereby enhancing the stability of the lifting mechanism. The first cross tube 260a may have a size similar to the size of the second cross tube 260b. The first cross tube 260a and the second cross tube 260b may be solid or hollow, and may be any shape and size. For example, the first cross tube 260a and the second cross tube 260b may be rectangular, and may have a length that may depend on the size of the delivery vehicle and / or the size of the cart. The first cross tube 260a and the second cross tube 260b may be made of any material, including but not limited to steel, iron, aluminum, combinations thereof, etc.

[0048] The lifting mechanism 205 may further include a cable 265 that may engage with the cart 115 via one or more pulleys 270 to lift the cart 115 off the vehicle floor 150. In this case, the cart 115 may include one or more attachment devices (not shown) at the rear surface of the cart that may engage with the cable 265 and enable the lifting mechanism 205 to lift the cart 115. The lifting mechanism 205 may also include a motor 275 that may be connected to the first cross tube 260a or the second cross tube 260b. Alternatively, the motor 275 may be connected at any other location. The motor 275 may be a servo motor, a stepper motor, a brushed DC motor, etc. The motor 275 may be configured to actuate the cable movement and lift the cart 115 when the cable 265 may engage with the cart 115. In some aspects, the processor 230 may be configured to control the motor operation to lift and secure the cart 115 to a target location. For example, when the processor 230 determines that the cart 115 can be aligned with the target position, the processor 230 can actuate (by transmitting a command signal) the motor 275. In response to the actuation, the motor 275 can control the cable movement so that the cable 265 can engage the cart 115 and lift the cart 115 off the vehicle floor 150. The processor 230 can also cause the cable to secure the cart 115 at the target position in the raised position.

[0049] In some aspects, the delivery vehicle 200 may include an engagement structure 410 (at Figure 4145 ), the engagement structure can enable the cart 115 to engage with the vehicle sidewall 145. In some aspects, the engagement structure 410 can be integrated into the vehicle sidewall 145. In other aspects, the engagement structure 410 can be removably attached to the vehicle sidewall 145 (e.g., the engagement structure 410 can be a frame that can be attached to the vehicle sidewall 145). The size of the engagement structure can depend on the delivery vehicle size and / or the cart size.

[0050] The engagement structure 410 may include a first vertical strip 415a and a second vertical strip 415b. The first vertical strip 415a and the second vertical strip 415b may include docking holes / features that may be configured to engage the first vertical strip 415a and the second vertical strip 415b with the first vertical member 255a and the second vertical member 255b, respectively (e.g., to engage the cart 115 with the vehicle sidewall 145). The first vertical strip 415a and the second vertical strip 415b may be located anywhere on the vehicle sidewall 145, and the location may be customized based on the size of the cart. The size of the first vertical strip 415a and the second vertical strip 415b may correspond to the size of the first vertical member 255a and the second vertical member 255b. In some aspects, the engagement structure 410 may include additional vertical strips (not shown) to engage additional carts with the vehicle sidewall 145.

[0051] The joining structure 410 may also include a first cross tube 420a and a second cross tube 420b, which may be connected diagonally (e.g., in an "X" shape) between the left side of the joining structure 410 and the right side of the joining structure 410 and may provide structural stability for the joining structure 410.

[0052] In some aspects, the engagement structure 410 can be coupled to the guide mechanism 405, such as Figure 4As shown. The guide mechanism 405 can be integrated into the vehicle floor 150. In other aspects, the guide mechanism 405 can be removably attached to the vehicle floor 150 (for example, the guide mechanism 405 can be a frame / plate that can be attached to the vehicle floor 150). The guide mechanism 405 can have any size depending on the size of the delivery vehicle (for example, the vehicle floor size). The guide mechanism 405 may include a track or groove that can guide the movement of the cart so that the cart 115 can be aligned with the target position (the cable 265 can lift the cart 115 at the target position). In some aspects, the processor 230 can also illuminate the track to the target position via the vehicle floor 150 lighting component to assist the operator 110 in moving the cart 115 to the target position. The operator 110 can follow the illuminated path to reach the target position. In addition, the processor 230 can provide instructions to the operator 110 to reach the target position, for example, via a vehicle speaker (or any other component). For example, processor 230 may receive the location of cart 115 from a vehicle camera or radar sensor and may be configured to direct cart movement (e.g., provide turn-by-turn notifications) using the vehicle speakers so that cart 115 may be directed toward a target location.

[0053] The engagement structure 410 may also include a power source 425 (or multiple power sources) that may be configured to provide a power supply to the cart 115. The power source 425 may be configured to supply electrical energy to one or more cart electrical components. For example, the power source 425 may power a cart lighting system (e.g., an LED that may be disposed on the cart 115). The lighting system may be attached to the front surface of the cart. For example, the LED may be disposed at the front edge of the cart 115. In some aspects, the processor 230 may control the power source operation to illuminate the LED via the power source 425, which enables the operator 110 to identify the correct package to be delivered at the destination location. In other aspects, the power source 425 may be positioned near the lifting mechanism 205 and supply power to the lifting mechanism 205 so that the lifting mechanism 205 can lift and secure the cart 115 via the motor 275. In some aspects, the power source 425 may include an inductive power transmission coil that may be inductively coupled to the cart 115.

[0054] although Figure 4 One power source 425 is depicted, but in some aspects, the engagement structure 410 may include multiple power sources. The power sources may be arranged in any pattern (e.g., horizontally or in any other pattern) and may be aligned with corresponding attachments provided on the cart 115 so that power can be delivered to the cart 115 when the cart 115 can be lifted to a target location. In some aspects, the multiple power sources may be integrated into the vehicle sidewall 145 or may be removably attached to the vehicle sidewall 145 via the engagement structure 410. The operation of the power source 425 is described below.

[0055] In an exemplary aspect, the processor 230 may obtain information (e.g., package delivery schedules, package destination locations, corresponding package locations in the cart 115) from the inventory database 240 and obtain the current delivery vehicle geographic location from the vehicle GPS receiver. In response to obtaining the information and the current delivery vehicle geographic location, the processor 230 may determine that the delivery vehicle 200 may have arrived at the delivery location (e.g., the first package destination location). In response to determining that the delivery vehicle 200 may have arrived at the first package destination location, the processor 230 may determine that the package (e.g., the first package) is delivered to the destination location. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that at a single destination location, the delivery vehicle 200 may deliver one or more packages. In other words, one or more packages may have the same destination location.

[0056] In response to determining that the delivery vehicle 200 needs to deliver the first package, the processor 230 may determine (using the inventory database 240) the location of the first package in the cart 115. The processor 230 may also illuminate the corresponding cart portion (e.g., the cart front cover) to indicate the first package location (e.g., the cart shelf location), such as Figure 4 Thus, processor 230 provides visual instructions to operator 110 so that operator 110 delivers the correct package at the correct delivery location.

[0057] Figure 5 A flow chart of an example method 500 for lifting and securing a cart in a delivery vehicle 200 according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figures 1 to 4 The previous figures are used to describe Figure 5 The following process is exemplary and is not limited to the steps described below. Additionally, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps shown or described herein, and may include the steps in an order different from that described in the example embodiments below.

[0058] refer to Figure 5 , at step 502, method 500 may begin. At step 504, method 500 may include obtaining, by processor 230, a position of cart 115 from a vehicle sensor (e.g., an internal vehicle camera, a radar sensor, etc.). In other aspects, processor 230 may obtain the cart position from a cart sensor disposed at cart 115.

[0059] At step 506, the method 500 may include determining, by the processor 230, whether the cart 115 is aligned with a target location based on the obtained cart location. The target location may be a location at the vehicle sidewall 145 at which the cart 115 may be fixed during vehicle travel. The processor 230 may obtain the target location from the inventory database 240 and determine whether the cart 115 is aligned with the target location.

[0060] At step 508, in response to determining that the cart 115 may not be aligned with the target location, the processor 230 may provide instructions to the operator 110 (via a user device associated with the operator 110 or the vehicle audio and visual components) to align the cart 115. In other aspects, the processor 230 may provide instructions directly to the cart 115 via the self-propulsion and steering device to align the cart 115. On the other hand, at step 510, in response to determining that the cart 115 may be aligned with the target location, the processor 230 may transmit a command signal to the lifting mechanism 205. The lifting mechanism 205 may then engage the cart 115, lift the cart 115, and secure the cart 115 above the vehicle floor 150.

[0061] Method 500 ends at step 512 .

[0062] 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 embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc. 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than 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 anticipated and expected 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] In one aspect of the present invention, the lifting mechanism includes: a first vertical member and a second vertical member; a first cross tube and a second cross tube, the first cross tube and the second cross tube being connected between the first vertical member and the second vertical member; a cable device, the cable device being configured to engage with the cart; and a motor, the motor being disposed at the first cross tube, wherein the motor is configured to drive the cable device to lift and fix the cart at the target position.

[0070] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in a distributed computing system is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to: obtain a position of a cart from a vehicle sensor, wherein the vehicle sensor is configured to detect a position of the cart inside a vehicle; determine that the cart is aligned with a target position based on the position of the cart, wherein the target position is located on a side wall of the vehicle; and transmit a command signal to a lifting mechanism in response to determining that the cart is aligned to lift and fix the cart at the target position, wherein the lifting mechanism is disposed at the side wall of the vehicle, and wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to lift and fix the cart at the target position.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the lifting mechanism comprises a rod based mechanism.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the vehicle comprises tracks on the vehicle floor to guide the movement of the cart inside the vehicle.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the vehicle sensor comprises a vehicle camera and / or a radar.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle sensor configured to detect a position of a cart within the vehicle; a lifting mechanism disposed at a side wall of the vehicle, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to lift and fix the cart at a target position on the side wall of the vehicle; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the vehicle sensor and the lift mechanism, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: obtaining the position of the cart from the vehicle sensor; determining, based on the position of the cart, that the cart is aligned with the target location; as well as In response to determining that the cart is aligned, a command signal is transmitted to the lifting mechanism to lift and secure the cart at the target location.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a rod-based mechanism.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes tracks on the vehicle floor to guide movement of the cart within the vehicle.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle sensors include vehicle cameras and / or radars.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a power source configured to supply power to the cart when the cart is secured at the target location.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the power source comprises an inductive power transfer coil.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a notification to a user device to align the cart with the target location in response to determining that the cart is misaligned.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises: a first vertical member and a second vertical member; a first cross tube and a second cross tube, wherein the first cross tube and the second cross tube are connected between the first vertical member and the second vertical member; a cable arrangement configured to engage the cart; and A motor is disposed at the first cross tube, wherein the motor is configured to drive the cable device to lift and fix the cart at the target position.

9. A method for managing a cart in a vehicle, the method comprising: obtaining, by a processor, a position of the cart from a vehicle sensor, wherein the vehicle sensor is configured to detect a position of the cart within the vehicle; determining, by the processor, that the cart is aligned with a target location based on the position of the cart, wherein the target location is located on a side wall of a vehicle; as well as The processor transmits a command signal to a lifting mechanism to lift and secure the cart at the target position in response to determining that the cart is aligned, wherein the lifting mechanism is disposed at the vehicle side wall, and wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to lift and secure the cart at the target position.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a rod-based mechanism.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the vehicle includes tracks on the vehicle floor to guide movement of the cart within the vehicle interior.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the vehicle sensors include vehicle cameras and / or radars.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the vehicle includes a power source configured to supply power to the cart when the cart is secured at the target location.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the power source comprises an inductive power transfer coil.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing a notification to a user device to align the cart with the target location in response to determining that the cart is misaligned.

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