Modular container system for delivery vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a modular container system for a delivery vehicle. A container configured to be removably attached to a delivery vehicle is disclosed. The container may include a base, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a third sidewall. Each of the first side wall, the second side wall, and the third side wall may be disposed perpendicular to the base. The container may also include a slot disposed on the first side wall, the second side wall, and the third side wall. The container may additionally include a first power and data interface disposed on the third sidewall, and a frame configured to be removably inserted into the container via the slot. The frame may include a second power and data interface configured to couple with the first power and data interface, and a plurality of grids configured to secure a plurality of motorized tiles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a modular container system for delivery vehicles, and more particularly to a customizable and removable modular container system including a plurality of grids configured to secure motorized tiles of 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 deliver an ever-increasing number of packages every day while trying to limit spending on resources (e.g., labor, etc.) and reduce delivery times.

[0004] Various methods are currently used to optimize the process of loading / unloading delivery packages onto / from a delivery vehicle, and the process of delivering the packages to the corresponding delivery locations. For example, an e-commerce company loads packages having similar delivery addresses that are close to each other into a delivery vehicle to improve the efficiency of unloading the packages. However, in many cases, the packages to be loaded / unloaded have different sizes, and thus the vehicle operator and / or the delivery partner face inconvenience in optimally loading / unloading such packages onto / from the delivery vehicle.

[0005] Conventional systems for parcel loading / unloading offer limited scope for customization and therefore fail to facilitate optimal loading / unloading in all circumstances. Therefore, there is a need for a flexible and customizable parcel loading / unloading system.

[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 container configured to be removably attached to a delivery vehicle. The container can be shaped as a cube or a cuboid and can have customizable dimensions. The container can be attached to a delivery vehicle via a container base bolted to a vehicle cargo compartment and / or via a container sidewall bolted to a vehicle sidewall. The container can also include a rear wall that can include a container power and data interface. The container power and data interface can be configured to electrically and communicatively couple with a vehicle power and data interface and obtain power and data / command signals from the delivery vehicle.

[0008] In some aspects, each of the container side walls and rear walls may include one or more slots into which one or more container frames (or frames) may be inserted. Similar to container sizes, frame sizes and types may also be customizable. Each frame may include a frame power and data interface that is electrically and communicatively coupled to the container power and data interface to obtain power and data / command signals from a delivery vehicle. Each frame may also include a plurality of grids into which a plurality of motorized tiles may be secured. In some aspects, each motorized tile may be configured to accommodate or secure a storage bin (or delivery package) via a bin base.

[0009] Each grid may include a grid power and data interface that can obtain power and command signals from the frame power and data interface. The grid can activate motorized tiles fixed to the grid via power obtained from the grid power and data interface, and control the movement of tile wheels and / or tile doors based on the obtained command signals.

[0010] In additional aspects, the storage bin and storage bin base can be a single integrated structure that can be formed, for example, from a lightweight plastic. In some aspects, the storage bin base can include a V-shaped groove on the perimeter of the base that can enable the storage bin to move on a motorized tile, for example, when the storage bin is moved through a tile door. The storage bin base can also include geometric features or patterns that can be formed at the bottom surface of the base that enable the storage bin base to be conveniently moved on tile wheels.

[0011] In other aspects, the storage box and the storage box base can be separate structures that can be made of the same or different materials. In this case, the storage box base can include base sidewalls into which the storage box bottom portion can be inserted to secure the storage box to the storage box base. In other aspects, one or more base sidewalls can be configured to be folded or removed so that two or more storage box bases can be combined to accommodate a large storage box.

[0012] The present disclosure discloses a customizable and removable container that can be attached to a delivery vehicle. The user can customize the container and / or frame size and type based on the user's requirements and the count and size of the storage box / delivery packages to be delivered by the delivery vehicle, thereby enhancing user convenience. In addition, the lightweight storage box and storage box base design helps to improve storage box loading / unloading efficiency and reduce vehicle energy consumption during transportation.

[0013] These and other advantages of the present disclosure are provided in detail herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] 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 terms and plural terms may be used interchangeably, depending on the context.

[0015] Figure 1 Depicted is an example delivery vehicle in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0016] Figure 2 An example container according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0017] Figure 3 An example framework according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0018] Figure 4 Describes the present disclosure Figure 2 Containers and Figure 3 An example usage of the framework.

[0019] Figure 5 Describes the present disclosure Figure 2 Containers and Figure 3 Another example use of the framework.

[0020] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Describes the present disclosure Figure 2 Example orientation of a container in a vehicle cargo hold.

[0021] Figure 7 A first example base of a storage compartment according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0022] Figure 8 A second example base of a storage compartment according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0023] Fig. 9 A flow chart of a method for installing a container in a delivery vehicle according to the present disclosure is depicted. 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 1An example delivery vehicle 100 (or vehicle 100) is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. The vehicle 100 may be a truck, a van (including a walk-in van), a truck trailer, etc. In some aspects, the vehicle 100 may be an autonomous vehicle. In other aspects, a driver (not shown) may operate the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 may include any powertrain, such as, for example, a gasoline engine, one or more electrically actuated motors, a hybrid powertrain, etc.

[0026] The vehicle 100 may be configured with a container in the interior portion of the vehicle (in Figure 2 A container may include one or more frames (shown as a container 200 in FIG. Figure 3 300), wherein the one or more frames include a plurality of grilles (in Figure 3 308). In some aspects, each frame can be configured to accommodate / secure multiple motorized tiles 102. Specifically, each grid of the frame can secure one motorized tile 102. Figure 1 In the exemplary aspect depicted in FIG. 1 , the container includes three frames or arrays (an upper array "A", a middle array "B", and a lower array "C") of motorized tiles 102 that are arranged one behind the other in the interior portion of the vehicle. Figure 1 Three frames / arrays are depicted, but the present disclosure is not limited to this arrangement. The container may include a greater or lesser number of frames. The structural details of the container and frames are incorporated later below. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Detailed description.

[0027] In an exemplary aspect, each motorized tile 102 may be rectangular or square in shape (eg, Figure 1 102a to 102d, and may include four edges 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d. Each edge 102a to 102d may include one or more doors 104, which may be configured to move / slide along the length of the corresponding edge 102a to 102d. Each motorized puzzle 102 may also include: a first set of wheels 106, which may be configured to rotate in one direction (e.g., a first direction); and a second set of wheels 108, which may be configured to rotate in another direction (e.g., a second direction). In some aspects, the first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction. In addition, in exemplary aspects, the rotation speed of each wheel 106, 108 may be the same.

[0028] Each motorized tile 102 can be configured to hold / store a storage box 110, and / or move the storage box 110 from one location in the interior portion of the vehicle to another location using wheels 106 or 108 based on a command signal obtained from a vehicle processor 112 (or processor 112). Specifically, in response to receiving a command signal from the processor 112, a set of wheels from the first set of wheels 106 and the second set of wheels 108 can rotate at a preset wheel speed, and the doors 104 on the corresponding edges 102a to 102d can "slide away" from each other to be positioned at the corners of the motorized tile 102. In this arrangement, when a storage box (e.g., storage box 110) is placed on the motorized tile 102 or contacts the moving wheels 106 or 108, the storage box 110 can be moved on the motorized tile 102. For example, if the second wheel 108 rotates in a clockwise direction and the storage box 110 is in contact with the rotating second wheel 108, the storage box 110 can slide or move from the edge 102a toward the edge 102c. In this way, in response to receiving a command signal from the processor 112, the motorized puzzle 102 can enable the movement of the storage box on the motorized puzzle 102.

[0029] In a further aspect, in response to receiving another command signal from the processor 112, the motorized tile 102 can stop wheel movement (e.g., stop the second wheel movement) and slide the doors 104 on the respective edges 102a to 102d toward each other. In this arrangement, the storage box 110 can be stored or secured to the motorized tile 102. Furthermore, in this arrangement, the doors 104 can slide toward each other to prevent the storage box from sliding off the motorized tile 102. This arrangement can be used when it may be necessary to transport or securely hold the storage box 110 in the vehicle 100.

[0030] In some aspects, each motorized tile 102 is connected via a grid power and data interface (in Figure 3 The grid may receive power (for operating wheels 106, 108 and / or door 104) and command signals from processor 112 (shown as grid power and data interface 312 in FIG. 1 ), which may be provided at a grid to which motorized tiles 102 may be secured. The grid may then receive power (for operating wheels 106, 108 and / or door 104) and command signals via a frame power and data interface (shown as a frame power and data interface 312 in FIG. 1 ) which may be provided at a grid to which motorized tiles 102 may be secured. Figure 3 306) and a container power and data interface that can be provided on the container (shown in FIG. Figure 2 The container power and data interface 214 may obtain power and / or data / signals from the container. The container power and data interface may obtain power and / or data / signals from the vehicle 100. In this manner, the container enables powering and operation of each motorized block 102 based on power and command signals obtained from the vehicle 100.

[0031] In some aspects, a storage bin (e.g., storage bin 110) can be mounted via a storage bin base (on Figure 7 is shown as base 702 and is Figure 8 The storage box base can be an integral part of the storage box body and can be separate from the storage box body. The structural details of the storage box base are later incorporated below. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Detailed description.

[0032] In some aspects, each storage bin 110 can be configured to hold one or more packages 114. In an exemplary aspect, the location of each storage bin in the vehicle 100 and the allocation of each package in each storage bin can be optimally pre-planned or preset so that unloading each package from the vehicle 100 can be convenient (e.g., when the vehicle 100 arrives at the package delivery location). In some aspects, information associated with the allocation of each package in each storage bin in the vehicle 100 and the location of each storage bin can be received by the vehicle transceiver 116 (or transceivers 116) from a server (not shown) via one or more networks.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In an exemplary aspect, the above-mentioned server may be associated with an e-commerce company or a delivery partner that can remotely monitor and / or control the movement of multiple vehicles operating as part of a vehicle fleet (including the vehicle 100), the loading / unloading operations of each vehicle in a warehouse or during transportation, etc. The server may transmit the above-mentioned information to the transceiver 116 at a predefined frequency during the transportation of the vehicle on the delivery route or when the vehicle 100 begins the delivery route from the warehouse. In response to receiving the information from the server, the transceiver 116 may send the information to the vehicle memory 118 (or memory 118) for storage purposes.

[0035] The processor 112 may be configured to obtain information from the memory 118 during transportation on a delivery route and transmit command signals (via the above-mentioned grid, frame, and container power and data interfaces) to activate the movement of one or more motorized tiles 102 and control the movement of storage boxes in the interior portion of the vehicle based on the obtained information. For example, when the vehicle 100 arrives at a delivery location associated with a particular package, the processor 112 may activate one or more motorized tiles 102 to enable the storage box containing the particular package to move from its storage location in the vehicle 100 (as determined by using information obtained from the server) to a package pickup area / area in the vehicle 100, from which the vehicle operator or drone can pick up the package for last mile delivery.

[0036] Processor 112 (as described above) may be configured to communicate with one or more memory devices configured to communicate with a corresponding computing system (e.g., memory 118 and / or Figure 1 One or more external databases not shown in the figure). The processor 112 can utilize the memory 118 to store code programs and / or store data for executing various aspects of the present disclosure. The memory 118 can be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or memory that stores delivery package management program code or instructions. The memory 118 can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.), and can include any one or more non-volatile memory elements (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0037] Although the above description describes an aspect in which processor 112 controls the movement of a storage bin within vehicle 100 by activating one or more motorized tiles 102, in some aspects, the activation of motorized tiles 102 and the movement of the storage bin may be remotely controlled by a server. In addition, although the above description describes an aspect in which parcel 114 is disposed / stored in storage bin 110, in some aspects, parcel 114 may also be disposed on motorized tiles 102, drawers in containers, and / or vehicle cargo beds without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] The structural details and use of a removable container including a frame / grid housing a plurality of motorized blocks 102 are incorporated below. Figures 2 to 5 , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Give a description.

[0039] The vehicle 100 and / or vehicle operator implements and / or performs operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the vehicle owner's manual and safety guidelines.

[0040] Figure 2 An example container 200 according to the present disclosure is depicted. The container 200 may be combined with the above Figure 1 Same as the container described. Figure 2 When Figures 3 to 5 , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B .

[0041] The container 200 may be shaped as a hollow cube or cuboid that can be removably mounted in the vehicle cargo hold of the vehicle 100. The container 200 may include a base 202, which may be made of materials such as aluminum, steel, iron, etc. The base 202 may be shaped as a rectangle (or square), and may include a first base edge 202a, a second base edge 202b, a third base edge 202c, and a fourth base edge 202d. The first base edge 202a and the third base edge 202c may be perpendicular to the second base edge 202b and the fourth base edge 202d. In addition, the first base edge 202a and the third base edge 202c may be parallel to each other. The base size (i.e., the size of each base edge) may be customized based on the vehicle size and user requirements.

[0042] The container 200 can be configured to be removably attached to a vehicle bed via a base 202. Specifically, in some aspects, the base 202 can include one or more attachment mechanisms 204, which the container 200 can use to attach to the vehicle bed. The attachment mechanism 204 can be, for example, a bolt, a nut, a screw, etc.

[0043] The container 200 may further include side walls (a first side wall 206 and a second side wall 208), a rear wall 210 (or a third wall), and a top wall ( Figure 2 200). In some aspects, the container 200 may not include a top wall. Each side wall 206, 208 and the rear wall 210 may be rectangular or square in shape, and their respective sizes may be customized based on vehicle size and user requirements. For example, the height of the first side wall 206 and the second side wall 208 and the rear wall 210 may be equal to or less than the height of the vehicle cargo hold.

[0044] The first side wall 206, the second side wall 208, and the rear wall 210 may be arranged perpendicular to the base 202. In other words, the planes of the first side wall 206, the second side wall 208, and the rear wall 210 may be arranged perpendicular to the plane of the base 202 (or "base plane"). In addition, the planes of the first side wall 206 and the second side wall 208 may be perpendicular to the rear wall plane. In addition, the first side wall 206 and the second side wall 208 may be arranged parallel to each other, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0045] In some aspects, the rear wall 210 can be attached to a container control panel 212 including one or more batteries, power electronics, transceivers, etc. The control panel 212 can be attached to a vehicle wall (not shown) near the driver's seating area. In addition, the control panel 212 can be attached to a vehicle power and data interface (not shown) through which the control panel 212 can obtain power (e.g., from the vehicle battery) and obtain command signals from the vehicle 100 (specifically from the processor 112). In some aspects, the rear wall 210 can include one or more container power and data interfaces 214 (or first power and data interfaces 214), which can be configured to couple with the vehicle power and data interface and obtain power and command signals from the vehicle power and data interface via the control panel 212.

[0046] In some aspects, the first side wall 206 and / or the second side wall 208 may include one or more attachment mechanisms (not shown, similar to the attachment mechanism 204) that the first side wall 206 and / or the second side wall 208 may use to attach to the vehicle side wall. The attachment mechanisms provided on the first side wall 206 and / or the second side wall 208 may provide additional structural integrity for the attachment between the container 200 and the vehicle 100.

[0047] The container 200 may also include one or more elongated slots 216 (or slots 216) that may be disposed or formed on the first and second side walls 206, 208 and the rear wall 210. The slots 216 may be disposed at different distances / heights from the base 202, and the number of slots in the container 200 may be based on container size, vehicle size, and / or user requirements. Figure 2 In the exemplary aspect depicted in FIG. 1 , the container 200 is shown to include three slots disposed at heights “H1”, “H2”, and “H3” above the base 202. The present disclosure is not limited to Figure 2 , and the container 200 may include a greater or lesser count of slots at different heights without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] Each slot 216 can be a single / integrated slot disposed through the first side wall length, the rear wall length, and the second side wall length. In addition, each slot 216 (specifically, the slot longitudinal axis) can be disposed parallel to the base plane. In some aspects, each slot 216 can be configured to receive a container frame, as described below.

[0049] The container 200 may also include one or more container frames 300 (or multiple frames 300), such as Figure 3 The frame 300 may be configured to be inserted into the container 200 via the slot 216 (eg, when the container 200 may be attached to a vehicle cargo box). Figure 3 As shown, the frame 300 can have a shape complementary to the container shape. Specifically, if the container 200 is shaped as a cuboid (or cube), the shape of the frame 300 can be rectangular (or square). The frame size can be based on the size of the first side wall 206 and the second side wall 208 and the rear wall 210.

[0050] The frame 300 may include a first frame edge 302a, a second frame edge 302b, a third frame edge 302c, and a fourth frame edge 302d. The first frame edge 302a and the third frame edge 302c may be perpendicular to the second frame edge 302b and the fourth frame edge 302d. In addition, the first frame edge 302a and the third frame edge 302c may be parallel to each other. In an exemplary aspect, the length of the second frame edge 302b and the fourth frame edge 302d may be equal to the length of the first side wall 206 and the second side wall 208 or the length of the slot 216 in the first side wall 206 and the second side wall 208. In addition, the length of the third frame edge 302c (or the first frame edge 302a) may be equal to the length of the rear wall or the length of the slot 216 in the rear wall 210.

[0051] The frame 300 may further include one or more rollers 304, which may be disposed at the second frame edge 302b and the fourth frame edge 302d. The frame 300 may be configured to be inserted / slid into the slot 216 via the rollers 304. Based on the count of the slots 216 in the container 200, multiple frames 300 may be inserted / slid into the container 200 at the same time. For example, if the container 200 includes three slots (e.g., Figure 2 ), the three frames can be inserted into the container 200 via the slots 216 using corresponding rollers.

[0052] The frame 300 may also include a frame power and data interface 306 (or a second frame power and data interface 306), which may be disposed at the third frame edge 302c or at a frame wall attached to the third frame edge 302c. When the frame 300 may be inserted into the slot 216 and the third frame edge 302c contacts the rear wall 210, the second power and data interface 306 may be configured to obtain power and data / signals from the first power and data interface 214. Specifically, when a user or robot inserts the frame 300 into the slot 216, when the third frame edge 302c contacts the rear wall 210 (or approaches the rear wall 210), the second power and data interface 306 may be electrically and communicatively coupled to the first power and data interface 214 so that the second power and data interface 306 can obtain power and data / signals from the first power and data interface 214. In this way, the second power and data interface 306 obtains power and signals from the vehicle 100 via the first power and data interface 214.

[0053] The frame 300 may also include a plurality of grids 308, which may be configured to accommodate / secure a plurality of motorized tiles 102. Specifically, each grid 308 may be configured to secure a motorized tile 102, such as Figure 3 In some aspects, each frame 300 may include grids of the same size and may therefore be configured to hold motorized tiles of the same size. Figure 1 As described, each motorized tile 102 may be configured to secure a storage box (e.g., storage box 110), which itself may store a package 114. When a user desires to store different sized storage boxes (and / or packages) in the vehicle 100, the user may insert frames having different sized grilles into different slots 216. For example, the user may insert a frame having a small sized grille into a slot 216 that may be disposed at a height "H3" above the base 202, a frame having a medium sized grille into a slot 216 that may be disposed at a height "H2" above the base 202, and a frame having a large sized grille into a slot 216 that may be disposed at a height "H1" above the base 202. Each grille (small, medium, or large) may be configured to secure a similar sized motorized tile (small, medium, or large), and therefore secure a similar sized storage box / package (small, medium, or large).

[0054] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, since the frames 300 disposed at different heights (H1, H2, and H3) have the same size, in the above example, a frame having small-sized grilles may include a large number of grilles and may therefore be configured to secure a large number of small-sized storage boxes / packages to the corresponding motorized tiles. Similarly, a frame having medium-sized grilles may include a small number of grilles and may therefore be configured to secure a small number of medium-sized storage boxes / packages to the corresponding motorized tiles. Similarly, a frame having large-sized grilles may include a minimum number of grilles and may therefore be configured to secure a minimum number of large-sized storage boxes / packages to the corresponding motorized tiles.

[0055] In some aspects, each grid 308 may include a grid power and data interface 312 (or a third power and data interface 312) that may be configured to obtain power and signals from the second power and data interface 306 to power and / or control motorized tile operations (e.g., activation of wheels 106, 108 and / or doors 104) disposed on the grid 308. In this manner, the vehicle 100 (or the processor 112) may activate and / or control motorized tile operations via the vehicle power and data interface and the first power and data interface 214, the second power and data interface 306, and the third power and data interface 312.

[0056] In further aspects, the vehicle 100 / container 200 can be configured to conserve vehicle / container power or energy when one or more grids 308 or motorized tiles 102 may not be in use. In this manner, the processor 112 can activate and / or control motorized tile operations via the vehicle power and data interface and the first power and data interface 214, the second power and data interface 306, and the third power and data interface 312. In some aspects, the processor 122 can deactivate power distribution based on user input (obtained via a user device or a vehicle infotainment system (not shown)), or can autonomously deactivate power distribution based on input obtained from one or more vehicle and / or container sensors (e.g., vehicle interior cameras, weight sensors, etc.).

[0057] In operation, the user can customize (or order customization) the size of the first side wall 206 and the second side wall 208 and / or the rear wall 210 based on the vehicle size or user requirements. The user can also select an appropriate frame 300 to be installed or inserted into the slot 216 (e.g., a frame with a different size of grille based on the size of the storage box / package that needs to be delivered by the vehicle 100). In response to customizing the container 200 (or obtaining a customized container 200 based on user requirements / vehicle size), the user can attach the container 200 to the vehicle cargo box via the attachment mechanism 204. The user can then insert the selected frame 300 into the slot 216. The user can also couple one or more motorized tiles to the grille 308 and place the storage box 402 (or package) that needs to be loaded into the vehicle 100 on the corresponding motorized tile. Figure 4 An example view of a container use in which a storage box 402 is placed on the grid 308 (specifically, placed on a motorized tile secured in the grid 308) is depicted in FIG.

[0058] Although the above description describes an aspect in which the container 200 includes one or more frames 300 (e.g., three frames) and each frame includes a grille 308 to secure the motorized tiles 102, in some aspects, the container 200 may additionally include a drawer or tray 404 that may be configured to be inserted into one of the three slots 216 described above or into a "fourth" slot that may be provided proximate to the base 202. The tray 404 may not include a grille 308 and, therefore, may not be configured to secure the motorized tiles 102. In some aspects, the tray 404 may be configured to secure special storage boxes or packages that may have irregular sizes and, therefore, may not fit into a standard small, medium, or large grille / motorized tile.

[0059] In addition, despite Figure 2 An aspect is depicted in which the container 200 includes three slots 216 and corresponding three first power and data interfaces 214, but the present disclosure is not limited to Figure 2 In some aspects, the container 200 may include more than three slots 216 (e.g., six, eight, ten slots at different heights above the base 202, etc.) to enable the user to attach the frame 300 at any height desired by the user. In this case, the first power and data interface 214 can be moved along the height of the container to enable the user to move the first power and data interface 214 to any desired height and conveniently attach the interface to the frame 300.

[0060] In additional aspects, the frame 300 can include one or more casters or hinge interfaces 314 that can be disposed on the third frame edge 302c. In some aspects, the hinge interface 314 can be disposed at the intersection of the third frame edge 302c with the second frame edge 302b and the fourth frame edge 302d. The hinge interface 314 can be configured to engage with the groove 502 that can be disposed at the end of the slot to enable the frame 300 to rotate axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the slot. Figure 5 An example engagement between hinge interface 314 and groove 502 is depicted in view 504 of FIG.

[0061] In some aspects, the groove 502 can be a portion of the slot 216 and can be disposed at an end of the slot that can be proximate to the vehicle exit door (or container exit door) and away from the rear wall 210. In an exemplary aspect, the groove 502 can be disposed at the slot 216 that can be disposed at a height "H3" above the base 202. In other words, the groove 502 can be disposed at the slot 216 that can be disposed farthest from the base 202. In other aspects, the groove 502 can be disposed in any of the slots 216.

[0062] In some aspects, the frame 300 can be configured to slide out of the slot 216 via the roller 304 (e.g., when a user slides the frame 300 out) and rotate axially relative to the slot longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position via the hinge interface 314 and the groove 502. In some aspects, the plane of the frame 300 (or "frame plane") is axially rotated relative to the slot longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position when the frame 300 is in the first position (e.g., Figure 4 ) can be parallel to the base plane, and the frame 300 can be in a second position (as shown) Figure 5 As shown), it can be perpendicular to the base plane.

[0063] When the user slides out the frame 300, the hinge interface 314 and the groove 502 can "snap" to each other, thereby enabling the user to axially rotate the frame 300 from the first position (i.e., the horizontal or lateral position) to the second position (i.e., the vertical position). In some aspects, when the frame 300 can be moved from the first position to the second position, the corresponding grille 308 can enable the motorized tile 102 to rotate parallel to the ground (e.g., the tile plane can be parallel to the ground or base) so that the storage box / package 506 placed on the motorized tile 102 will not slide.

[0064] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the vertical position (i.e., in the second position), it may be convenient for the user to load / unload the storage box to / from the frame 300. When the user may have completed loading / unloading the storage box, the user may disengage the hinge interface 314 from the groove 502 and may slide the frame 300 back into the slot 216 to move the frame 300 to the first position (i.e., the horizontal position).

[0065] As described above, the user can customize the container size based on user requirements. For example, the user can customize the container size so that the container 200 can occupy / fill the entire volume of the vehicle cargo hold. In other aspects, the user can customize the container size so that the container 200 occupies a portion of the cargo hold volume (e.g., 60% to 80% of the volume), thereby leaving some free / vacant space at the top portion or bottom portion of the vehicle cargo hold. In yet another aspect, the user can customize the container size so that the container 200 occupies a portion of the cargo hold volume, thereby leaving some free / vacant space at the right portion or left portion of the vehicle cargo hold, such as Fig. 6A As shown. Fig. 6A As shown, container 200 may not occupy space 602. A vehicle operator or user 604 may use space 602 to place large or irregular packages that may not fit on motorized tile 102, or for any other application. User 604 may also enter space 602 to load / unload packages if necessary.

[0066] In an additional aspect, a vertical pull-out drawer 606 may be attached to a space 608 (similar to space 602 described above) that may be adjacent to a container 200 in an interior portion / cargo compartment of a vehicle, such as Figure 6B As shown. The user 604 can use the drawer 606 to store mail, tools, etc. In some aspects, the drawer 606 may include rollers 610, which may be disposed at the bottom portion of the drawer to enable the user 604 to easily move the drawer 606 from a closed position to an open position (and vice versa). In other aspects, the drawer 606 may not include rollers 610.

[0067] Although the above description describes an aspect in which the container 200 is removably attached to the vehicle 100, in some aspects, the container 200 may also be attached to a wall or surface of a warehouse or parking lot based on loading / unloading requirements.

[0068] Figure 7 A first example base 702 of a storage box 700 according to the present disclosure is depicted. The storage box 700 may be combined with the above Figure 1 The storage box 700 can be fixed to the motorized puzzle 102 ( Figure 7Specifically, the base bottom portion 704 can be fixed on the motorized puzzle 102.

[0069] In some aspects, the storage box 700 and base 702 can be an integrated structure formed from a single piece of plastic (e.g., via injection molding or other known manufacturing processes). The storage box 700 and base 702 can be made of lightweight plastic so that the storage box weight can be less than that of a conventional storage box and base.

[0070] The base 702 may include a V-shaped groove 706 on the side portion / perimeter of the base, and the base bottom portion 704 may include a geometric feature 708 formed into the plastic of the base bottom portion 704. In some aspects, the geometric feature 708 may be a "track" or indentation (e.g., a raised or tread pattern) that may enable the base bottom portion 704 to be easily moved on the wheels 106, 108. Because the geometric feature 708 is formed into the base plastic, the geometric feature 708 does not wear or tear when the geometric feature 708 moves on the wheels 106, 108. In addition, when the base 702 is moved from one motorized tile 102 through the door 104 to another motorized tile, the V-shaped groove 706 may act as a female attachment device to the door 104 (which may act as a male attachment device).

[0071] In some aspects, the geometric features 708 can be formed in a recessed channel disposed on the base bottom portion 704. In other aspects, the base bottom portion 704 and the motorized tile 102 can include magnetic materials that can achieve a secure magnetic coupling between the storage bin 700 and the motorized tile 102. The magnetic coupling can prevent any undesired movement of the storage bin on the motorized tile 102.

[0072] Figure 8 A second example base 802 of a storage box 800 according to the present disclosure is depicted. The storage box 800 may be the same as the storage box 110. Figure 8 In the exemplary aspect depicted in FIG. 8 , storage bin 800 and base 802 may be separate from one another and may not be integrated to form a single structure (as described above in conjunction with storage bin 700 and base 702 ).

[0073] The base 802 may include a V-shaped groove 804 that may be formed on a side portion / periphery of the base. The V-shaped groove 804 may be combined with the above Figure 7The described V-shaped groove 706 is identical.In some aspects, base 802 can also include sidewalls 806a, 806b, 806c and 806d (collectively referred to as sidewalls 806).Sidewalls 806 can limit or form a cavity or enclosed area 808 in the base inner part, and the storage box bottom part can be inserted into the cavity or the enclosure.The enclosed area size can be equal to the size of the storage box bottom part, which can make it easy for the user to insert the storage box 800 into the base 802.In response to the storage box 800 being inserted into the base 802, the sidewalls 806 can fix the storage box 800 in the base 802 and prevent any undesirable storage box from moving during transportation (without the need to attach any bolts between the storage box bottom part and the base 802).

[0074] In some aspects, one or more side walls 806 can be configured to be folded over the enclosure 808 or removed to accommodate the joining of two adjacent bases (not shown) for a large storage box or package.

[0075] exist Figure 8 In the exemplary aspect depicted in FIG. 1 , the storage box 800 and the base 802 can be made of different materials based on user requirements. In addition, when the user or robot unloads the storage box 800 from the vehicle 100, the base 802 can remain attached to the motorized puzzle 102, and then the storage box 800 can be inserted into the base 802 again during the loading operation, thereby achieving rapid unloading and loading of the storage box.

[0076] Fig. 9 A flow chart of a method 900 for installing a container 200 in a vehicle 100 according to the present disclosure is depicted. Fig. 9 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.

[0077] The method 900 begins at step 902. At step 904, the method 900 may include customizing or ordering the dimensions of the custom container 200 and frame 300 based on user requirements. At step 906, the method 900 may include obtaining the custom container and frame. At step 908, the method 900 may include attaching the container 200 to an interior portion of a vehicle. For example, as described above, the container 200 may be attached to the vehicle bed via the attachment mechanism 204.

[0078] At step 910, method 900 may include attaching motorized tile 102 to grid 308. At step 912, method 900 may include inserting frame 300 into slot 216 / container 200. In response to inserting frame 300 into slot 216, a user or robot may place / load storage bin 110 onto motorized tile 102.

[0079] Method 900 ends at step 914 .

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the container may be configured to be removably attached to a vehicle bed via a base.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first power and data interface is configured to couple with a vehicle power and data interface.

[0089] According to one embodiment, each grid comprises a third power and data interface, and wherein said third power and data interface obtains power and data from said second power and data interface.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the third side wall is arranged perpendicular to the first side wall and the second side wall, and wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are parallel to each other.

[0091] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which has: a vehicle cargo box; a container, which is configured to be removably attached to the vehicle cargo box, wherein the container includes: a base; a first side wall, a second side wall and a third side wall, wherein each of the first side wall, the second side wall and the third side wall is arranged to be perpendicular to the base; a narrow slot, which is arranged on the first side wall, the second side wall and the third side wall; a first power and data interface, which is arranged on the third side wall; and a frame, which is configured to be removably inserted into the container via the narrow slot, wherein the frame includes: a second power and data interface, which is configured to be coupled with the first power and data interface; and a plurality of grilles, which are configured to fix a plurality of motorized blocks.

Claims

1. A container, comprising: Base; a first side wall, a second side wall, and a third side wall, wherein each of the first side wall, the second side wall, and the third side wall is disposed perpendicular to the base; a narrow groove, wherein the narrow groove is arranged on the first side wall, the second side wall and the third side wall; a first power and data interface, the first power and data interface being disposed on the third side wall; as well as a frame configured to be removably inserted into the container via the slot, wherein the frame comprises: a second power and data interface configured to couple with the first power and data interface; as well as A plurality of grids are configured to secure a plurality of motorized tiles.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is configured to be removably attached to a vehicle bed via the base.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the first power and data interface is configured to couple with a vehicle power and data interface.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein each grid comprises a third power and data interface, and wherein the third power and data interface obtains power and data from the second power and data interface.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the third side wall is disposed perpendicular to the first side wall and the second side wall, and wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are parallel to each other.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the slot is disposed along the first side wall length, the second side wall length, and the third side wall length, and wherein the slot is parallel to the base plane.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, wherein the first edge and the third edge are perpendicular to the second edge and the fourth edge, and wherein the first edge and the third edge are parallel to each other.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the first edge and the third edge include one or more rollers that enable the frame to slide on the slot.

9. The container of claim 7, wherein at least one of the second edge, the first edge, and the third edge comprises a hinge joint.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the slot comprises grooves disposed at the ends of the slot.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the frame is configured to rotate axially relative to the slot longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position via the hinge interface and the groove.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein in the first position, the frame plane is parallel to the base plane, and wherein in the second position, the frame plane is perpendicular to the base plane.

13. A container, comprising: Base; a first side wall, a second side wall, and a third side wall, wherein each of the first side wall, the second side wall, and the third side wall is disposed perpendicular to the base; a slot disposed on the first side wall, the second side wall, and the third side wall, wherein the slot includes a groove disposed at an end of the slot; a first power and data interface, the first power and data interface being disposed on the third side wall; as well as a frame configured to be removably inserted into the container via the slot, wherein the frame comprises: a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, wherein the first edge and the third edge are perpendicular to the second edge and the fourth edge, and wherein the first edge and the third edge are parallel to each other; a hinge interface disposed on at least one of the second edge, the first edge, and the third edge, wherein the frame is configured to rotate axially relative to the slot longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position via the hinge interface and the groove; a second power and data interface configured to couple with the first power and data interface; and A plurality of grids are configured to secure a plurality of motorized tiles.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein in the first position, the frame plane is parallel to the base plane, and wherein in the second position, the frame plane is perpendicular to the base plane.

15. The container of claim 13, wherein the first edge and the third edge include one or more rollers that enable the frame to slide on the slot.

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