SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED LOADING AND UNLOADING OF DELIVERY VEHICLES

Abstract

A vehicle is disclosed that includes a plurality of first motorized plates and a vehicle lift. The plurality of first motorized plates can be arranged in an interior section of the vehicle. The plurality of first motorized plates can be configured to move and secure a first container of a first size and a second container of a second size. The vehicle lift can include a second motorized plate and a set of third motorized plates. The second motorized plate can be configured to pick up the second container from the plurality of first motorized plates and secure the second container. The second motorized plate can be of a third size. Furthermore, each third motorized plate can be configured to pick up the first container from the plurality of first motorized plates and secure the first container.Every third motorized plate can have a fourth size.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitating automated loading and unloading for delivery vehicles, and more particularly to systems and methods for facilitating the loading and unloading of containers of different sizes and types into / from the delivery vehicles. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] With the continued growth of internet-based commerce, parcel delivery is increasingly being used to deliver goods to customers. However, this rapid growth also creates operational challenges in the supply chain. E-commerce companies and their delivery partners are delivering an ever-increasing number of parcels per day while reducing resource costs (e.g., labor, fuel consumption, etc.).

[0003] Currently, various approaches are being used to optimize the process of loading / unloading delivery packages onto / from a delivery vehicle and the process of delivering packages to their respective delivery locations. For example, e-commerce companies load packages with similar delivery addresses near each other into a delivery vehicle to increase efficiency when unloading packages. Furthermore, e-commerce companies use centralized inventory management systems to monitor the movement of their delivery vehicles to increase efficiency and reduce the risk of human error during transport.

[0004] While traditional processes implemented by e-commerce companies effectively increase efficiency, challenges remain. For example, loading and unloading delivery packages onto and from a delivery vehicle is still a manual process and therefore requires resources that may be unavailable or expensive. Furthermore, manually loading and unloading delivery packages of varying sizes can be challenging and lead to a loss of operational efficiency. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure describes a delivery vehicle configured to deliver a plurality of packages to respective delivery locations. The vehicle may include a plurality of first motorized platforms disposed within a vehicle interior portion upon which a plurality of containers of different sizes may be moved and / or secured. In one example aspect, the plurality of containers may include a first small-sized container (e.g., a first size), a second medium-sized container (e.g., a second size), and a third large-sized container (e.g., a third size). Each container may be configured to store one or more delivery packages. The vehicle may further include an elevator configured to move vertically up and down along a vehicle height and to receive the containers from the plurality of first motorized platforms.In some aspects, the elevator may be configured to move the containers from the plurality of first motorized plates to be proximate a vehicle loading area from where a vehicle operator or delivery drone / robot may retrieve the container / package for unloading or last-mile delivery.

[0006] In some aspects, the elevator may include a second motorized platen and a set of third motorized plates. The second motorized platen may have a fourth size and may be configured to receive the second container from the plurality of first motorized plates and to secure the second container. Each third motorized platen may have a fifth size and may be configured to receive and secure the first container. The fifth size may be the same as the first size. Further, the set of third motorized plates may collectively receive and secure the third container.

[0007] The vehicle may further include a processor that can control operation of each of the plurality of first motorized plates, the second motorized plate, and the set of third motorized plates to enable autonomous loading / unloading of containers into / from the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle reaches a delivery location of a specific delivery package, the processor can cause the plurality of first motorized plates to move the container containing the specific delivery package toward the elevator. Based on the container size, the processor can then cause either the second motorized plate, a third motorized plate, or the set of third motorized plates together to pick up the container from the plurality of first motorized plates and secure the container.The processor can then initiate vertical movement of the elevator to enable autonomous unloading of containers from the vehicle. Similarly (and conversely), the processor can enable autonomous loading of containers of different sizes by utilizing the motorized plates included in the elevator and the plurality of first motorized plates.

[0008] In some aspects, each container of the plurality of containers may include a base and a side panel. In an example aspect, a side panel edge may be pivotally attached to a base edge, which may allow the side panel to move between a closed position and an open position. In further aspects, the elevator may be configured to tilt the container when the container is placed on the elevator, and the elevator may be located proximate the vehicle bed. In some aspects, tilting the container may cause the delivery package stored in the container to slide within an interior portion of the container, thereby pushing and moving the side panel from the closed position to the open position.When the delivery package slides out of the container through the side panel in the open position, a delivery robot can hold the delivery package, enabling autonomous unloading. In a similar (and converse) manner, the delivery package can be loaded into the container autonomously via the side panel.

[0009] In additional aspects, the vehicle may include a container gripper that may be configured to engage the containers to enable autonomous loading / unloading of containers. In this case, the container gripper may include gripping means, e.g., clamps or hooks, and each container may include corresponding container receptacles or cavities that can be engaged or locked with the gripping means. The container gripper may further be configured to move in a 3-dimensional space within the vehicle interior portion. In an exemplary aspect, when it is necessary to unload a container from the vehicle, the plurality of first motorized plates may move the container into proximity of the container gripper. The container gripper may cause the gripping means to engage the container receptacles to secure the container with the container gripper.The container gripper can then move the container close to the vehicle's loading area, enabling autonomous unloading of containers. In a similar (and converse) manner, the container gripper can enable autonomous loading of containers into the vehicle.

[0010] The present disclosure discloses a vehicle that enables autonomous loading and unloading of containers into / from the vehicle. Because the vehicle loads and unloads containers autonomously, minimal or no manual intervention is required, resulting in resource savings and the elimination of human error. Furthermore, the vehicle does not require external hardware to enable autonomous loading and unloading of containers.

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

[0012] The detailed description is presented with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical elements. Different elements and / or components than those illustrated in the drawings may be used for different embodiments, and some elements and / or components may not be present in different embodiments. The elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout the disclosure, the singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context. Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary delivery vehicle in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed in this document may be implemented. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B illustrate plan views of an exemplary vehicle elevator and a plurality of containers according to the present disclosure. Fig. 3 illustrates a plan view of another exemplary vehicle lift according to the present disclosure. Fig. 4 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary vehicle lift and a plurality of motorized vehicle panels according to the present disclosure. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B illustrate views of an exemplary first system for unloading a container according to the present disclosure. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B illustrate views of an exemplary second system for unloading a container according to the present disclosure. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B illustrate views of an exemplary third system for unloading a container according to the present disclosure. Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary container gripping system according to the present disclosure. Fig. 9A-9C show views of a use of the container gripping system Fig. 8 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for facilitating movement of containers within a vehicle interior compartment in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The disclosure is described in more detail below in this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and are not intended to be limiting.

[0014] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary delivery vehicle 100 (or vehicle 100) 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 walk-in vans), a truck trailer, and / or the like. In some aspects, the vehicle 100 may be an autonomous vehicle. In other aspects, a driver (not shown) may operate the vehicle 100. Further, the vehicle 100 may include any powertrain, such as a gasoline engine, one or more electrically actuated motors, a hybrid system, etc.

[0015] The vehicle 100 may include one or more layers or arrays of a plurality of motorized panels 102 arranged in a vehicle interior portion. In the exemplary aspect shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 100 includes three arrays or layers (an upper layer "A," a middle layer "B," and a lower layer "C") of the plurality of motorized panels 102 arranged one above the other in the vehicle interior. The present disclosure is not limited to the aspect that the vehicle 100 has three layers of motorized panels, as shown in Fig. 1. The vehicle 100 may include more or fewer than three layers without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] In an exemplary aspect, each motorized plate 102 may have a rectangular or square shape (as in Fig. 1) and may include these four edges 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d. Each edge 102a-d may include one or more gates 104 that may be configured to move / slide along the lengths of the respective edges 102a-d. Each motorized platen 102 may further include a first set of wheels 106 that may be configured to rotate in one direction (e.g., a first direction) and a second set of wheels 108 that may be configured to rotate in a different direction (e.g., a second direction). In some aspects, the first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction. Further, in an example aspect, a rotational speed of each wheel in the wheel set 106 may be the same, and a rotational speed of each wheel in the wheel set 108 may be the same.

[0017] Each motorized plate 102 may be configured to hold / store a container 110 and / or move the container 110 from one location to another within the vehicle interior using the wheels 106 or 108 based on a command signal obtained from a vehicle processor 112 (or processor 112). Specifically, in response to receiving the command signal from the processor 112, one of the first and second sets of wheels 106, 108 may rotate at a preset wheel speed, and the gates 104 may "slide" away from each other at the respective edges 102a-d to position themselves at the corners of the motorized plate 102. In this arrangement, a container 110 can move on the motorized plate 102 when the container (e.g., the container 110) is placed on the motorized plate 102 or comes into contact with the moving wheels 106 or 108.For example, when the second wheels 108 rotate clockwise and the container 110 comes into contact with the rotating second wheels 108, the container 110 may slide or move from the edge 102a toward the edge 102c. In this way, the motorized platen 102 may facilitate container movement on the motorized platen 102 in response to receiving the command signal from the processor 112.

[0018] In further aspects, in response to receiving another command signal from the processor 112, the motorized platen 102 may stop wheel movement (e.g., stop a second wheel movement) and cause the gates 104 to slide toward each other at respective edges 102a-d. In this arrangement, the container 110 may be stored or secured on the motorized platen 102. In some aspects, the gates 104 may slide toward each other in this arrangement to prevent the container from sliding off the motorized platen 102. Such an arrangement may be used when the container 110 may need to be transported or securely held within the vehicle 100.

[0019] In some aspects, the plurality of motorized plates 102 may be configured to move and / or secure containers of different sizes, such as small containers, medium containers, and large containers. In an example aspect, each layer of motorized plates 102 in the vehicle 100 may be configured to move and / or secure containers of different sizes. For example, the upper layer "A" of motorized plates may be configured to move / store small containers, the middle layer "B" of motorized plates may be configured to move / store medium containers, the lower layer "C" of motorized plates may be configured to move / store large containers, and / or the like.

[0020] In some aspects, each bin 110 may be configured to hold one or more packages 114. In an example aspect, the location of each bin within the vehicle 100 and the allocation of each package within each bin may be optimally planned or preset in advance so that unloading of each package from the vehicle 100 may be convenient (e.g., when the vehicle 100 reaches a package delivery location). In some aspects, information associated with the allocation of each package within each bin and the location of each bin within the vehicle 100 may be received by a vehicle transceiver 116 (or transceiver 116) from a server (not shown) over one or more networks.

[0021] The above-mentioned network(s) may be and / or include the Internet, a private network, a public network, or any other configuration operating using any one or more of any known communication protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Bluetooth ® , BLE ® , Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, ultra-wideband (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 just a few.

[0022] In one exemplary aspect, the server described above may be associated with an e-commerce company or a delivery partner that can remotely monitor and / or control the movement of a plurality of vehicles operating as part of a vehicle fleet (including vehicle 100), a loading / unloading operation for each vehicle at a warehouse or during transport, and / or the like. The server may transmit the information described above to transceiver 116 at a predefined frequency during vehicle travel on a delivery route or when vehicle 100 begins the delivery route from the warehouse. In response to receiving the information from the server, transceiver 116 may send the information to a vehicle memory 118 (or storage 118) for storage purposes.

[0023] The processor 112 may be configured to obtain the information from the memory 118 while traveling along the delivery route and transmit command signals (as described above) to activate movement of one or more motorized plates 102 to control container movement within the vehicle interior based on the acquired information. For example, when the vehicle 100 reaches a delivery location associated with a specific package, the processor 112 may activate one or more motorized plates 102 to enable movement of a container containing the specific package from its storage location within the vehicle 100 (as determined using the information obtained from the server) to a package pickup zone / area within the vehicle 100 from which a vehicle operator or drone may retrieve the package for last-mile delivery.

[0024] The processor(s) 112, as described above, may be arranged in communication with one or more storage devices arranged in communication with the respective computing systems (e.g., the memory 118 and / or one or more external databases located in Fig. 1). The processor(s) 112 may utilize the memory 118 to store programs in code and / or to store data for performing aspects of the disclosure. The memory 118 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable memory that stores delivery package management program code or instructions. The memory 118 may include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.) and 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.).) include.

[0025] Although the foregoing description describes an aspect in which the processor 112 controls the container movement within the vehicle 100 by activating one or more motorized plates 102, in some aspects, the activation of the motorized plates 102 and the container movement may be remotely controlled by the server.

[0026] In further aspects, the processor 112 may be configured to enable and control the loading / unloading of containers into / from the vehicle 100 (in particular, onto / from the plurality of motorized plates 102) based on the information obtained from the server. In particular, the vehicle 100 may additionally include a vehicle elevator 120 (the elevator 120) that enables the loading and unloading of containers onto / from the motorized plates 102 based on command signals received from the processor 112.

[0027] The elevator 120 may be configured to move vertically up and down along a vehicle sidewall height to load / unload the containers 110 into / from the upper layer "A", the middle layer "B", and / or the lower layer "C". In some aspects, the elevator 120 may include one or more elevator plates (in Fig. 1 not shown) that may be similar to the plurality of motorized plates 102. The elevator plates may be configured to receive a container to be unloaded from one or more motorized plates 102 and to secure the container. In response to the container being secured on the elevator plate(s), the elevator 120 may move vertically "down" to be proximate a vehicle loading area based on the command signals received from the processor 112. In an exemplary aspect, when the elevator 120 is proximate the vehicle loading area, the vehicle operator may remove the container (or a package stored in the container for last-mile delivery). In additional aspects, the elevator plates may be configured to load the containers into a container holding unit or a delivery robot (in Fig. 1 not shown) when the elevator 120 may be located near the vehicle loading area.

[0028] In further aspects, the elevator 120 may be configured to "tilt" the container when the elevator 120 may be located near the vehicle bed to allow the container holding unit or the vehicle operator to conveniently grasp or remove the package stored in the container for last-mile delivery or warehouse storage purposes.

[0029] The structural details of the elevator 120 are described below in connection with Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Furthermore, the aspect of tilting the container and allowing the container holding unit to conveniently grasp or remove the package stored in the container will be described below in connection with Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 described in more detail.

[0030] The vehicle 100 and the vehicle operator implement and / or perform operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the user manual and safety guidelines.

[0031] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B illustrate plan views of the elevator 120 and a plurality of containers according to the present disclosure. The plurality of containers may be supported on the plurality of motorized plates 102 (in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B not shown) may be disposed in the vehicle interior portion. As described above, the plurality of motorized plates 102 may be configured to move and secure the plurality of containers.

[0032] In some aspects, each container of the plurality of containers may have a square (as in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B) or rectangular in shape. Further, the plurality of containers may include containers of different sizes. For example, the plurality of containers may include first containers 202 of a first size, second containers 204 of a second size, and a third container 206 of a third size. In one example aspect, the first containers 202 may be small containers, the second containers 204 may be medium-sized containers, and the third container 206 may be a large container. The first size, the second size, and the third size may be different from one another.In some aspects, the "first size" may indicate an area of ​​a first container base or a dimension of an edge of the first container base, the "second size" may indicate an area of ​​a second container base or a dimension of an edge of the second container base, and the "third size" may indicate an area of ​​a third container base or a dimension of an edge of the third container base. In other aspects, the "first size" may indicate a first container volume, the "second size" may indicate a second container volume, and the "third size" may indicate a third container volume.

[0033] In some aspects, each layer of motorized plates 102 (e.g., the upper layer “A,” the middle layer “B,” and the lower layer “C” described above in connection with Fig. 1) can be configured to secure containers of different sizes. For example, Fig. 2A illustrates a plan view of a layer (e.g., the upper layer “A”) that can secure the first containers 202 and the second containers 204. Furthermore, Fig. 2B illustrates a top view of a layer (e.g., the bottom layer "C") that can secure the second containers 204 and the third container 206. In other aspects, each layer can be configured to secure containers of the same size. For example, the top layer "A" can be configured to secure small containers, the middle layer "B" can be configured to secure medium containers, and the bottom layer "C" can be configured to secure large containers.

[0034] The elevator 120 may have a rectangular shape and may include four edges 208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d. The edges 208a and 208c may be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the edges 208b and 208d. Further, the edges 208b and 208d may be parallel to each other. In some aspects, the edge 208 may be located near a vehicle exit door (e.g., a rear or side door of the vehicle, not shown), and the edge 208c may be located near the plurality of motorized plates 102 or the first, second, and third bins 202, 204, 206.

[0035] As above in connection with Fig. 1, the elevator 120 may include a plurality of elevator plates. The structure and functionality of the elevator plates may be similar to the plurality of motorized plates 102, and the elevator plates may include similar components (e.g., wheels, gates, etc.); however, the elevator plates may have different dimensions than the plurality of motorized plates 102. In some aspects, the plurality of elevator plates may include a set of first plates 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d (collectively, a set of first plates 210) and a second plate 212.

[0036] Each first plate 210 may have a square shape and may have a fourth size. In some aspects, the "fourth size" may refer to an area of ​​each first plate 210 or a dimension of each first plate edge. Further, the set of first plates 210 may be arranged in a "square-shaped" layout or configuration. In particular, one edge (e.g., a first edge) of the first plate 210a may be arranged parallel and adjacent to an edge (e.g., a first edge) of the first plate 210b, another edge (e.g., a second edge perpendicular to the first edge) of the first edge 210a may be arranged parallel and adjacent to an edge (e.g., a first edge) of the first plate 210c, and so on, to enable the set of first plates 210 to be arranged in a square-shaped layout.Furthermore, the first plates 210a and 210c may be arranged near the edge 208a and the first plates 210b and 210d may be arranged near the edge 208c.

[0037] The second plate 212 may have a rectangular shape and may have four edges 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d. The edge 212a may be parallel and adjacent to the edge 208a, the edge 212b may be parallel and adjacent to the edge 208b, the edge 212c may be parallel and adjacent to the edge 208c, and the edge 212d may be parallel and adjacent to the edge 208d. The edges 212a and 212c may have equal lengths, and the edges 212b and 212d may have equal lengths. Furthermore, the edges 212a and 212c may be shorter than the edges 212b and 212d. In some aspects, the second plate 212 may have a fifth size. In some aspects, the “fifth size” may refer to a region of the second plate 212.

[0038] In an example aspect, the first size may be equal to or substantially similar (e.g., within a range of 1-10%) to the fourth size. Furthermore, the fifth size may be different from the fourth size. In some aspects, the fifth size may be twice or substantially equal (e.g., within a range of 1-10%) to twice the fourth size.

[0039] Since the first size is equal to the fourth size, each first plate 210 may be configured to receive the first container 202 from the plurality of motorized plates 102 (e.g., via the edge 208c) and secure the first container 202. Example locations of the first container 202 on the first plates 210a, 210c are designated as locations "L1" and "L2" in Fig. 2A. Likewise, the second plate 212 may be configured to receive the second container 204 from the plurality of motorized plates 102 (e.g., via the edge 208c) and secure the second container 204. An exemplary location of the second container 204 on the second plate 212 is shown as location "L3" in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B. In this way, a single elevator (e.g., elevator 120) may be configured to receive and secure containers of different sizes, e.g., the first container 202 of a small size and the second container 204 of a medium size, as shown in Fig. 2A shown.

[0040] In one aspect, the set of first plates 210 may be configured together to receive the third container 206 from the plurality of motorized plates 102 (via the edge 208c) and secure the third container 206, as shown in Fig. 2B. An exemplary position of the third container 206 on the set of first plates 210 is shown as position “L4” in Fig. 2B. In an exemplary aspect, the third container 206 may include a longitudinal slot 214 disposed on a third container bottom portion to allow the third container 206 to move and be securely placed on the set of first plates 210. The longitudinal slot 214 may be disposed along an entire length of a third container base and may allow the third container 206 to clear the gates 216 (as shown in Fig. 2B) arranged at an interface of the set of first plates 210 when the third container 206 is moving or securely placed on the set of first plates 210.

[0041] In this way, a single elevator (e.g., elevator 120) may be configured to receive and secure small, medium, and large containers as described above and in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B shown.

[0042] In operation, the processor 112 (communicably coupled to the plurality of motorized plates 102 and the elevator 120) may obtain a first trigger signal via the transceiver 116. In some aspects, the processor 112 may obtain the first trigger signal from the device described above in connection with Fig. 1, a user device that may be associated with a vehicle driver, or a vehicle information system (not shown). The first trigger signal may indicate to processor 112 that vehicle 100 may have reached a package delivery location or warehouse, and a container (e.g., container 110) may need to be unloaded from vehicle 100.

[0043] In response to receiving the first trigger signal, the processor 112 may retrieve information associated with the container 110, which may be stored on the memory 118, as described above in connection with Fig. 1. The processor 112 may determine a container location within the vehicle 100 (particularly on the plurality of motorized plates 102) based on the retrieved information. In response to determining the container location, the processor 112 may transmit command signals to the plurality of motorized plates 102 to initiate container movement and enable the container 110 to be moved to the elevator 120. In particular, the processor 112 may initiate container movement from the plurality of motorized plates 102 to the first plate 210b or 210d when the container 110 is the first container 202. The processor 112 may then send another command signal to the elevator 120 to initiate container movement from the first plate 210b or 210d to the first plate 210a or 210c.In response to the container 110 reaching the first plate 210a or 210c, a vehicle operator or drone may retrieve the container 110 (or the delivery package disposed within the container) for unloading or last-mile delivery. In some aspects, if the elevator 120 is located near the upper tier "A" or the middle tier "B" when the container 110 reaches the first plate 210a or 210c, the processor 112 may further cause the elevator 120 to move "downward" toward the lower tier "C" or the vehicle bed so that the vehicle operator can conveniently retrieve the container 110.

[0044] In some aspects, the processor 112 may initiate container movement from the plurality of motorized plates 102 to the set of first plates 210 when the container 110 is the third container 206. In response to the container 110 reaching the set of first plates 210, the vehicle operator or drone may retrieve the container 110, as described above.

[0045] On the other hand, the processor 112 may cause a container movement from the plurality of motorized plates 102 over the edge 212c to the second plate 212 when the container 110 is the second container 204. In response to the container 110 reaching the second plate 212, the processor 112 may send another command signal to the elevator 120 to cause a container movement at the second plate 212 and to cause the container 110 to reach the "L3" location. The vehicle operator or drone may remove the container 110 from the elevator 120 when the container 110 reaches the "L3" location, as described above.

[0046] Fig. 3 illustrates a plan view of another exemplary vehicle elevator 300 (or lift 300) according to the present disclosure. The elevator 300 may be configured to load / unload small containers and large containers. The elevator 300 may be similar to the elevator 120 and may be disposed in the vehicle interior section; however, the elevator panels included in the elevator 300 may be different from the elevator panels included in the elevator 120 described above.

[0047] In some aspects, the elevator panels included in the elevator 300 may include a first panel 302 and one or more second panels 304. The shape of the first panel 302 may be similar to that of the second panel 212; however, in some aspects, a length of the first panel 302 may be less than a length of the second panel 212. The first panel 302 may be configured to move and secure the first containers 202 (i.e., small containers) in a similar manner as described above. An exemplary location of the first container 202 on the first panel 302 is shown as location "L4."

[0048] In other aspects (not shown), the length of the first plate 302 may be equal to the length of the second plate 212. In this case, the first plate 302 may be configured to move and secure the second containers 204 (i.e., medium-sized containers, not shown).

[0049] The second plate 304 may be a square-shaped plate, and a dimension of each edge of the second plate may be equal to the length of the first plate 302. A size of the second plate (e.g., dimensions and area) may be equal to a size of a large container (e.g., dimensions and area of ​​a container base of a large container), and the second plate 304 may be configured to move and secure a large container 306 (or second container 306). An exemplary location of the second container 306 on the second plate 304 is shown as location "L5." In an exemplary aspect, the second container 306 may not include the longitudinal slot 214 described above in connection with Fig. 2, since the second container 306 may not need to move and be secured to the set of first plates 210 that includes the gates 216. Since the elevator 300 includes one or more large plates (e.g., the second plate 304), the second container 306 may instead conveniently move on and be secured to the second plate 304 without requiring the longitudinal slot 214.

[0050] The operation of the first and second plates 302, 304 is similar to the operation of the set of first plates 210 and second plate 212 and thus will not be described again here for simplicity and precision.

[0051] Fig. 4 illustrates a plan view of the elevator 120 and a plurality of motorized vehicle plates 402 (or plates 402) according to the present disclosure. The functionality of the plates 402 may be similar to the plurality of motorized plates 102 described above in connection with Fig. 1; however, the plates 402 may have different sizes than those associated with the motorized plates 102.

[0052] In some aspects, each plate 402 may be configured to move and secure a large container, such as the third container 306 (which includes the longitudinal slot 214). Each plate 402 may be square-shaped, as shown in Fig. 4, and a dimension of each edge of the plate 402 may be equal to a dimension of each edge of the base of the third container 306. As shown in Fig. 4, the plate 402 may not include gates or wheels at a portion 404 where the longitudinal slot 214 may be located when the third container 306 may be moving on or secured to the plate 402.

[0053] The process of container movement on the plates 402 and / or the elevator 120 is similar to the process described above in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and is therefore not described again here for the sake of simplicity and precision.

[0054] Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B illustrate views (e.g., side views) of an exemplary first system for unloading a container 502 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B illustrates a system for autonomously unloading the container 502 from the vehicle 100 when the container 502 may be secured to one or more lift pads associated with the elevator 120 and the elevator 120 may be located proximate a vehicle loading area 504.

[0055] The container 502 may be the same as the first container 202, the second container 204, or the third container 206 described above. In some aspects, the container 502 may be a hollow cube or cuboid and may include a base 506, side walls 508, and a side panel 510 disposed within each container side wall. In one example aspect, a side panel bottom edge may be pivotally attached to an edge of the base 506 via a pivot attachment mechanism 512. The pivot attachment mechanism 512 may be a spring or any other similar pivot attachment mechanism that may allow the side panel 510 to rotate axially relative to the base 506. In some aspects, the pivot attachment mechanism 512 may allow the side panel 510 to move between a closed position and an open position.

[0056] The side panel 510 is in the closed position in Fig. 5A and the side panel 510 is in the open position in Fig. 5B shown.

[0057] In some aspects, the side walls 507 and the side panel 510 may define an enclosure within a container interior portion in which a delivery package 514 may be stored / secured. The side panel 510 may facilitate automated unloading (and loading) of the delivery package 514 from (into) the container 502, as described below.

[0058] In some aspects, the elevator 120 may be configured to move or tilt (or "dump") the container 502 from a first position to a second position when the container 502 may be disposed on the elevator 120 (or the elevator panels) and the container 120 may be disposed proximate the vehicle loading surface 504. In an example aspect, the base 506 may be coplanar with the vehicle loading surface 504 when the container 502 may be in the first position. On the other hand, the base 506 may not be coplanar with the vehicle loading surface 504 when the container 502 may be in the second position.In other words, the plane of the base 506 may be parallel to the vehicle bed 504 when the container 502 is in the first position, and may be at a predefined non-zero angle relative to the vehicle bed 504 when the container 502 is in the second position. An exemplary first position of the container is shown in FIG. Fig. 5A and an exemplary second position of the container is shown in Fig. 5B.

[0059] In some aspects, the delivery package 514 may slide within the enclosure as the container 502 moves from the first position to the second position, and the weights associated with the delivery package 514 and the side panel 510 may overcome a spring force of the pivoting attachment mechanism 512 to automatically move the side panel 510 from the closed position to the open position. When the side panel 510 moves to the open position, the delivery package 514 may slide out of the enclosure through the side panel 510 and be secured or retrieved by a package retaining unit 516, which may be located near the elevator 120 or the vehicle bed 504, as shown in Fig. 5B. In an example aspect, the package holding unit 516 may be a delivery or warehouse robot that may be configured to move the delivery package 514 to a package storage area within the warehouse when the delivery package 514 may be secured to the package holding unit 516.

[0060] In operation, the processor 112 may obtain a second trigger signal via the transceiver 116 to enable autonomous unloading of containers. In some aspects, the processor 112 may obtain the second trigger signal from: the server described above in connection with Fig. 1, the user device associated with the vehicle operator, the vehicle information system, one or more vehicle proximity and / or weight sensors, vehicle cameras, and / or one or more sensors located in the warehouse where the vehicle 100 may be unloading packages (e.g., the delivery package 514). In some aspects, the processor 112 may obtain the second trigger signal when the container 502 may be secured on the elevator panels and the elevator 120 may be located proximate the vehicle bed 504. In further aspects, the processor 112 may obtain the second trigger signal when the package holding unit 516 may be located proximate the elevator 120 or the vehicle bed 504.

[0061] In response to receiving the second trigger signal, the processor 112 may cause the elevator 120 to move the container 502 from the first position to the second position, thereby allowing the delivery package 514 to slide within the enclosure and causing the side panel 510 to move from the closed position to the open position. When the delivery package 514 slides out of the enclosure, the package holding unit 516 may secure or retrieve the delivery package 514, as described above. In this manner, the vehicle 100 enables automatic unloading of containers.

[0062] The process of loading containers may be similar to (or inverse to) the unloading process described above. In particular, the elevator 120 may move (or tilt) the container 502 to the second position during the loading process, and the package holding unit 516 may push or drop delivery packages into the enclosure, thereby enabling autonomous container loading.

[0063] Although the above description describes an aspect in which the elevator 120 moves the container 502 from the first position to the second position, the present disclosure is not limited to this described aspect. In some aspects, the vehicle 100 may include any other movement / actuation mechanism that may enable the container 502 to move between the first and second positions.

[0064] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B illustrate views (e.g., side views) of an exemplary second system for unloading a container 602 according to the present disclosure. The container 602 may be the same as the container 502. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B particularly describe a system for unloading / loading containers in which the elevator 120 may not be configured to move or tilt the container 602 from the first position to the second position.

[0065] In this case, the elevator 120 may include a mechanical arm 606 that can engage a container side panel 604 (the same as the side panel 510) when the container 602 may be arranged on the elevator 120 and is located near the vehicle loading area 504 and the container 602 may need to be unloaded, as in Fig. 6A. In response to engagement of the side panel 604, the mechanical arm 606 may "pull" the side panel 604 to overcome the spring force of a bin pivot attachment mechanism 608 (the same as the pivot attachment mechanism 512) to move the bin side panel 604 to the open position / state, as shown in Fig. 6B shown.

[0066] When the side panel 604 may be disposed substantially parallel to the vehicle bed 504 (or when the container side panel 604 may be fully open), a mechanical fork 610 may slide under the delivery package 514 to lift and pull the delivery package 514 toward the package holding unit 516, thereby enabling autonomous unloading of containers from the vehicle 100 and loading of containers into the package holding unit 516.

[0067] The process of loading containers into the vehicle 100 may be similar to (or inverse to) the unloading process described above. Specifically, the mechanical arm 606 may open the container side panel 604 and the mechanical fork 610 may push the package(s) to be loaded into the container 602 over the open container side panel 604.

[0068] Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B illustrate views (e.g., side views) of an exemplary third system for unloading a container 702 according to the present disclosure. The container 702 may be similar to the container 502; however, the container 702 may not include the side panel 510. In the system illustrated in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B, the elevator 120 may be configured to move the container 702 from the first position (as shown in Fig. 7A) to the second position (as shown in Fig. 7B shown).

[0069] In this case, the package holding unit 516 may include a suction mechanism 704 that can remove the delivery package 514 from the container enclosure when the container 702 is in the second position, as shown in Fig. 7B to unload the container 702 from the container 702 / vehicle 100.

[0070] The process of loading containers into the vehicle 100 may be similar to (or inverse to) the unloading process described above. In particular, in this case, the suction mechanism 704 may place the package(s) to be loaded into the container 702 when the container 702 may be in the second position.

[0071] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary container gripping system 800 (or system 800) according to the present disclosure. In describing Fig. 8 is on Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C, which represent views of system usage.

[0072] The system 800 may be similar to a gantry system and may be disposed within the vehicle interior. The system 800 may be configured to load / unload the containers 110 into / from the upper layer "A," the middle layer "B," and the lower layer "C" of the motorized plates 102. In some aspects, the system 800 may be installed in the vehicle 100 in addition to the elevator 120 described above. In other aspects, the vehicle 100 may include the system 800 and may not include the elevator 120.

[0073] In one example aspect, system 800 may include a first elongated structure 802 and a second elongated structure 804. The first elongated structure 802 may be connected between the vehicle sidewalls, and the second elongated structure 804 may be connected between an upper vehicle portion and the vehicle bed (e.g., vehicle bed 504). In some aspects, the second elongated structure 804 may be configured to move horizontally along a vehicle width "W." In other aspects, the first elongated structure 802 may be configured to move vertically up and down along a vehicle / sidewall height "H." In additional aspects, the first and second elongated structures 802 and 804 may be configured to move along a sidewall or vehicle length "L."

[0074] The system 800 may further include a container gripper 806, which may include one or more gripping mechanisms 808. The gripping mechanisms 808 may be, for example, clamps or hooks. The container gripper 806 may be slidably attached to the first and second elongated structures 802 and 804 such that the container gripper 806 can slide along the lengths of the first and second elongated structures 802 and 804. The container gripper 806 may be configured to move across the first and second elongated structures 802 and 804 in a 3-dimensional space (e.g., in the x, y, or z directions) within the vehicle interior portion. In some aspects, the processor 112 may be communicatively coupled to the container gripper 806 and / or the first and second elongated structures 802 and 804 and may be configured to control their movement within the vehicle interior portion.

[0075] In an exemplary aspect, one or more side walls of each container 110 may include one or more receptacles or cavities 902, as shown in Fig. 9A-9C. A shape of each receptacle 902 may correspond to a shape of each gripping mechanism 808 so that the gripping mechanism 808 can easily insert the gripping mechanism 808 into the receptacle 902 and lock / secure them together. In some aspects, the receptacles 902 may be disposed adjacent to the surface of container sidewalls to prevent snagging of adjacent containers as the container 110 may move on the plurality of plates 102. Further, all of the containers 110 may have receptacles of the same shape and size. Further, each receptacle 902 may be narrow enough to accommodate the smallest containers and large enough to provide stability when lifting the largest containers using the container gripper 806.

[0076] In operation, the processor 112 may cause the plurality of motorized plates 102 to move the container 110 into proximity with the container gripper 806, as shown in Fig. 9A when the container 110 may need to be unloaded from the vehicle 100. In response to the container 110 being in proximity to the container 110, the processor 112 may transmit a command signal to the container gripper 806 to move the gripping mechanisms 808 into proximity to the receivers 902 and to mechanically insert / engage the gripping mechanisms 808 into the receptacles 902, as shown in Fig. 9B. The processor 112 may then transmit another command signal to the container gripper 806 to pull the container 110 from the motorized plate 102 on which the container 110 may be placed, as shown in Fig. 9C. In this case, the wheels 106, 108 associated with the motorized platen 102 may move and the gates 104 may "slide" away from each other to allow the container gripper 806 to pull the container 110 from the motorized platen 102.

[0077] In response to pulling the container 110 from the motorized plate 102, the processor 112 may transmit another command signal to the container gripper 806 to move the container gripper 806 proximate the vehicle bed 504 (with the container 110 engaged with the gripping mechanisms 808). If the container gripper 806 is positioned proximate the vehicle bed 504, the container gripper 806 may cause the gripping mechanisms 808 to disengage from the receptacles 902. Thereafter, the vehicle operator, drone, or package holding unit 516 may retrieve the container 110 for the vehicle bed 504.

[0078] The process of loading containers using the container gripper 806 may be similar to (or inverse to) the unloading process described above. Specifically, a container to be loaded is initially positioned on the vehicle bed 504. The container gripper 806 may then cause the gripping mechanisms 808 to engage the receptacles 902 to lift the container from the vehicle bed 504. In response to lifting the container, the container gripper 806 may move the container to a motorized plate, which may be near the container's motorized target plate. When the container is near or on the motorized plate, the container gripper 806 may cause the gripping mechanisms 808 to disengage from the receptacles 902, thereby enabling loading of containers into the vehicle 100.

[0079] One skilled in the art can appreciate from the foregoing description that the container gripper 806 may be configured to load and unload containers of different sizes into / from the vehicle 100 without the need for the elevator 120.

[0080] Fig. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method 1000 for facilitating movement of containers within a vehicle interior compartment in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 10 may be described with continued reference to previous figures. The following process is exemplary and not limited to the steps described below. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than illustrated or described herein, and may include these steps in an order that differs from the order described in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0081] The method 1000 begins at step 1002. At step 1004, the method 1000 may include obtaining the first trigger signal by the processor 112. In some aspects, the processor 112 may obtain the trigger signal when the vehicle 100 may have reached a package delivery location or warehouse, and a container (e.g., the container 110) may need to be unloaded from the vehicle 100.

[0082] At step 1006, the method 1000 may include: transmitting command signals by the processor 112 to one or more motorized plates of the plurality of motorized plates 102 to, in response to acquiring the first trigger signal, as described above in connection with Fig. 2, to initiate a container movement and to enable the container 110 to be moved onto the elevator 120 (e.g., onto the elevator plates described above).

[0083] The method 1000 ends at step 1008.

[0084] In the foregoing disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, such phrases are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, if a feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize such a feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0085] Furthermore, the functions described in this document may be performed in one or more of hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components, as appropriate. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and procedures described in this document. Certain terms used throughout the specification and claims refer to specific system components. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the components may be referred to by other names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not in function.

[0086] It is also understood that the word "example," as used in this document, is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting. In particular, the word "example," as used in this document, indicates one of several examples, and it is understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0087] A computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium) includes any non-transitory (e.g., physical) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such a medium may take many forms, including, without limitation, non-transitory media and volatile media. Computing devices may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above, and may be stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0088] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described in this specification, it is to be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be implemented in practice such that the described steps are performed in an order that differs from the order described in this specification. Further, it is to be understood that certain steps could be performed concurrently, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described in this specification could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes in this specification are for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed to limit the claims.

[0089] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. From a reading of the foregoing description, many other embodiments and applications than the examples provided will become apparent. The scope should be determined not by reference to the foregoing description, but instead by reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that there will be future developments in the art discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Overall, it is to be understood that the application is susceptible of modification and variation.

[0090] All terms used in the claims are intended to have their general meaning as known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the technologies described in this specification apply, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. In particular, the use of the singular articles, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," etc., is intended to refer to one or more of the specified elements, unless a claim expressly limits otherwise.Conditional language, such as, but not limited to, "may," "could," "may," or "may under certain circumstances," is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements, and / or steps, whereas other embodiments may not include them, unless specifically stated otherwise or clear from the particular context used. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

[0091] According to the present invention, a method for facilitating movement of containers within a vehicle interior compartment includes: obtaining, by a processor, a trigger signal; and transmitting, by the processor in response to obtaining the first trigger signal, at least one of the following: a first command signal to a plurality of first motorized plates within the vehicle interior compartment to cause movement of a first container having a first size to a third motorized plate of a set of third motorized plates of a vehicle elevator;and a second command signal to the plurality of first motorized plates to cause movement of a second bin having a second size to a second motorized plate of the vehicle elevator, the first bin and the second bin being disposed on the plurality of first motorized plates, the second motorized plate having a third size, and each third motorized plate of the set of third motorized plates having a fourth size.;

[0092] In one aspect of the invention, the first size differs from the second size and the fourth size differs from the third size.

[0093] In one aspect of the invention, the fourth size is equal to the first size.

[0094] In one aspect of the invention, the plurality of first motorized plates are further configured to secure a third container having a fifth size, wherein the fifth size is larger than the first size, and wherein the set of third motorized plates is configured to receive the third container from the plurality of first motorized plates and to secure the third container.

[0095] According to the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: acquire a trigger signal; and, in response to acquiring the first trigger signal, transmit at least one of the following: a first command signal to a plurality of first motorized plates in a vehicle interior portion to cause movement of a first container having a first size to a third motorized plate of a set of third motorized plates of a vehicle elevator;and a second command signal to the plurality of first motorized plates to cause movement of a second bin having a second size to a second motorized plate of the vehicle elevator, the first bin and the second bin being disposed on the plurality of first motorized plates, the second motorized plate having a third size, and each third motorized plate of the set of third motorized plates having a fourth size.;

Claims

[1] Vehicle comprising: a plurality of first motorized plates disposed in a vehicle interior portion, the plurality of first motorized plates configured to move and secure a first container having a first size and a second container having a second size; and a vehicle lift comprising: a second motorized plate configured to receive the second container from the plurality of first motorized plates and to secure the second container, the second motorized plate having a third size; and a set of third motorized plates, each third motorized platen configured to receive the first container from the plurality of first motorized plates and to secure the first container, and each third motorized platen having a fourth size. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first size is different from the second size and wherein the fourth size is different from the third size. [3] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the fourth size is equal to the first size. [4] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first motorized plates are further configured to secure a third container having a fifth size. [5] The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the fifth size is larger than the first size, and wherein the set of third motorized plates is configured to receive the third container from the plurality of first motorized plates and to secure the third container. [6] The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a processor communicatively coupled to the plurality of first motorized plates and the vehicle lift, the processor configured to: Obtaining a first trigger signal; and Transmitting at least one of the following in response to receiving the first trigger signal: a first command signal to the plurality of first motorized plates to cause movement of the first container to a third motorized plate from the set of third motorized plates; and a second command signal to the plurality of first motorized plates to cause movement of the second container to the second motorized plate. [7] The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the first container is configured to store a delivery package, the first container comprising a base and a side panel, and the side panel is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. [8] The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the vehicle lift is configured to move the first container between a first position and a second position when the first container is secured to the third motorized plate, and wherein the base is coplanar with a vehicle loading surface in the first position and non-coplanar with the vehicle loading surface in the second position. [9] The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to: Obtaining a second trigger signal; and Causing the vehicle lift to move the first bin from the first position to the second position in response to receiving the second trigger signal, wherein the side panel moves from the closed position to the open position as the first bin moves from the first position to the second position. [10] The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the processor obtains the second trigger signal when the first container is secured to the third motorized plate. [11] The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the first container further comprises side walls defining an enclosure in an interior portion of the first container, and wherein the first container is configured to store the delivery package in the enclosure. [12] The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the side panel moves from the closed position to the open position in response to the first container moving from the first position to the second position as the delivery package slides within the enclosure. [13] The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the delivery package is secured in a package holding unit as the delivery package slides from the enclosure through the side panel as the side panel moves from the closed position to the open position. [14] The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the processor obtains the second trigger signal when the package holding unit is located near the vehicle elevator. [15] The vehicle of claim 7, wherein an edge of the side panel is pivotally connected to an edge of the base to allow the side panel to move between the open position and the closed position.

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