Access point device, system and method for autonomous vehicle delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The final stage of autonomous delivery processes faces challenges with package receipt, requiring human intervention and lacking security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Innovation Solution
An automatic door or window-like device that allows authorized delivery drones to access customer premises autonomously, enhancing security and reducing human intervention, with a plug-and-play design that includes a housing, actuators, sensors, and a computer controller for authentication and package delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional access points are used for package delivery, then human intervention is required to receive packages, but this reduces delivery autonomy and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The access point device automatically detects the approaching carrier via sensors, authenticates the carrier's credentials, opens the door panel, and closes it after delivery without any human intervention. The system serves itself by completing the entire delivery receipt process autonomously, from detection to secure closure.
2Productivity
If access points allow carrier entry, then package delivery is enabled, but security risks from unauthorized access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access point device continuously monitors for approaching carriers using sensors and receives credential information from the carrier. Based on this feedback, the controller decides whether to open or close the door panel, creating a closed-loop security system that responds dynamically to carrier presence and authentication status.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point device acts as an intermediary between the carrier and the interior space. It controls the door panel to allow or block access based on carrier authentication, serving as a security gatekeeper that mediates the interaction between external carriers and the protected interior environment.
3Extent of automation
If manual package receipt processes are used, then human personnel are required, but labor and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access point device performs multiple functions within a single integrated system: it detects carrier presence via sensors, authenticates carrier credentials, controls the door panel opening/closing, and communicates with the carrier. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one unified device.
4Ease of operation
If delivery systems require human presence for package receipt, then flexibility is reduced, but customer convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point device is pre-configured with the ability to detect and authenticate authorized carriers automatically. The system is prepared in advance to handle delivery receipts at any time without requiring human presence, eliminating the need for customers to be available during delivery attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to support autonomous receipt of packages carried via a courier comprising a housing; a movable panel disposed in the housing and configured to automatically open and close an aperture in the housing; an actuator disposed in a portion of the housing for automatically opening or closing the movable panel; a sensor disposed in a portion of the housing or the movable panel for detecting whether a carrier of a package is within a predetermined region associated with the moveable panel; a computer controller disposed in a portion of the housing and communicatively coupled with the sensor and the actuator, wherein the controller generates a signal to cause the actuator to open the panel in response to detection by the sensor to enable receipt of the package into the housing by the carrier; wherein a communication hub disposed in a portion of the housing or on the panel enables communications from the computer controller as to a status of one or more of the package and the movable panel.