Ad-Hoc Transport Node for Dynamic Suburban Transshipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The radial or spoke architecture for operating bus lines in suburban areas is inefficient due to lower demand, making it difficult and expensive to build public transport nodes that can effectively transfer passengers and cargo, and the use of on-demand buses and shared taxis can result in longer routes and decreased passenger satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that creates temporary ad-hoc transport nodes on roads, using processor units to identify destination information and define transfer lanes between transport vehicles, allowing for the transfer of passengers and cargo without the need for permanent infrastructure, by determining lane definitions based on predicted vehicle locations and transferring loads between vehicles within these nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If permanent public transport nodes are built in suburban areas, then passenger transfer capability is improved, but construction cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic ad-hoc transport nodes that are temporarily activated based on real-time demand patterns. Instead of permanent fixed infrastructure, the system dynamically creates transfer zones at intersections or along road segments when demand thresholds are met, allowing the transport network to adapt flexibly to varying suburban demand while avoiding unnecessary permanent construction
Solution Approach 2:
The ad-hoc transport nodes serve multiple functions: they act as transfer zones between different transport modes, provide temporary waiting areas, and can be dynamically positioned along road segments. This multi-functionality allows a single infrastructure element to address various transfer needs without requiring specialized permanent structures for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-demand buses and shared taxis are used in suburban areas, then route flexibility is improved, but travel time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning ad-hoc transport nodes at optimal locations along road segments based on predicted demand and vehicle routes. This allows transfer vehicles to be ready in advance at strategic points, reducing wait times and enabling faster transfers compared to traditional on-demand models where vehicles must travel from distant locations
Solution Approach 2:
The ad-hoc transport nodes serve as intermediary transfer points between different transport modes. Instead of requiring direct point-to-point service between origin and destination, the intermediary nodes enable efficient multi-leg journeys, reducing overall travel time by breaking trips into segments with dedicated transfer infrastructure
3Ease of manufacture
If ad-hoc transport nodes are created dynamically, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical permanent infrastructure with a software-controlled dynamic system. Instead of building fixed transport nodes, the system uses computational algorithms to determine optimal node locations and activation times based on real-time data from vehicles and passengers. This substitution of mechanical/construction complexity with software intelligence reduces infrastructure costs while managing system complexity through digital coordination
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method provides transshipping. A number of processor units identifies destination information for a load for a first transport vehicle having a first destination and a second transport vehicle having a second destination. The number of processor units determines a lane definition for an ad-hoc transport node on a road based on predicted locations for the first transport vehicle bound for the first destination and the second transport vehicle bound for the second destination. The lane definition defines a set of transfer lanes for the ad-hoc transport node. The number of processor units transfers the load between the first transport vehicle and the second transport vehicle in response to the first transport vehicle and the second transport vehicle being within the ad-hoc transport node.