AGV Drainage System Using Sloped Panels and Dimples

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Solution Overview

Problem

Delivery autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) face challenges in protecting their electronic components and payloads from water ingress due to exposure to rain and splashing water, which can damage the cargo and electronic parts.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an aluminum sheet metal chassis with an overlapping exterior skin that provides a fastener-free exterior surface for water resistance, along with a drainage system that includes a sloped bottom panel with dimples and a cargo bay drain outlet, and a hold-down assembly to direct water to a main drain outlet, preventing water ingress and ensuring components remain dry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cargo area is exposed to rain or precipitation for customer access, then customer convenience is improved, but water ingress damages electronic parts and payload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer access convenienceVSAvoidwater ingress damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of water ingress into a beneficial drainage system. The cargo area bottom is designed with a slope directing water toward a drain outlet, and the lower body includes a drainage system with outlets that actively channel water away from electronic components and payload, transforming the potential damage into a controlled water removal mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary drainage system between the cargo area and the external environment. This system includes a sloped bottom panel, drain outlets, and water collection channels that act as intermediaries to capture and redirect water before it can reach and damage electronic parts and payload, while still allowing customer access to the cargo area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the AGV drives through puddles and rainstorms, then delivery capability in various conditions is improved, but electronic components and payload are exposed to water damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery capability in wet conditionsVSAvoidwater damage to components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage system converts the harmful water exposure during puddle driving into a beneficial feature by actively channeling splashed water away from vulnerable components. The sloped bottom and drain outlets work together to capture and expel water that enters during operation in wet conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs overlapping panels forming a skin structure that provides water resistance while maintaining flexibility. The skin includes overlapping side panels, front panel, and rear panel that create a barrier against water ingress while allowing the vehicle to operate in various wet conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If overlapping exterior panels are used for water resistance, then water protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidpanel structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the exterior skin into multiple overlapping panels (side panels, front panel, rear panel) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for modular construction while achieving comprehensive water protection through the overlapping configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple panels into an integrated skin structure where the overlapping edges create a unified water-resistant barrier. The panels are fastened together to form a cohesive exterior that provides comprehensive protection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively prevents water from entering the AGV's interior, protecting both the electronic components and the payload by using overlapping panels and a drainage system that directs water to a low point for efficient drainage, thus maintaining the functionality and integrity of the vehicle in wet conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a sloped bottom panel with dimples and a cargo bay drain outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

an overlapping exterior skin that provides a fastener-free exterior surface for water resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11001443B1Drainage system for a delivery autonomous ground vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.05.11 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

A delivery autonomous ground vehicle includes several drainage features to keep water away from the package to be delivered and sensitive components. The cargo bay includes dimples to raise the package from the floor of the bay and a drain. Enclosed drain pans beneath elements of the lid also include drains. Water entering from the cooling air inlet holes of discharge holes can drain back through the holes or through the main drain. Overlapping panels inhibit water ingress, but if provided without seals, the water ingress between overlapping panels flows to the main drain.