Autonomous Delivery Vehicle Package Deployment Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current delivery methods using autonomous transport vehicles are inefficient due to the need for manual package retrieval and return to deployment stations after each delivery, wasting time and increasing operational costs for delivery services.

Innovation Solution

Autonomous transport vehicles equipped with a processor-based control unit, sensors, and a package deployment apparatus that identify and prepare packages for delivery en-route, allowing for automated deployment at designated destinations, optimizing delivery routes and sequences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual package retrieval is used at each delivery destination, then delivery accuracy is maintained, but delivery time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery accuracyVSAvoiddelivery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning packages in the cargo area before arrival at delivery destinations. The package deployment apparatus prepares packages for deployment in advance, so that when the delivery vehicle arrives at a destination, the correct package is already positioned and ready for immediate automated deployment, eliminating the need for manual retrieval during delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automated package deployment. The package deployment apparatus automatically identifies, positions, and deploys packages at delivery destinations without requiring manual intervention. The system uses sensors and control algorithms to autonomously manage the package deployment process, enabling the delivery vehicle to service itself at each stop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the delivery vehicle returns to deployment station after each delivery, then package loading is ensured, but loss of time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage loading assuranceVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuity of useful action by allowing the delivery vehicle to remain out of service longer and deliver more packages before returning to the deployment station. By pre-positioning multiple packages in the cargo area and using automated deployment, the vehicle can perform multiple deliveries on a single trip without intermediate returns, maximizing the continuous productive use of the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary loading of multiple packages into the cargo area before the delivery route begins. The package deployment apparatus is pre-configured with the delivery sequence, allowing the vehicle to execute multiple deliveries without returning to the deployment station, thereby extending operational time and reducing return trips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If multiple packages are loaded in the cargo area, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The package deployment apparatus serves multiple functions: it stores packages, identifies them using sensors, positions them correctly in the cargo area, and deploys them automatically at the appropriate destinations. This multi-functional system replaces what would otherwise require separate manual operations for each function, managing complexity through integration while enabling high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors and control algorithms to autonomously manage package identification, positioning, and deployment. The package deployment apparatus self-manages the complex tasks of tracking multiple packages and executing the correct deployment sequence without human intervention, reducing the operational complexity burden on personnel while maintaining high delivery capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If automated package deployment is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the delivery function into distinct modular components: the delivery vehicle, the package deployment apparatus, sensors for package identification, and control algorithms. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, tested, and manufactured independently, facilitating easier integration and potentially reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10535035B2Systems and methods for delivering products to multiple delivery destinations via autonomous transport vehicles

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that provided for delivering products ordered by a customer of a retailer to a delivery destination designated by the ordering customer by way of autonomous transport vehicles configured to identify products to be dropped off at their next delivery destinations and to prepare such products for deployment while the ATVs are still en-route to their next delivery destinations, and to automatically deploy such products upon arrival at such delivery destinations.