Automated Item Attachment System for Delivery Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned delivery and pick-up systems face challenges in securely and efficiently attaching and detaching items of varying sizes and types to autonomous delivery vehicles, limiting their reliability and adaptability in civilian applications.
Innovation Solution
An item attachment system comprising a frame with external pins, hooks, and electric actuators, controlled by an electronic controller, allows for secure attachment and detachment of items to autonomous delivery vehicles, enabling reliable and efficient item transport without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manual attachment methods are used for items, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability and efficiency of attachment/detachment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system automatically performs attachment and detachment operations without human intervention. The electronic controller activates electric actuators which rotate hooks to engage with external pins on items, securing them to the autonomous delivery vehicle. The system then autonomously navigates to delivery points and releases items, making the entire process self-service and eliminating manual operation requirements while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical attachment operations with an automated electromechanical system. Electric actuators convert electrical energy to mechanical rotation of hooks, which then mechanically engage with item pins. This substitution of manual labor with automated electromechanical components improves both reliability through consistent automated execution and efficiency through faster attachment/detachment cycles
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simple attachment system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various item sizes and types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed with universal hooks that can accommodate items of varying sizes and types. The hooks are positioned at multiple locations on the vehicle frame and can engage with external pins on different item configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single attachment system structure to handle diverse delivery items without requiring item-specific attachment mechanisms, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system divides the item engagement function into multiple independent hooks positioned at different locations on the vehicle frame. Each hook can independently engage with external pins on items, allowing the system to adapt to various item sizes and shapes. This segmentation of the attachment function into multiple modular components provides versatility while keeping each individual hook component relatively simple in structure
3Productivity
If automated attachment systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated attachment by substituting manual operations with electromechanical components. Electric actuators, controlled by an electronic controller, automatically rotate hooks to engage with item pins. This automation eliminates the need for manual attachment operations, significantly improving delivery productivity and efficiency. The complexity introduced by these components is offset by the elimination of manual labor and the standardization of the attachment process
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system operates autonomously without requiring human intervention. The electronic controller receives signals and automatically activates actuators to attach items to the vehicle and release them at delivery points. This self-service capability maximizes productivity by enabling continuous automated operation, while the standardized automated process actually reduces operational complexity compared to manual methods that require human judgment and dexterity
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
The system enables secure and efficient attachment and detachment of items to autonomous delivery vehicles, enhancing their reliability and adaptability for civilian use by accommodating various item sizes and types, improving delivery efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electric actuators, mechanically attached to the frame, and mechanically connected to the plurality of hooks so as to provide for rotation of the hooks between a horizontal and a vertical position
Implementation Method 2
each hook including a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface... such that each of the first engagement surfaces engage a corresponding pin of the plurality of external pins
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for attaching and detaching an item satchel from an autonomous delivery unit. An attachment system includes an attachment system frame, and a satchel comprising a plurality of external pins. The attachment system also includes a plurality of hooks, mechanically attached to the frame, each hook including a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, one or more electric actuators, mechanically attached to the frame, and mechanically connected to the plurality of hooks. Each of the first engagement surfaces engage a corresponding pin of the plurality of external pins at a first position between the horizontal and vertical positions, and each of the second engagement surfaces engage the corresponding pin of the plurality of external pins at the vertical position to secure an item satchel to an autonomous delivery unit.