Automated Return Shopping Cart with GPS Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shopping carts are often left scattered in parking lots after use, requiring retail workers to manually collect and return them, which is inefficient and diverts staff from other tasks.
Innovation Solution
A motorized shopping cart equipped with a GPS system, object sensors, activity sensors, and a programmable logic controller that automatically propels itself back to a designated location when not in use, using docking ports for recharging and avoiding obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cart collection is used, then staff can return carts to desired location, but staff time is diverted from other tasks and operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shopping cart autonomously returns itself to the designated location without requiring manual intervention from staff. The cart uses its own onboard motor, GPS receiver, and sensor systems to navigate and dock automatically, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for staff to collect carts.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of staff collecting and returning carts is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. The cart incorporates a motor-driven propulsion system, electronic sensors for obstacle detection, and GPS-based navigation to automatically return to the corral area.
2Extent of automation
If automated propulsion system is added, then cart can return itself automatically, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shopping cart is designed as a multi-functional platform that combines traditional shopping functions with automated navigation and self-return capabilities. The same cart structure serves both as a customer shopping aid and as an autonomous mobile robot, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
A programmable logic controller serves as an intermediary that coordinates all the automated functions of the cart. The PLC integrates inputs from GPS receivers, sensors, and user interfaces, and controls the motor, brakes, and docking mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture through centralized control.
3Reliability
If GPS and sensor systems are integrated, then cart can navigate and avoid obstacles, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cart is pre-programmed with the location coordinates of the designated corral area during manufacturing. The GPS receiver and navigation algorithms are configured in advance to automatically guide the cart to the correct location, eliminating the need for complex real-time mapping or manual programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively simple, cost-effective sensors and GPS receivers rather than expensive sophisticated navigation systems. The system uses basic obstacle detection sensors and standard GPS technology that are inexpensive and readily available, keeping manufacturing costs down while maintaining adequate navigation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated return shopping cart for enabling a shopping cart to sense when it is not in use and automatically return itself to a cart corral area when it is not in use. The automated return shopping cart comprises a conventional shopping cart modified to include an automation component, which includes the programmable logic controller, a rechargeable battery, the powertrain components, and brakes, interconnected with a GPS component, object sensors, activity sensors, two docking ports, a touchscreen, and a WiFi component. Whenever the cart is not in use, the automation component causes the cart to be moved back to a desired location, using the GPS component to determine the route based on the location of the desired destination. While in route to the desired destination, object sensors are used to detect objects in the current and potential path of the cart, enabling the cart to avoid the objects.