Autonomous Delivery Vehicle With Secure Access Code Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 'last mile' delivery problem in the transportation and logistics industry is challenging due to issues like package theft, scheduling conflicts, reliance on unreliable recipients, and the need for recipients to collect packages at inconvenient locations or lockers.
Innovation Solution
The use of autonomous unmanned road vehicles for delivering packages directly to recipients' doorstep, with features like notification systems, access codes for secure delivery, and the ability to operate on paved roadways, navigating through traffic signals and signs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If packages are left on the doorstep for delivery, then delivery convenience is improved, but package theft risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an autonomous unmanned vehicle as an intermediary between the distribution facility and the recipient's doorstep. The vehicle acts as a secure mediator that transports packages directly to the delivery location without human intervention, eliminating the need to leave packages unattended and reducing theft risk while maintaining delivery convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicle performs self-service delivery by navigating to the delivery destination, parking in designated areas, and enabling recipients to retrieve packages using access codes or notifications. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for human drivers and ensures packages remain secure until authorized pickup, resolving the contradiction between convenience and security
2Productivity
If delivery schedules are fixed in advance, then logistics efficiency is improved, but recipient scheduling flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling where the autonomous vehicle can adapt delivery times based on recipient availability. The system allows recipients to request deliveries at convenient times, and the autonomous fleet dynamically adjusts routes and schedules to accommodate these requests while maintaining overall logistics efficiency through automated coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where recipients can communicate their availability and preferences. The operations hub receives this feedback and adjusts delivery schedules accordingly, allowing the system to maintain high productivity while adapting to individual recipient needs through continuous communication and schedule optimization
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple packages are delivered to different locations, then delivery coverage is improved, but vehicle travel time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the delivery area into multiple zones with designated waiting areas strategically located to minimize travel distances. The autonomous vehicle fleet is segmented into different groups that serve specific zones, allowing parallel deliveries to multiple locations while reducing individual vehicle travel time through optimized zone-based routing
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of spatial optimization by positioning waiting areas at strategic locations that serve multiple delivery destinations. By organizing deliveries around these hub locations rather than direct point-to-point routes, the system expands delivery coverage while reducing total travel time through efficient hub-and-spoke routing patterns
4Reliability
If autonomous vehicles operate on paved roadways only, then vehicle reliability is improved, but operational flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicles are designed with multi-functionality to operate primarily on paved roadways while also being capable of accessing designated waiting areas that may include mixed surfaces. The vehicle fleet can be dynamically assigned to different route types, and the system provides alternative delivery options for locations with different roadway conditions, maintaining reliability while expanding operational flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous unmanned road vehicle and how it can be used to make deliveries. The unmanned vehicle is capable of operating autonomously on paved roadways. The vehicle has a control system for autonomous driving and a perception system for detecting objects in its surroundings. The vehicle also has one or more cargo compartments for carrying the delivery items. The vehicle may have a flashing light beacon to increase the conspicuousness of the vehicle. In consideration that the vehicle does not carry passengers, the size and/or motor power of the vehicle may be reduced as compared to conventional passenger vehicles.