Autonomous Package Transfer With Modular Locker Basket Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous vehicles are designed for narrowly defined tasks and lack adaptability, modifiable functionality, and ease of serviceability for transferring and delivering items of various sizes and qualities.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous package transfer system comprising a locker assembly with a storage compartment and a movable locker door, and an autonomous vehicle with a storage assembly and a transfer assembly to move packages between the vehicle and the locker assembly, enabling adaptable and serviceable delivery of items of varying sizes and qualities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous vehicles are designed for specifically defined tasks with fixed functionality, then task execution reliability is improved, but adaptability to different uses and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle is designed with a universal platform that can perform multiple functions through interchangeable modules. The vehicle includes a base chassis with navigation and control systems, and can be equipped with different cargo modules (e.g., parcel modules, passenger modules) to adapt to various tasks such as package delivery or passenger transport, thereby achieving multi-functionality while maintaining reliable autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicle system is divided into separable functional modules including a base vehicle platform and interchangeable cargo/passenger modules. This segmentation allows individual modules to be designed for specific functions while the overall system maintains adaptability through modular reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between specialized task reliability and general adaptability
2Device complexity
If autonomous vehicles are designed with fixed functionality for specific tasks, then system complexity is reduced, but ease of serviceability and modifiable functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system is segmented into standardized modules with defined interfaces. Each module (cargo module, passenger module, battery module) can be independently serviced, repaired, or replaced without affecting the entire vehicle system. This modular architecture simplifies serviceability while maintaining manageable overall complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The base vehicle platform is designed as a universal chassis that can support multiple types of modules. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized vehicle designs, thereby controlling overall system complexity while improving serviceability through standardized maintenance procedures applicable across different module configurations
3Productivity
If autonomous vehicles use preprogramed paths and logic for item transportation, then productivity in industrial environments is improved, but adaptability to additional uses outside defined environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle system incorporates dynamic path planning and adaptive navigation capabilities that allow vehicles to transition between preprogrammed industrial paths and flexible routes for other environments. The navigation system can dynamically adjust between automated preprogrammed operation for high-productivity tasks and more flexible autonomous decision-making for adaptability scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle platform is designed to be universally applicable across different environments and uses. The same autonomous navigation system and vehicle platform used for industrial productivity tasks can be deployed for other applications such as last-mile delivery or passenger transport, achieving both high productivity in defined environments and adaptability to additional uses
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous package transfer system comprises a locker assembly including a storage compartment located at a destination. The locker assembly includes a locker door that is moveable between an open position and a closed position. An organizing mechanism is located in the storage compartment and includes a plurality of baskets that are moveable into alignment with the locker door via a drive unit. An autonomous vehicle delivery system includes at least one locker assembly located at a first destination and an autonomous vehicle. The locker assembly includes at least one storage compartment, the storage compartment including a door and a lock to selectively prevent access to the storage compartment. The autonomous vehicle comprises a chassis assembly and a storage assembly.