Robot Delivery System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current delivery systems lack the capability to autonomously transport articles over diverse outdoor transportation networks, including roads, bike paths, and sidewalks, without human intervention.

Innovation Solution

A robot-based delivery system that includes a fleet of autonomous robots equipped with wheels or legs, capable of navigating various terrain and transporting containers with built-in mechanisms for picking up and delivering articles, utilizing a computer network for navigation and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional delivery systems are used, then delivery can be performed with simple mechanisms, but they lack the capability to autonomously navigate diverse outdoor transportation networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to navigate diverse outdoor transportation networksVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot is designed with multiple wheel assemblies that can function in different configurations (e.g., as individual wheels, as a differential drive unit, or as a omnidirectional platform). This multi-functionality allows the same robot platform to navigate various terrains including roads, bike paths, and sidewalks without requiring multiple specialized vehicles, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity through design consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If autonomous robots with multiple wheel assemblies are used, then navigation capability over diverse terrain is improved, but the robot structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation capabilityVSAvoidrobot structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assemblies are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing them to change their operational mode based on terrain requirements. The system can transition between different navigation modes (e.g., from two-wheel drive to three-wheel support) dynamically during operation, enabling complex navigation capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that adapts through motion and configuration changes rather than through multiple fixed mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual delivery methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but delivery efficiency and speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidautonomous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The robot is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including sensors, processors, and control systems that enable it to independently plan routes, avoid obstacles, and complete deliveries without human intervention. The system can autonomously navigate diverse terrains, manage its own wheel configurations, and handle article transfer operations, thereby significantly improving delivery efficiency while establishing genuine autonomous operation rather than merely automated assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240385615A1Robot Delivery System
Publication Date: 2024.11.21 ZIPPY INC
  • US20240385615A1 patent drawing
  • US20240385615A1 patent drawing
  • US20240385615A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for delivering an article from a first location to a second location with a robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport. A closeable recipient container is provided at the second location for receiving the article. At least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network between locations is provided. The robot has a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container and the recipient container has a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.