Autonomous Vehicle Delivery System for Multiple Destinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delivering supplies to multiple dispersed locations using aircraft is cumbersome and inefficient, as existing systems lack the capability to quickly and effectively target multiple destinations with precision.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an aircraft coupled with a first autonomous vehicle and a second autonomous vehicle, where the first vehicle detaches from the aircraft and navigates to a proximity of the second destination, then releases the second vehicle to deliver the payload to the actual destination, utilizing propulsion systems and tracking systems for precise navigation and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an aircraft delivers supplies to multiple dispersed locations directly, then it can complete the delivery task, but the process is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into multiple autonomous vehicles of different sizes. The larger first autonomous vehicle handles long-range transport to the general delivery area, while the smaller second autonomous vehicle handles precise final delivery to the specific dispersed location. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently handle multiple dispersed locations without requiring the main aircraft to perform all delivery operations directly.
2Measurement precision
If a single autonomous vehicle delivers to multiple locations, then it can complete the task, but the cruising range and descent capabilities are insufficient for precise targeting
Solution Approach 1:
The journey is divided into two segments: the first autonomous vehicle covers the long-range transport from the aircraft to the general delivery area, while the second autonomous vehicle handles the short-range precise delivery to the final destination. This allows the system to achieve both long cruising range and high targeting precision by using appropriately sized vehicles for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The first autonomous vehicle acts as an intermediary that transports the second autonomous vehicle to proximity of the final destination. This intermediary approach allows the smaller second vehicle, which has better maneuverability and precision control, to complete the final precise delivery rather than the larger first vehicle attempting direct precision delivery.
3Loss of time
If the aircraft delivers supplies to each location individually, then it can ensure precise delivery, but the delivery time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The first autonomous vehicle performs preliminary action by transporting the second autonomous vehicle to the proximity of the final destination before the actual delivery occurs. This preliminary transport phase allows the system to cover long distances quickly, while the smaller second vehicle then completes the precise final delivery, thereby reducing total delivery time without sacrificing accuracy.
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
Enables efficient and quick delivery of payloads to multiple locations by optimizing the cruising range and descent capabilities of the autonomous vehicles, allowing for precise targeting and reduced delivery time.
Implementation Method 1
a first propulsion system configured to deliver the second autonomous vehicle to a first destination
Implementation Method 2
a second propulsion system configured to deliver the payload to a second destination
Implementation Method 3
a wing
Data Source
AI summary
Examples include an apparatus for delivering a payload. The apparatus includes a first autonomous vehicle and a second autonomous vehicle that are configured to be coupled to an aircraft. The first autonomous vehicle includes a wing and a first propulsion system configured to deliver the second autonomous vehicle to a first destination. The second autonomous vehicle includes a payload and a second propulsion system configured to deliver the payload to a second destination.