Autonomous Vehicle Conveyor for Verified Multi-Bag Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous delivery vehicles lack a mechanism to ensure that delivery items are accurately distributed to the correct recipients without human intervention, as existing systems are not adaptable for multiple delivery types and lack recipient verification processes.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system within the autonomous vehicle that includes a rail, attachment points, a motor, and a controller to position and deliver transport bags to the correct recipient, with RFID tags for identification and a door mechanism for secure access, allowing the vehicle to switch between delivery and passenger modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If built-in compartments are used for storing different loads, then delivery organization is improved, but vehicle adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a conveyor system that can serve multiple delivery functions within a single vehicle. The conveyor system with movable shelves and adjustable compartments can handle different types of loads (groceries, packages, food delivery) and can be reconfigured for different delivery scenarios, making the vehicle adaptable to various delivery needs while maintaining organized storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through the movable and adjustable components of the conveyor system. The shelves can be repositioned, compartments can be adjusted, and the conveyor can move between different configurations to accommodate different delivery types. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the vehicle to transition between different delivery modes while maintaining organized storage structures.
2Measurement precision
If manual item removal and hand-delivery is used, then delivery accuracy is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated conveyor system that can identify, locate, and transport items to the delivery compartment without human intervention. The system uses sensors, RFID tags, and automated control to manage the delivery process, reducing the need for manual item removal and hand-delivery while maintaining delivery accuracy through automated item verification and tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing manual mechanical operations (driver removing items and hand-delivering) with an automated conveyor system. The conveyor uses automated mechanisms including motors, sensors, RFID readers, and control systems to transport items from storage compartments to the delivery area, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining precise item delivery.
3Reliability
If conveyor system with multiple transport bags is used, then delivery security is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the delivery system into multiple independent transport bags, each capable of holding separate loads for different recipients. Each bag can be independently tracked, secured, and delivered to the correct recipient. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high security through individual bag verification and tracking while managing complexity through modular design where each bag is a standardized unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies intermediary by introducing RFID tags, sensors, and control systems as intermediaries between the physical transport bags and the central management system. These intermediaries enable automated identification, tracking, and verification of each bag's contents and destination, enhancing security through automated verification processes while managing complexity by centralizing control through software rather than requiring complex mechanical interconnections between bags.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle (AV) includes a conveyor system arranged within its main cabin. The conveyor system includes attachment points for attaching transport bags to the conveyor system, and a motor to move the transport bags to different positions along the conveyor system. The AV includes a door that can open and close to provide access to the transport bags. The AV further includes a conveyor system controller that identifies a transport bag associated with a user and issues an instruction to the motor to move the transport bags along the conveyor system.