Rail-Mounted Cabin Service Robot for Automated Article Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing in-flight services, such as food and beverage delivery, in aircraft cabins are cumbersome, slow, and disrupt passenger comfort, while being costly and dependent on crew member skill.
Innovation Solution
A robot system with a rail-mounted slider and robot arm, equipped with a tray, that moves along a ceiling or side wall, allowing for automated and efficient delivery and collection of articles using a management server for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manually controlled cart is used by crew member, then service can be provided to passengers, but service is cumbersome and slow, disrupting passenger comfort and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs service delivery autonomously without requiring manual operation by crew members. The system self-navigates using the rail infrastructure, positions itself at target seats, and delivers articles automatically, eliminating the need for human operators to manually push carts through the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cart system with an automated robotic system that runs on a rail. The robot uses automated navigation and positioning mechanisms instead of manual control, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated electromechanical systems.
2Reliability
If more crew members are deployed to maintain quality of service, then service quality improves, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs service delivery independently without requiring human crew members. A single robot can serve multiple passengers simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple crew members and reducing labor costs while maintaining consistent service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot is designed to perform multiple service functions including delivering various articles (meals, beverages, blankets, cushions) and collecting waste. This multi-functionality allows one robot to replace multiple specialized crew members, reducing overall operational costs.
3Productivity
If crew member manually delivers articles, then service is provided, but it depends on crew member skill and is difficult to maintain consistent quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual human operations with an automated robotic system that follows programmed instructions. The robot consistently executes the same delivery procedures regardless of external factors, eliminating variability associated with human skill levels while using manageable electromechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that provide feedback for precise positioning and article delivery. This feedback loop ensures consistent and accurate service delivery by continuously monitoring and adjusting the robot's actions based on real-time conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If robot arm is pivotably connected to slider, then robot can reach multiple positions, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system divides the movement function into separate segments: the slider handles linear motion along the rail, while the robot arm handles positioning at the destination. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler while achieving overall complex functionality through coordinated operation of multiple simple components.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A robot (5) may be configured to safely and automatically deliver and/or collect an article in a cabin of a mobility vehicle, and an in-cabin service system may be provided with the robot (5). The robot (5) includes a rail (10) configured to be installed in a cabin; a slider (20) configured to movably connected to the rail (10) so as to move along the rail (10); a robot arm (40) having one end pivotably connected to the slider (20); and a tray (80) connected to the other end of the robot arm (40) in such a way as to maintain horizontality of the tray (80) so as to be able to support an article.