Smart Cargo Container Routing for Flexible UAV Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinating the delivery of multiple cargo containers using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is challenging due to constraints in pairing containers with UAVs and accounting for variable payloads, which complicates logistical operations.
Innovation Solution
A cargo container equipped with a programmable device to store manifest information and a communication device to direct UAVs to delivery destinations, allowing for autonomous navigation and coupling with any available UAV, independent of external communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cargo containers use predetermined configuration and external communication networks for delivery instructions, then delivery coordination is possible, but device complexity and logistical challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo container autonomously determines its delivery destination and navigates to it using its own processing device and stored delivery information, without requiring external communication networks or centralized coordination. The container self-manages the delivery process by interpreting delivery instructions locally and autonomously navigating to the correct destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo container is designed with universal compatibility to be carried by any UAV in the fleet, not just a predetermined one. The container includes a processing device that can interpret delivery instructions from any UAV and determine the appropriate destination, making the system flexible and adaptable to different vehicle configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If cargo containers are paired with predetermined UAVs, then pairing constraints are simplified, but adaptability to different UAV configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo container includes a processing device capable of interpreting delivery instructions from any UAV in the fleet, not just a specific predetermined model. This universal compatibility allows the same container design to work with different UAV configurations, manufacturers, and capabilities, eliminating the need for specialized pairing while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If variable payload information is accounted for in delivery coordination, then delivery accuracy improves, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo container autonomously processes its own payload information and delivery instructions using its integrated processing device. By self-managing the interpretation of delivery information and determination of destination, the system achieves accurate delivery coordination without requiring complex external information processing infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Cargo containers are disclosed herein. A cargo container for carrying one or more delivery items to respective delivery destinations may include a container body configured to at least partially enclose and support the delivery item(s) and to be selectively and operatively coupled to a vehicle. The cargo container additionally may include a programmable device supported by the container body that stores manifest information regarding each delivery item. The cargo container further may include a container communication device supported by the container body and configured to convey delivery information to a vehicle communication device of the vehicle to direct the vehicle to the delivery destination(s) of the delivery item(s). The manifest information may include item destination information that represents the delivery destination of each delivery item, and the delivery information may be at least partially based upon the item destination information.