In-Vehicle Cargo Conveyor Rails for Faster Package Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient and quick cargo management within vehicles is challenging due to difficulties in transporting, storing, and retrieving packages, especially during last-mile delivery, where packages often move and require specific environments that are not readily available or customizable.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle conveyor system with removably attached cargo storage units (CSUs) that move along rails mounted to the vehicle's interior, allowing for automated or manual relocation of CSUs to specified locations based on delivery data, GPS, and driver instructions, enhancing cargo organization and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packages are stored in fixed locations in the vehicle cargo space, then cargo space utilization is simple and straightforward, but packages cannot be efficiently retrieved or organized during last-mile delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cargo storage system where individual cargo units can be moved along rails to different positions within the vehicle. This allows the storage system to adapt its configuration based on delivery needs, enabling efficient package retrieval and organization while maintaining cargo space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo storage system is divided into multiple independent movable cargo units that can be individually positioned and retrieved. Each unit can be independently controlled to move to specific locations, allowing for efficient last-mile delivery operations without requiring the entire cargo space to be reconfigured
2Loss of time
If manual search and retrieval of packages is used, then the system is simple and requires minimal infrastructure, but driver time and productivity are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cargo retrieval where the automated conveyor mechanism can independently move and position cargo units without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The driver simply needs to specify the desired location or unit, and the system handles the retrieval automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that track the position and status of each cargo unit, allowing the control system to automatically manage retrieval operations. This feedback enables the system to respond to driver requests efficiently without manual searching
3Reliability
If cargo units are securely fastened to prevent movement during vehicle operation, then cargo stability is maintained, but accessibility and retrieval speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo units are designed with dynamic securing mechanisms that maintain stability during vehicle motion through controlled engagement with the rail system. When retrieval is needed, these mechanisms can be quickly released to allow rapid movement of the cargo units to accessible positions
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system acts as an intermediary between the secured cargo units and the retrieval mechanism. The rails provide both secure support during transport and a guided path for rapid movement during retrieval, reconciling the need for both stability and speed
Data Source
AI summary
A system for moving cargo includes an in-vehicle conveyor system mounted in a vehicle cargo space, the in-vehicle conveyor system comprising one or more rails. The rails may be mounted to walls, floor, or ceiling of the vehicle cargo space. The system also includes one or more cargo storage units attached to the in-vehicle conveyor system. Each of the one or more cargo storage units is secured to the rails such that the one or more cargo storage units are raised with respect to a floor of the vehicle cargo space and define a circuit as based on a travel path of the one or more cargo storage units. Upon instruction, the cargo storage units are movable along the circuit to move a specified cargo storage unit to a predetermined location.