Cargo Vehicle Package Module With Robotic Pre-Delivery Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo vehicle delivery systems face inefficiencies in package storage and distribution, leading to increased loading errors, manual handling risks, and extended time spent by operators sorting and distributing packages.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained storage and distribution module with a shelf assembly and robotic assembly is installed within a cargo vehicle, utilizing a controller to manage package storage based on dimensions and weights, and a robotic arm to autonomously retrieve and dispense packages to a chute before arrival at delivery locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual package handling and distribution is used, then operators can directly interact with packages, but loading errors increase and manual handling risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service package handling through the robotic arm that autonomously retrieves packages from shelves and delivers them to the chute without human intervention. The controller manages the entire process based on destination information, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual operator handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical handling system with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm, equipped with an end effector, substitutes human operators in performing package retrieval and delivery tasks, thereby eliminating manual handling risks while maintaining operational capability.
2Productivity
If operators manually sort and distribute packages, then packages can be delivered to destinations, but extended time is spent on package distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Packages are pre-organized on shelves according to their destination before the vehicle departs. The controller has advance knowledge of the delivery route and package destinations, allowing the robotic arm to retrieve packages in the optimal sequence without waiting for vehicle stops or manual sorting during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm performs package retrieval and delivery operations continuously during vehicle transit between destinations. Instead of stopping the delivery process for manual sorting, the system maintains continuous automated operation, retrieving and delivering packages throughout the journey to maximize productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If packages are stored in a traditional cargo vehicle, then loading is simple, but package loading density is low
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo vehicle's storage space is segmented into multiple shelves with varying heights and configurations. Each shelf can be independently adjusted to accommodate different package sizes, maximizing space utilization. This segmentation allows the system to store more packages of varying dimensions within the same vehicle volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf assembly incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that can dynamically adapt to different package dimensions and delivery scenarios. The robotic arm's movable end effector and the controller's adaptive routing capabilities allow the system to optimize package arrangement and retrieval paths based on real-time requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including: a self-contained module configured to install within a cargo vehicle; and a controller. The self-contained module includes: a shelf assembly; and a robotic assembly. The shelf assembly includes: shelves configured to store packages; and a chute extending between the shelves and configured to locate proximal a driver cab of the cargo vehicle. The robotic assembly includes: an end effector configured to manipulate the packages; a robotic arm configured to manipulate the end effector across the shelves; and an elevator configured to maneuver the robotic arm between the shelves. The controller is configured to: identify a shelf occupied by a package associated with a delivery location; trigger the elevator to maneuver the robotic arm to the shelf; and trigger the robotic arm to withdraw the package, via the end effector, toward the chute prior to arrival of the cargo vehicle at the delivery location.