Autonomous Cargo Transporter with Moving Sled Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The inefficiencies in cargo transport and delivery, particularly in the final mile, due to manual handling and frequent stops and starts of delivery vehicles, which waste energy and time, and the challenge of handling packages of varying sizes, shapes, and weights.

Innovation Solution

A system of autonomous vehicles, including a transporter and a sled, that allows for cargo transfer while both are in motion, using a path system like rails or magnetic levitation, with motion control and constraining systems to align and transfer cargo containers without stopping, utilizing computing means to determine optimal transfer times and velocities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If delivery vehicles make frequent stops and starts to load and unload cargo, then cargo can be delivered to destinations, but energy consumption increases significantly and delivery time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous motion of the transporter along the rail path while cargo transfer operations are performed. The sled accelerates to match the transporter's speed, performs transfer operations while moving, then decelerates to deliver cargo, eliminating the need for the transporter to stop and start repeatedly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system is divided into separate functional components: the transporter that maintains continuous motion along the rail, and the sled that performs acceleration, cargo transfer, and deceleration operations. This segmentation allows the transporter to avoid stopping while cargo operations are performed by the sled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If manual handling is used to load and unload packages, then cargo can be transferred between vehicles, but labor requirements increase and transfer time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo transfer speedVSAvoidmanual labor requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated mechanisms including robotic arms, conveyors, and motion control systems to perform cargo transfer operations without manual intervention. The sled and transporter coordinate their movements automatically, and cargo is transferred through automated handling equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling is replaced with automated motion control systems, robotic manipulation devices, and computer-coordinated transfer mechanisms that can rapidly and precisely move cargo between the sled and transporter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If packages of varying sizes, shapes, and weights are handled manually, then diverse cargo can be delivered, but handling complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo variety accommodationVSAvoidhandling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal cargo containers that can accommodate packages of varying sizes, shapes, and weights. These standardized containers are handled as single units by the automated systems, allowing diverse cargo to be transported efficiently without increasing handling time or complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method reduces energy consumption and time by maintaining continuous motion during cargo transfer, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual labor, while accommodating diverse package sizes and weights through automated alignment and transfer.

Implementation Method 1

it may be a magnetic levitation system either above ground or below

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic levitation: Maglev

Implementation Method 2

it may be a pneumatic hovering system above ground or below

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic hovering: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20240002175A1Methods, Systems and Devices for Efficient and Rapid Autonomous Delivery of Goods

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 MCGUSHION KEVIN D

AI summary

A cargo transportation, transfer and delivery method and system is disclosed where the primary distances traveled by the cargo in a cargo carrying vehicle, called a ‘transporter’ need not stop to load or unload cargo. The transporter is designed to hold cargo in standardized cargo containers that have been designed to hold a multitude of package or product sizes, types, and weights. These containers are further designed with a motion control and constraining system to aid in the reliable transfer and holding of the cargo containers within the transporter and when being transferred onto and off of the transporter. The containers are further designed to be readily and reliably moved by a cargo transfer system which moves containers on to and off of the transporter. The transporter travels through a tubular passage that may be above ground or below ground allowing it to bypass and otherwise avoid roads which are subject to many traffic starts and stops.