Autonomous Delivery Container Routing With Multi-Floor Conveyor Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for package delivery operations in e-commerce has highlighted inefficiencies in the delivery process, necessitating a system that optimizes time management and throughput by standardizing container handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
An end-to-end delivery system utilizing standard containers with QR codes, a door locking mechanism, and a GPS tracker, combined with a purpose-built autonomous robot and multi-layer modular conveyor systems within autonomous vehicles, to efficiently load, transport, and deliver packages across various locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard containers with locking mechanisms are used, then container security and handling efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container system uses standardized dimensions and QR code identification parameters to simplify handling. The locking mechanism uses a standardized interface that can be operated by the robotic system, transforming the complexity into manageable parameter specifications rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container's locking mechanism is designed to be automatically operated by the robotic system through QR code recognition and automated locking interfaces. The container essentially serves itself by providing the robotic system with clear identification and locking protocols, reducing the need for complex manual intervention systems.
2Productivity
If omnidirectional routing and modular conveyor systems are implemented, then delivery throughput and routing efficiency are improved, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into modular segments that can be independently controlled and configured. Each module performs a specific function (loading, transporting, unloading), allowing the system to achieve high throughput through coordinated simple actions rather than complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements omnidirectional routing by adding vertical dimension with multi-level conveyor stacks and robotic arms that can move containers between levels. This dimensional expansion allows efficient routing in three-dimensional space, increasing throughput without proportionally increasing horizontal space requirements.
3Measurement precision
If GPS trackers and QR codes are integrated into containers, then package tracking precision and delivery accuracy are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container design integrates multiple functions into single components: the QR code serves both as identification and tracking marker, while the GPS tracker provides both location monitoring and delivery verification. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing despite the advanced tracking capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an end-to-end delivery system that uses standard containers designed for autonomous vehicle (AV) goods delivery, a purpose-built AV cargo management system, a purpose-built robot to load and unload packages, and software to coordinate the various tasks involved. The standard containers may include a hardware locking interface for locking to a carrying robot. The cargo management system may include a programmable conveyor system installed on each floor of a multi-floor cargo space within the AV. For example, the floor may include a roller surface to allow omnidirectional routing of packages. An elevator shaft may be used for receiving and off-loading containers. The software may identify a target container anywhere within the multi-floor cargo space, and determine how to rearrange the containers within a grid in the AV so that the target container may be moved to the elevator shaft for unloading.