Vehicle-Launched Delivery Drone Docking for Last-Mile Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package delivery systems are inefficient due to the need for delivery vehicles to physically travel to and from each delivery site, resulting in high fuel consumption and costs, as well as reliability issues due to traffic and weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an autonomous package delivery system using a multi-rotor unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) integrated with a conventional delivery vehicle, which allows the UAS/UAV to autonomously navigate to delivery destinations, reducing the need for the delivery vehicle to travel long distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional delivery vehicle physically travels to each delivery site, then packages can be delivered to destinations, but fuel consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into two components: a conventional delivery vehicle that serves as a mobile base station, and autonomous drones that perform the actual last-mile delivery. The vehicle travels to general delivery areas while drones handle specific destination deliveries, dividing the delivery function between ground and air transport
Solution Approach 2:
Autonomous drones serve as intermediaries between the delivery vehicle and final destinations. The vehicle drops off packages at designated areas, and drones autonomously transport them to specific addresses, acting as a mediator that eliminates the need for the vehicle to travel to every individual destination
2Reliability
If a conventional delivery vehicle travels to each delivery site, then packages can be delivered, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments delivery operations into vehicle-based package distribution and drone-based final delivery, reducing vehicle mileage and associated operating costs while maintaining reliable delivery service
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of vehicle-based point-to-point delivery with an automated aerial delivery system using drones, reducing manual operation requirements and operational costs while maintaining delivery reliability
3Productivity
If a conventional delivery vehicle is used, then packages can be delivered to destinations, but traffic and weather conditions impact schedule reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from ground-based delivery to aerial delivery using drones, moving the delivery operation to a different dimension (air space) that is less affected by ground traffic and weather conditions, thereby improving schedule reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous drones perform self-service navigation and delivery operations using GPS and onboard sensors, independently navigating to destinations and returning to the vehicle without human intervention, ensuring consistent delivery schedules
4Use of energy by moving object
If the delivery vehicle minimizes travel distance, then fuel consumption decreases, but the ability to reach remote areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By deploying drones from the vehicle, the system extends delivery capability to remote areas through aerial transport, maintaining vehicle fuel efficiency while dramatically expanding the accessible delivery coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
Drones act as intermediaries that bridge the gap between the vehicle's limited range and remote delivery destinations, enabling the vehicle to serve remote areas without traveling the full distance itself
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 solution significantly reduces fuel consumption and operating costs by minimizing the distance the delivery vehicle needs to travel, while also improving delivery reliability and enabling the delivery of packages to remote areas.
Implementation Method 1
The UAS/UAV autonomously dispatches to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation
Implementation Method 2
The UAS/UAV is guided into its docking mechanism via infrared sensing devices
Implementation Method 3
The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision land sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.