Delivery vehicle and delivery shelf
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency in delivering articles of various sizes using returnable containers of uniform size, which requires improved configurations for delivery vehicles and shelves to accommodate containers of multiple predefined sizes for enhanced space utilization and delivery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design of a delivery vehicle and shelf with internal pairs of supports arranged at regular intervals, allowing for the housing of returnable containers of multiple sizes, along with rollers to reduce friction and a lock mechanism to secure containers, and a gutter to catch abrasion powder, enabling efficient and cost-effective delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If returnable containers of uniform size are used, then the configuration of delivery vehicle and shelf is simple, but space utilization is poor and delivery efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery shelf is divided into multiple storage sections with different support structures. Each section has pairs of supports at regular intervals that can accommodate containers of different sizes. The delivery vehicle is similarly segmented with multiple container holding areas, each capable of adapting to different container dimensions through the support interval design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pairs of supports serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for containers, enable size adaptation through regular interval spacing, and work with the lock mechanism to secure containers. This universal support structure eliminates the need for different storage configurations for different container sizes.
2Productivity
If multiple predefined sizes of returnable containers are used, then space utilization and delivery efficiency are improved, but the configuration of delivery vehicle and shelf becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism provides dynamic adaptation to different container sizes. It can selectively engage with containers of various dimensions along the pairs of supports, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to the specific container being stored or retrieved, rather than requiring fixed positioning for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of container size accommodation by using pairs of supports at regular intervals combined with a lock mechanism. This allows the same structural configuration to handle multiple container sizes by varying the engagement point along the supports, rather than requiring different structural configurations for each size.
3Ease of operation
If projecting part of returnable container slides on support, then simple structure is maintained, but friction and abrasion powder generation occur
Solution Approach 1:
A roller is introduced as an intermediary element between the projecting part of the container and the support. The roller reduces direct sliding contact, thereby minimizing friction and preventing abrasion powder generation while still allowing the container to be guided and positioned along the support.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding friction mechanism is replaced with a rolling contact mechanism. Instead of the projecting part directly sliding on the support surface, the roller enables rolling motion, which significantly reduces friction and prevents the generation of abrasion powder that would occur with direct sliding contact.
4Reliability
If lock mechanism is added to secure container, then container fixation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is merged with the existing support structure. The lock works in conjunction with the pairs of supports that are already part of the shelf design, creating an integrated system that provides both support and securement functions without requiring entirely separate structural elements for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism serves multiple purposes: it secures containers to prevent accidental displacement, works with the support structure to maintain container position, and can be engaged or disengaged as needed for loading and unloading operations. This multi-functional design justifies its addition to the overall system.
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 configuration improves delivery efficiency by accommodating multiple container sizes, reduces costs through autonomous vehicle travel, and ensures secure and private container handling.
Implementation Method 1
a roller may be provided on a surface of each of the plurality of pairs of supports on which the projecting part slides. By the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the friction coefficient between the projecting part of the returnable container and the support
Implementation Method 2
A gutter may be provided below each of the plurality of pairs of supports, the gutter being extended in parallel with each of the plurality of pairs of the supports. The gutter makes it possible to catch abrasion powder generated by the sliding of the projecting part of the returnable container and the support
Data Source
AI summary
A first exemplary aspect is a delivery shelf includes: a housing; and a plurality of pairs of supports extended inside the housing in a depth direction thereof and arranged inside the housing at regular intervals in a height direction thereof. The delivery shelf is capable of housing all of returnable containers for delivery of a plurality of predefined sizes along the plurality of respective pairs of supports, and is installed in a house.