Collapsible Delivery Vehicle Shell for Urban Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery methods, including drones and conventional vehicles, face challenges in efficiently and safely delivering packages, especially in urban environments where collisions with human traffic and objects are common, and there is a need for a vehicle that can absorb impact and adapt to varying load sizes.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous unmanned vehicle designed to operate on roads and pathways, featuring a collapsible shell made of laminated polyurethane with protrusions to absorb collision impact, retractable members that adjust volume based on load size, and a control system for autonomous navigation, including sensors and lights for visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid shell is used to protect packages, then protection against damage is improved, but collision impact absorption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a collapsible shell made of flexible material that can deform during collision to absorb impact energy, rather than using a rigid shell that would transmit impact forces to the package. The shell maintains flexibility to collapse and rebound, converting kinetic energy into deformation energy and then back, reducing the peak impact force transmitted to the cargo.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a cushioning mechanism in the form of a collapsible shell that is pre-designed to deform and absorb impact energy before it reaches the package. The shell acts as a beforehand cushion that activates upon collision, protecting the package from direct impact forces.
2Device complexity
If a fixed-volume shell is used, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying load sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic shell structure that can change its volume by collapsing or expanding based on the load size. The collapsible shell is designed to deform elastically, allowing it to accommodate different package sizes without requiring a completely different vehicle structure. This dynamic adaptation maintains structural simplicity while providing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the volume parameter of the shell dynamically by allowing it to collapse or expand. The shell's physical state (collapsed or expanded) changes based on the load requirements, enabling the same structure to adapt to varying load sizes without increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If an autonomous vehicle is used for delivery, then delivery efficiency is improved, but safety in urban environments with human traffic deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a collapsible shell that acts as a beforehand cushioning mechanism to absorb potential collision impacts in urban environments. This safety feature allows the autonomous vehicle to operate more reliably among pedestrians and obstacles, reducing the severity of accidents while maintaining delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of collision into a beneficial safety mechanism by designing a shell that collapses to absorb impact energy. The harmful collision force is transformed into useful energy absorption, protecting both the package and surrounding objects, thereby improving safety while the vehicle maintains its autonomous delivery function.
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
The vehicle effectively absorbs collision impacts, reduces damage to packages and surrounding objects, and adapts to different load sizes, enhancing safety and efficiency in package delivery while minimizing infrastructure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a collapsible shell made of laminated polyurethane with protrusions to absorb collision impact
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an autonomous unmanned vehicle (500) designed to absorb collision impact for delivering the packages to the delivery destinations. The unmanned vehicle (500) is capable of operating autonomously on paved roadways or pathways. The present invention includes a hollow platform (107) for enclosing control systems, a bottom frame (106) secured to the hollow platform (107) for receiving a load, a top frame (103) for sheltering the load from the top; a collapsible shell (109) forming an encasing for enclosing the load, having protrusions for protection of load from collision impact, a plurality of retractable members (104) for expanding and contracting of the shell structure, a plurality of outwardly protruding wheels (108) configured at each corner of the hollow platform (107) for vehicle movement, and a driving mechanism for controlling toggling movement of the retractable members (104) between various positions. In consideration that the vehicle does not carry passengers, the size and/or motor power of the vehicle may be significantly reduced as compared to conventional passenger vehicles.