Automated Delivery Vehicle Unloading Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current last mile delivery systems rely on human-based methods, which are costly and challenging during health crises, and there is a need for efficient, automated solutions that can navigate and unload goods quickly while maintaining customer loyalty and reducing delivery fees.
Innovation Solution
An automated delivery vehicle with a pivoting unloading arm and container hangers, equipped with RFID readers and a wireless communication module, capable of navigating to delivery locations and selectively unloading containers using a longitudinal actuation mechanism and container retaining mechanisms, allowing for efficient and precise delivery operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If human-based delivery systems are used, then delivery operations can be performed with simple vehicle design, but operational costs increase and sustainability decreases during health crises
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery vehicle is divided into functional modules: container hangers for cargo storage, unloading arm for cargo manipulation, RFID readers for identification, and wireless communication module for data transmission. Each module performs a specific function, enabling automated operations while keeping individual components manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The unloading arm serves multiple functions: it can engage with containers on hangers, transport them to delivery locations, and interface with RFID readers for identification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, balancing automation capability with system complexity
2Productivity
If automated unloading mechanisms are added, then delivery speed and precision improve, but vehicle complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Containers are pre-positioned on hangers within the vehicle body before delivery. The RFID readers continuously identify containers in advance. When delivery is needed, the unloading arm simply needs to engage and transport the already-identified container, improving delivery speed without requiring complex real-time manipulation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The unloading arm acts as an intermediary between the container hangers and the external delivery environment. It provides a simple mechanical interface for cargo transfer, enabling automated high-speed delivery while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple through standardized engagement points
3Quantity of substance
If multiple container hangers are mounted in the bay, then cargo capacity and delivery efficiency improve, but space requirements and vehicle design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Container hangers are arranged in a vertical configuration within the vehicle bay, utilizing the vertical dimension for cargo storage. This allows multiple containers to be stacked or arranged vertically rather than only horizontally, increasing cargo capacity while minimizing the horizontal space required in the vehicle bay
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a delivery vehicle. The delivery vehicle may be automated for delivering one or more containers to a delivery location and unloading the one or more containers at that location. The vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a bay therein. The vehicle also includes a plurality of container hangers mounted within the bay and an automated unloading arm movable between a retracted arm position and an extended arm position. The arm is at least partially received in the bay in the retracted arm position and extends from the body in the extended arm position. The unloading arm comprises at least one container carrying member, such as at least one hook, longitudinally movable along the unloading arm for selective longitudinal alignment with each of the plurality of hangers.