Delivery Vehicle Load Space Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery processes are inefficient due to the reliance on subjective 'mental maps' for loading and unloading parcels, leading to suboptimal use of load space and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing the load space of a delivery vehicle, which involves receiving a route plan, identifying objects to be loaded, determining optimal load space positions using an object placement logic, and signaling these positions to the user, thereby optimizing loading and unloading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If delivery agents use subjective 'mental maps' for loading and unloading parcels, then the process relies on user experience and intuition, but the operational efficiency is reduced and load space is not optimally utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by having the load space management system automatically determine optimal positions and provide guidance to delivery agents, eliminating the need for agents to manually plan and optimize parcel placement based on subjective mental maps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/cognitive system of human mental mapping with an electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and display devices to automatically determine and guide optimal parcel placement
2Reliability
If delivery agents manually optimize load space arrangement based on mental maps, then some level of optimization is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and creates burden for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by calculating and determining optimal load space positions before the actual loading process begins, allowing delivery agents to simply follow the guided instructions without spending time on optimization during the loading operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing real-time guidance to delivery agents through display devices, showing the current optimal position for each parcel and allowing dynamic adjustment of the loading plan based on actual load space conditions
3Measurement precision
If sensory devices are coupled with each parcel during sorting as disclosed in US 2022/0237557 A1, then parcel identification is enabled, but the system becomes complex and requires additional operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by using a single sensor system in the load space management system to detect multiple properties of parcels (position, orientation, dimensions) and perform multiple functions (identification, placement optimization, space utilization calculation) rather than requiring separate sensory devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by placing sensors in the load space environment that detect parcel characteristics without requiring direct coupling of sensory devices to each parcel, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining detection capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates generally to a method (54) for managing the load space of a delivery vehicle (10), to a load space management system (12) for a load space (14) of a delivery vehicle (10), and to a delivery vehicle (10). A route plan (122) of the delivery vehicle (10) is received from a server (38). A respective load space position (48) at which a respective object (18) which has been introduced or is to be introduced into the load space (14) is to be placed is determined, taking into consideration at least the route plan (122), by an object placement logic (34), before or during the introduction of the respective object (18) into a load space (14) of the delivery vehicle (10). A respective load space position signal is outputted by a signaling device (52). The load space position signal indicates the respective determined load space position (48) for the respective object (18).