Autonomous Delivery Vehicle Package Transfer to a Receiving Robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
In self-driving delivery vehicles, the unloading and delivery of packages require human intervention, leading to labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system with a self-driving vehicle featuring a first space and a second space, a delivery robot, and a moving device that automatically moves packages from the first space to the second space for unloading, using a first bar and a second bar to position and drop packages, and a door that functions as a slope for the robot to enter and exit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packages are delivered by a self-driving vehicle, then delivery efficiency is improved, but labor costs increase due to required human intervention for unloading and delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery robot autonomously performs package reception, unloading, and delivery without human intervention. The robot receives packages from the vehicle through the opening, navigates independently to delivery destinations, and returns to the vehicle automatically, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for human workers.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery robot acts as an intermediary between the self-driving vehicle and the delivery destination. It receives packages from the vehicle's storage space, transports them to destinations, and returns to the vehicle for the next package, serving as an automated mediator that bridges the gap between vehicle and destination.
2Extent of automation
If a delivery robot is used to receive and deliver packages, then labor costs are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the self-driving vehicle for transport, the delivery robot for autonomous delivery operations, and the opening mechanism for package transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by dividing complex functions into manageable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery robot is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: receiving packages from the vehicle, navigating to various delivery destinations, returning to the vehicle, and repeating the cycle. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifies the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If packages are stored in multiple tiers with openings, then package accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system utilizes a vertical multi-tier arrangement with openings in the lowermost tier, transforming the horizontal storage concept into a three-dimensional structure. This vertical dimensionality allows multiple packages to be stored in different levels while maintaining accessibility through the opening, optimizing space utilization without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Automates the unloading and delivery process, reducing labor costs and enhancing security through automated package handling.
Implementation Method 1
the door may function as a slope for the delivery robot to enter and exit the self-driving vehicle when the door is opened
Implementation Method 2
a first bar of roll type that moves a package on a floor of the lowermost tier to near the opening
Data Source
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AI summary
A delivery system includes a self-driving vehicle, a delivery robot, an information processing device, and a moving device. The self-driving vehicle includes a first space and a second space located below the first space, the first space having at least one tier on which packages are loaded with an opening being formed in a part of at least a lowermost tier. The moving device is installed on the lowermost tier of the first space to move a package to the opening. The delivery robot is parked at a predetermined position where the package dropping from the lowermost tier is receivable below the opening in the second space. The information processing device controls the moving device to move the package to the opening to drop the package from the opening, so that the delivery robot receives the dropped package.