Drone Exchange Stations for Energy-Efficient Road Cargo Handoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for systems and methods that allow for the coexistence, cooperation, and interaction between flying drones and on-road vehicles at the street level, enabling efficient cargo transportation and exchange between different locations.
Innovation Solution
A network of exchange stations with drones and temporary storage spaces, where drones pick up and drop off containers from on-road vehicles at designated stopping areas, facilitating the transfer of cargo between vehicles and locations through a planned propagation scheme and transport plan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If drones directly fly between locations to transport cargo, then delivery speed is improved, but energy consumption increases and flight distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cargo transport task into multiple phases: drones fly to exchange stations and transfer cargo to on-road vehicles, which then transport cargo to destination exchange stations where drones retrieve and deliver final cargo. This segmentation allows drones to operate within their energy constraints while achieving long-distance transport through coordinated multi-modal logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
On-road vehicles serve as intermediaries between drones and final destinations. Drones transfer cargo to on-road vehicles at exchange stations, which then transport cargo over long distances to destination exchange stations. This intermediary approach extends the effective range of drone-delivered cargo without requiring drones to fly the entire distance, thereby reducing energy consumption.
2Productivity
If drones operate independently without ground vehicle integration, then operational simplicity is maintained, but cargo transport efficiency and range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges drone operations with on-road vehicle transportation systems by establishing exchange stations where cargo is transferred between the two modes. This combination leverages the speed and maneuverability of drones for first-mile and last-mile delivery while utilizing the long-range capability of on-road vehicles for intermediate transport, thereby enhancing overall cargo transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Exchange stations serve multiple functions: they are pickup points for drones, drop-off points for on-road vehicles, temporary storage locations, and coordination hubs. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle diverse cargo transport requirements using a unified infrastructure, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If drones fly longer distances directly, then delivery coverage is expanded, but energy depletion occurs more frequently requiring recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cargo transfer actions at exchange stations before long-distance transport is required. Drones deliver cargo to on-road vehicles at departure exchange stations, allowing on-road vehicles to handle the energy-intensive long-distance leg of the journey. This preliminary action preserves drone energy for shorter, more efficient flight segments.
Solution Approach 2:
On-road vehicles act as intermediaries that assume the long-distance transport role, allowing drones to operate within their energy constraints. By transferring cargo to on-road vehicles at exchange stations, the system effectively extends delivery range without requiring drones to deplete their energy reserves over long distances.
4Use of energy by moving object
If on-road vehicles are used exclusively for cargo transport, then energy efficiency is improved, but maneuverability and access to restricted areas are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cargo transport journey into phases handled by different modes: on-road vehicles handle efficient long-distance ground transport, while drones handle short-distance aerial delivery to locations inaccessible by road. This segmentation allows each mode to operate in its optimal performance zone, maintaining energy efficiency while gaining access to restricted areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from purely ground-based transport to multi-dimensional transport by incorporating aerial drone delivery. Drones operate in the third dimension (air space) to access locations that are inaccessible to on-road vehicles, such as rooftops, remote areas, or traffic-congested zones, thereby enhancing versatility without compromising the energy efficiency of ground transport.
Data Source
AI summary
An exchange network comprising a plurality of exchange stations, in which each of the exchange stations comprises at least one drone operative to function as a flying crane, a temporary storage space, and at least one designated stopping area for on-road vehicles operative to carry cargo. Each of the exchange stations uses the respective local crane-drones to unload cargo from certain vehicles arriving at one of the respective local designated stopping areas, temporary store the cargo, and then load the cargo onboard certain other vehicles arriving at one of the respective local designated stopping areas, thereby exchanging carriers, and thus generating a transport route for the cargo which is the combination of different parts of transport routes of different carriers. The exchange network may use predetermined routes of many scheduled carriers to plan a routing scheme for the cargo, thereby propagating the cargo between exchange stations in a networked fashion.