Cargo receiving and storing device and cargo receiving and storing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package receiving and holding systems for multiple drones and recipients are often inefficient or require complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A package receiving and holding apparatus with a stage for unloading packages from unmanned aerial vehicles, a storage repository with separate spaces, a lifter for positioning, and a pusher mechanism for sliding packages into storage, along with a control system for managing storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism is used to receive and store multiple packages from multiple drones, then the system can handle multiple packages and recipients, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage repository is divided into multiple independent storage spaces, each capable of holding a package. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple packages simultaneously while keeping each storage unit simple and manageable, avoiding the need for a complex centralized mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The stage serves multiple functions: it acts as a landing platform for drones, a transfer surface for packages, and a positioning element when combined with the lifter. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Productivity
If existing package receiving systems are used, then packages can be received, but the system is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter positions the stage at appropriate heights before drone arrival and package transfer. This preliminary positioning action streamlines the receiving process by ensuring the stage is ready for immediate package transfer, improving efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during the actual package reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher acts as an intermediary mechanism that slides packages from the stage into storage spaces. This simple linear pushing action efficiently transfers packages without requiring complex manipulation or handling mechanisms, thereby improving productivity while maintaining device simplicity.
3Device complexity
If a simple mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system may be inefficient for receiving multiple packages
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter dynamically adjusts the stage height to match the drone's landing position and the storage space requirements. This dynamic positioning capability allows the simple stage structure to efficiently handle multiple packages from multiple drones at different heights and positions, maintaining productivity while keeping the mechanism simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher mechanism automatically slides packages into storage spaces without requiring manual intervention or complex handling systems. This self-service capability ensures efficient package storage while maintaining device simplicity, as the pusher performs the transfer action autonomously based on basic positional cues from the stage positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a package receiving and holding apparatus (10) including: a stage (26) for unloading a package (14) transported by an unmanned aerial vehicle (12) ; a storage (32) repository, which is arranged adjacent to the stage (26), and includes a plurality of storage spaces (36) arranged at least in a vertical direction, in order to store the package (14); a lifter (46) for raising and lowering the stage (26); a pusher (52), which is movable in a manner so as to push the package (14) on the stage(26); and an actuator (62) for moving the pusher (52). The lifter (46) is controlled so as to lower the stage (26) from an unloading position (48) of the package (14) to a storage position (50) corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of storage spaces (36). The actuator (62) is controlled so as to move the pusher (52) horizontally in order to slide and move the package (14) toward the selected one of the plurality of storage spaces (36).