Drone Delivery Routing Through Public Transit Transfer Hubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional doorstep delivery methods are inefficient and costly, especially in non-densely populated areas, and drone delivery is limited by battery range and traffic, requiring the integration of public transportation infrastructure to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce costs.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes existing public transportation infrastructure to extend the range of drone delivery by transporting drones and packages to public infrastructure terminals, where they can be recharged and redeployed, allowing for efficient delivery to hard-to-reach locations, including rooftops and specific geolocations, using a networked system that communicates drone delivery routes and terminal locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional doorstep delivery is used, then delivery can reach any location, but delivery time increases and cost increases in non-densely populated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces public transportation infrastructure (bus stops, train stations, airports) as intermediary nodes between warehouses and final delivery locations. Drones deliver packages to these intermediary terminals, which then serve as redistribution points, reducing overall delivery time and cost by avoiding direct point-to-point drone flights to remote locations.
2Productivity
If drone delivery is used, then delivery efficiency improves, but battery range limits delivery distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the delivery journey into multiple segments: warehouse to public transportation terminal, and then terminal to final destination. This segmentation allows drones to operate within their battery range limits while still achieving long-distance delivery by leveraging the public transportation network for the longer portions of the journey.
Solution Approach 2:
Public transportation terminals serve as intermediary charging and transfer points, allowing drones to recharge their batteries and continue deliveries to distant locations, effectively extending their operational range without requiring larger batteries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If warehouse capacity increases to serve more areas, then delivery coverage expands, but warehousing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repurposes existing public transportation infrastructure for dual use: its original transportation function plus drone delivery terminal function. This eliminates the need to build dedicated delivery warehouses in every area, as public transportation terminals already exist throughout the service region and can serve both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing public transportation network that already serves the population, turning these self-sustaining infrastructure elements into delivery nodes without requiring additional dedicated delivery infrastructure investment.
4Productivity
If more drones are deployed to increase delivery capacity, then delivery volume increases, but drone traffic congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments drone operations into multiple terminal-based hubs rather than having all drones operate from a single location or fly directly to all destinations. This distribution of drone launch and landing sites across multiple public transportation terminals reduces traffic concentration and minimizes congestion risks.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for public transport infrastructure facilitated drone delivery are provided. In example embodiments, a request to deliver a package to a drop-off destination using a drone is received. Public infrastructure information is accessed. A public infrastructure terminal from which the drone delivers the package is identified based on the public infrastructure information. An instruction is communicated to transport the package to the identified public. A drone delivery route from the identified public infrastructure terminal to the drop-off destination is determined based on the public infrastructure information. An instruction to deliver the package using the drone delivery route is communicated to the drone.