EV Delivery Transfer-Point Planning Under Remaining Energy Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery plan generation methods for electric vehicles (EVs) face challenges when the delivery distance is too long for a single vehicle, even when fully charged, and when the second vehicle in a liaison transfer is not considered in terms of its circumstances, leading to potential failures in delivery due to energy depletion.
Innovation Solution
A delivery plan generating method that determines a start point, an end point, and a transfer point based on the positions of both the first and second mobile units, ensuring that the delivery object is transferred from the first mobile unit to the second mobile unit at an optimal location, thereby reducing the risk of energy depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single mobile unit is used for the entire delivery route, then the delivery can be completed without transfer coordination, but the mobile unit may deplete its energy before reaching the destination for long-distance deliveries
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery route is segmented into multiple sections, with the first mobile unit handling the route from the start point to a transfer point, and the second mobile unit handling the route from the transfer point to the end point. This segmentation allows each mobile unit to operate within its energy capacity while collectively completing the entire delivery route.
2Ease of operation
If the transfer point is set without considering the second mobile unit's circumstances, then the first mobile unit can transfer the delivery object, but the second mobile unit may fail to arrive at the transfer point or destination
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the transfer point by considering the circumstances of both the first mobile unit (energy level, position) and the second mobile unit (position, energy capacity). This feedback mechanism ensures that the transfer point is optimally selected to ensure both units can reach it and complete their respective segments reliably.
3Reliability
If the transfer point is determined considering both mobile units' positions and circumstances, then the delivery reliability improves, but the computational complexity of determining the optimal transfer point increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates multiple candidate transfer points by changing the parameter of transfer point location and assessing each candidate based on the circumstances of both mobile units. This systematic parameter evaluation ensures reliable delivery while managing computational complexity through structured assessment criteria.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery plan generating method includes determining a start point that is point where delivery of a delivery object starts, determining an end point where the delivery of the delivery object finishes, determining a transfer point as a destination with reference to the start point, the end point, a position of the first mobile unit, and a position of the second mobile unit, the transfer point being a point where the delivery object is transferred from the first mobile unit to the second mobile unit, and generating a delivery plan for causing the first mobile unit to travel via the start point to the determined transfer point and causing the second mobile unit to travel via the determined transfer point to the end point.