Feed Tape Package Handling for Sequenced Drone Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional warehouse systems lack an efficient method to link packages together in the order of delivery, requiring manual selection by drivers and drones to enter vehicles for package retrieval, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A truck and drone delivery system with drone platforms, catch bins, and a feed tape mechanism that sequences packages and batteries for automated delivery and battery replacement, using GPS and microprocessors to optimize delivery routes and drone operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional delivery methods are used with manual package selection, then delivery accuracy can be maintained, but delivery time and operational cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Packages are pre-sequenced on the feed tape in the exact delivery order before the drone arrives at the vehicle. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual selection during delivery operations, allowing the drone to simply retrieve packages in sequence and significantly reducing delivery time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed tape mechanism automatically advances to present the next package in delivery sequence without human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically positioning and presenting packages to the drone, eliminating manual labor while maintaining precise delivery ordering.
2Ease of operation
If drones enter the enclosed vehicle to retrieve packages, then package security is maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The package retrieval process is extracted from the enclosed vehicle environment. Instead of drones entering the vehicle, packages are presented outside at the feed tape mechanism where drones can easily access them. This extraction simplifies the operation while maintaining security through the enclosed vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed tape mechanism acts as an intermediary between the enclosed vehicle storage and the drone retrieval process. It bridges the gap by presenting packages at an accessible location without requiring drone entry into the vehicle, thereby simplifying operations while maintaining the security benefits of enclosed storage.
3Productivity
If packages are not pre-sequenced in delivery order, then loading flexibility is maintained, but delivery efficiency and route optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Packages are pre-sequenced in the exact delivery order during the loading process. This preliminary arrangement optimizes delivery efficiency by allowing the drone to retrieve packages in sequence without recalibration or repositioning, directly improving productivity while the sequencing mechanism manages the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed tape mechanism provides dynamic package presentation, automatically advancing to present the next package in delivery sequence. This dynamic adjustment optimizes delivery efficiency for varying routes while the mechanism itself manages the complexity of sequencing through automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A package handling system for delivery of a widget ordered and destined for a delivery stop on a delivery route, includes one or more delivery packages affixed in series to a package feed tape, a feed tape mechanism, said feed tape mechanism configured to engage said package feed tape to propel said package feed tape and said one or more delivery packages affixed thereto, a tape cutter to cut said package feed tape to separate at least one delivery package from said one or more delivery packages, a drone platform positioned proximate said tape cutter, and a drone having a drone feed tape capture system to receive said package feed tape and said at least one delivery package of said one or more delivery packages affixed to said package feed tape, and thus, provides non-person delivery of packages.