Grid Slab Sorting System for Last-Mile Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The last mile of package delivery is inefficient due to the need for drivers to manually locate packages within a cargo area, which can be disorganized and move during vehicle jostling, especially when there are hundreds of packages.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using a grid of slabs with a robotic carrier head and electronic control unit (ECU) to sort and reposition packages based on delivery addresses, ensuring they are readily accessible at the vehicle door, utilizing a network for communication and a mechanism for translating slabs within the cargo area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If packages are manually arranged in the cargo area, then initial organization is achieved, but packages move during vehicle jostling and become difficult to locate
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines a repositioning schema in advance to move the selected slab to the target slot before delivery, ensuring packages are pre-positioned for optimal accessibility at each delivery stop
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically repositions slabs during vehicle transit based on the delivery route and next delivery address, automatically adjusting package locations to maintain optimal accessibility despite vehicle movement
2Quantity of substance
If hundreds of packages are stored in the cargo area, then delivery capacity is increased, but manual package location time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies the selected package based on the next delivery address and autonomously determines the repositioning schema without requiring driver intervention to locate packages
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical search process is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses database lookups and algorithmic repositioning schemas to rapidly identify and position packages
3Ease of operation
If a robotic slab repositioning system is implemented, then package accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo area is divided into multiple slots with slabs that can be independently repositioned, allowing the system to manage complexity by treating each slab as a separate, manageable unit rather than moving individual packages
Solution Approach 2:
Slabs serve as intermediary carriers that hold packages, allowing the system to reposition groups of packages together rather than handling each package individually, thereby reducing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Package sorting systems and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example system includes a platform of a vehicle, where the platform is arranged as a grid having a plurality of slots (including an open slot and a target slot). A plurality of slabs can be placed into the grid except for in the open slot. A slab moving assembly is used to move the slabs in order to place a selected slab into the target slot on the platform.