Guided Delivery Vehicle Navigation and Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery systems, such as track-based carriers, are limited in navigation and cannot replace human servers efficiently in dynamic environments like restaurants, as they lack the ability to turn or rotate, restricting their delivery capabilities and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A guided delivery vehicle system utilizing a compact body with software control, equipped with load and obstacle detection sensors, servo motors, and wireless communication, allowing it to navigate along a guide track with junction identifiers, turn, and move in various directions, and interact with customers, enabling efficient delivery and navigation similar to human servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If track-based carriers are used for delivery, then delivery automation is achieved, but navigation flexibility is lost as they cannot turn or rotate
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery carrier is transformed from a static, fixed-path vehicle to a dynamic, autonomous mobile robot capable of real-time navigation decisions. The system uses sensors (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) to detect obstacles and dynamically adjust its path, while software control enables autonomous navigation algorithms to make routing decisions based on changing environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid mechanical track system is replaced with a software-based navigation system. Instead of physical rails constraining movement, the patent uses computer vision, sensor fusion, and autonomous navigation software to guide the carrier, enabling flexible adaptation to different delivery scenarios and environments.
2Quantity of substance
If large and bulky carriers are used, then load capacity is improved, but suitability for non-industrial settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier system is divided into modular components: a base platform, detachable item holders, and separable sensor arrays. This segmentation allows the system to be configured in different sizes and capacities depending on the delivery task, enabling deployment in both large-scale industrial settings and compact restaurant environments without requiring oversized carriers for all applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier's physical parameters (size, capacity, speed) are made adjustable through software control and modular configuration. The system can change its operational parameters to match the specific requirements of different environments, whether that means operating at high speed with large capacity in warehouses or at lower speeds with compact form factors in restaurants.
3Device complexity
If simple track-following carriers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but delivery capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed with multi-functional capabilities: it can navigate autonomously, detect obstacles, communicate with ordering systems, interact with customers, and adapt to different delivery locations. A single integrated platform performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate systems, achieving high delivery capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier employs autonomous navigation and obstacle detection capabilities that allow it to service itself during delivery operations. The system independently makes routing decisions, avoids obstacles without human intervention, and can even interact with customers to complete the delivery, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A guided delivery vehicle having one or more item support regions atop a carrier body; one or more drive wheels attached or coupled to one or more powered servo motors; a receiver for receiving one or more transmitted signals; at least one junction detection sensor, wherein the at least one junction detection sensor is capable of detecting a junction identifier associated with a determined position along a guide track; and a controller that receives and processes input from at least the receiver and the at least one junction detection sensor, and, in response to a received and processed input, executes an initial command step and sequentially executes subsequent command steps upon detection of a subsequent junction identifier.