Guided Transfer Device for Unmanned Delivery to Reduce Shipment Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of shipments from unmanned transport devices to receiving containers, particularly the 'last meter', often results in damage due to inaccurate landing or geographical constraints, especially for fragile goods.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device that guides the shipment during lowering, lifting, or transfer between the transport device and the receiving container, using mechanisms like vertically and horizontally adjustable lifting tables, gripper arms, or cable winches to ensure controlled and safe delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the unmanned flying machine drops the shipment onto the receiving container, then the delivery process is simplified, but fragile goods are damaged due to uncontrolled impact
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer device acts as an intermediary between the unmanned flying machine and the receiving container. This transfer device includes a transfer element that can be lowered to the receiving container, providing a controlled transfer surface. The shipment is placed on this intermediate transfer element rather than being dropped directly, thereby mediating the transfer process and preventing damage while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the unmanned flying machine lands on the receiving container, then direct transfer is enabled, but accurate landing is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for precise landing. Instead of requiring the flying machine to land accurately on the receiving container, the transfer element can be lowered to the container and extended toward the flying machine. This intermediary approach allows the flying machine to land at a greater distance while still enabling direct transfer through the extended transfer element.
3Measurement precision
If the unmanned flying machine hovers at a distance from the receiving container, then landing accuracy requirements are reduced, but the transfer distance increases causing damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device incorporates dynamic elements that can adjust their position and configuration. The transfer element can be lowered vertically to the receiving container and then extended horizontally toward the flying machine. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying distances between the flying machine and container, maintaining a short effective transfer distance while allowing the flying machine to hover at a safer distance.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly comprising an unmanned transport device for delivering a shipment and a transfer device, said transfer device being designed to lower the shipment from the unmanned transport device to a receiving container, to lift the shipment from the receiving container to the transport device and/or to transfer said shipment between the transport device and the receiving container, the shipment being guided in each case by the transfer device.