Automated Lift Assembly for Multi-Compartment Cargo Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved system and process to efficiently load and unload cargo in delivery vehicles, particularly those that are autonomous or semi-autonomous, which can handle a variety of cargo items of different sizes and types, and require re-orientation of cargo during delivery.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous cargo loading or unloading system with a storage compartment divided into multiple portions, equipped with conveyors and a lift assembly that includes a movable platform secured by a mounting assembly, allowing vertical and lateral movement, and controlled by a sensor and motor system for precise cargo handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a delivery vehicle uses manual loading and unloading methods, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and labor efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo compartment is divided into multiple compartment portions with individual conveyors, and the lift assembly is segmented into platform, mounting assembly, and guide members. This segmentation allows independent control of different cargo zones while maintaining overall system coordination, resolving the contradiction by enabling automated high-speed handling without requiring a monolithic complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The lift assembly with movable platform serves multiple functions: vertical cargo transfer, lateral repositioning within the compartment, and accommodation of various cargo types and sizes. The conveyor system universally handles different cargo items across multiple compartment portions, improving productivity while avoiding the need for separate specialized mechanisms for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cargo compartment is divided into multiple compartment portions with individual conveyors, then cargo organization and delivery flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lift assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between compartment portions, enabling cargo transfer and repositioning without requiring direct mechanical connections between all compartments. This mediator approach allows flexible cargo re-orientation across multiple compartments while avoiding the complexity of interconnecting all compartments directly
Solution Approach 2:
The lift assembly incorporates a movable platform that can dynamically reposition vertically and laterally to access different compartment portions as needed. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle diverse cargo delivery scenarios without requiring fixed, complex mechanical linkages between all compartments
3Measurement precision
If a lift assembly with movable platform is used for cargo transfer, then cargo handling precision and versatility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly replaces complex mechanical linkages with a simplified system of vertical guide members and horizontal guide members that constrain platform movement to predetermined vertical and lateral paths. This substitution of constrained guidance mechanisms for complex mechanical linkages achieves precise cargo positioning while simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical and horizontal guide members work together to automatically constrain and guide the platform's movement along predetermined paths without requiring additional active control mechanisms. The guide structure itself provides the positioning function, eliminating the need for complex servo mechanisms and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precision
4Productivity
If automated conveyors and lift assemblies are implemented, then productivity and cargo handling speed are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyors and lift assembly operate periodically rather than continuously, activating only when cargo needs to be transferred between compartments or loaded/unloaded. This periodic operation mode maintains high cargo transfer speed when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods, resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy use
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous cargo loading or unloading system for a delivery vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a storage compartment having at least a two high by two wide array of compartment portions that store associated cargo received from or delivered through an opening to the storage compartment. A conveyor is located in each compartment portion and the conveyor configured to assist in the delivery or receipt of the associated cargo from or into the compartment portion. A lift assembly is movably mounted to the storage compartment and configured to receive associated cargo from a compartment portion, the lift assembly including a lift assembly conveyor that receives associated cargo from or delivers associated cargo to a compartment portion. The platform can move vertically up and down, and side to side relative to the storage compartment.