Lock Box With Extendable Stands For Autonomous Ground Vehicle Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) face inefficiencies in carrying multiple loads and securely delivering packages without long wait times, as existing mechanisms for transferring goods are complex and require human intervention for unloading and reloading.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a lock box with extendable stands and wheels, integrated with AGV sensors and processors, allows for automatic unloading and loading by detecting the center of gravity and using mechanical stands to support the lock box during transfer, enabling multiple lock boxes to be nested or loaded onto the AGV for efficient delivery and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the AGV carries only one load at a time, then the transfer mechanism is simple, but the delivery efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into modular lock boxes that can be independently loaded and unloaded. Each lock box is a self-contained unit with its own stands and wheels, allowing the AGV to carry multiple separate loads simultaneously without requiring complex integrated transfer mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lock boxes are nested within the AGV storage area, with each lock box containing its own package. This nesting arrangement allows the AGV to carry multiple loads in a compact configuration, improving delivery efficiency without requiring complex external transfer mechanisms
2Reliability
If the AGV waits for a person to empty the load before returning, then the transfer process is secure, but the wait time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock box is designed with automatic deployment stands and wheels that enable it to self-unload from the AGV and secure itself on the ground without human intervention. The sensor-detected center of gravity automatically triggers the stand deployment sequence, allowing the AGV to immediately return for another load
Solution Approach 2:
The lock box stands are pre-configured in a compact state within the box body, ready for automatic deployment. Before unloading, the system prepares the stand extension mechanism, so that upon release, the stands immediately extend to support the lock box, eliminating wait time for manual setup
3Extent of automation
If manual intervention is used for unloading and reloading, then the transfer process is controllable, but the automation level is low
Solution Approach 1:
The AGV uses sensors to detect the center of gravity of the lock box and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of the unloading process, with the system continuously monitoring and adjusting stand deployment and lock box positioning to maintain operational control without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations for unloading and loading are replaced with an automated control system that uses sensor detection and programmed sequences. The processor-controlled mechanism automatically manages stand deployment, lock box release, and AGV reloading, eliminating the need for human operators while maintaining precise control
Data Source
AI summary
A method for unloading and loading a lock box are provided. An autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) stores a lock box to be delivered. The lock box includes a box body, a first set of stands and a second set of stands, and a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels. The first set of stands can extend of the lock box outwardly to contact the ground. The second set of stands can extend out of the lock box outwardly to contact the ground. It is determined that the package has been removed from the lock box and the lock box is automatically loaded onto the AGV.