Modular Delivery Container With External Compartments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery vehicles face inefficiencies due to limited space for packages, complex reloading processes, and the inability to easily locate packages of different sizes, as well as being non-independent units that can render the entire vehicle inoperable if defective.
Innovation Solution
A delivery container system with multiple external-accessible compartments, independent of the vehicle, featuring a removal side for package delivery and a loading side for efficient loading, along with conveying elements and indicator systems to facilitate easy package location and secure, space-efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If packages are arranged in a loose order on shelves in the cargo space, then the cargo area provides flexible storage, but it becomes difficult to quickly locate and retrieve specific packages
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo area is divided into multiple compartments, each accessible from the outside. This segmentation allows packages to be organized in discrete sections rather than loose arrangement, enabling quick location of specific packages while maintaining storage flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional internal shelf arrangement to an external-accessible compartment system. By making compartments accessible from the outside of the cargo area, the system adds a new dimension of access, eliminating the need for a central aisle and enabling direct package retrieval without navigating through the cargo space.
2Ease of operation
If a central aisle and exit doors are provided in the cargo area, then package accessibility is improved, but the available storage space is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves package access from the internal dimension (through central aisle) to the external dimension (through outside-accessible compartments). This allows the entire cargo volume to be utilized for storage without dedicating space to aisles and doorways, as packages can be accessed directly from the exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo area is segmented into multiple independently accessible compartments. Each compartment can be opened and accessed without affecting others, eliminating the need for a continuous central aisle while maintaining full package accessibility. This segmentation maximizes the use of cargo space for actual storage.
3Device complexity
If the delivery container is permanently connected to the delivery vehicle, then the vehicle structure is simplified, but the entire vehicle becomes inoperable if the vehicle breaks down requiring laborious transfer of packages
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the delivery container and vehicle transitions from static (permanent) to dynamic (detachable). The container can be easily connected to or disconnected from the vehicle, allowing it to be transferred between vehicles or used independently. This dynamic connection ensures delivery operations can continue even if one vehicle becomes inoperable.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is segmented into independent components: the vehicle and the container. This separation allows the container to function as an independent unit that can be transferred between different vehicles, maintaining delivery productivity even when a specific vehicle breaks down. The container's independence eliminates the need for laborious package transfer while preserving vehicle structure simplicity.
4Reliability
If locking elements are provided for securing compartments, then package security is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into integrated locking mechanisms for each compartment. Rather than separate locks for security and closure, the locking elements perform both functions simultaneously, reducing the total number of components while maintaining robust package security.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
System, delivery vehicle and delivery container, wherein the delivery container has a plurality of compartments for receiving by a delivery vehicle, the compartments being accessible from the outside and each compartment being designed to receive several packages. Furthermore, a plurality of locking elements are provided for closing the compartments and a connecting element for connecting to a delivery vehicle.