Multi-Use Mobile Robot With Reconfigurable Cargo-Passenger Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous mobile robots are not designed to be multi-use, lacking compatibility for both goods delivery and human transport, leading to space and congestion issues in urban areas and logistical challenges in suburban/rural regions due to their random shapes and sizes, and lack of integration across the transportation ecosystem.
Innovation Solution
Development of multi-use mobile robots that can seamlessly transition between rideable personal transport vehicles and delivery vehicles, capable of transporting both people and goods, integrating with mobile warehouses and neighborhood storage lockers, and utilizing a control system with autonomous or manual operation, including Level-1 to Level-5 autonomy modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of autonomous vehicles are deployed for goods and people transport, then service coverage is improved, but space congestion and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single autonomous vehicle platform that can perform multiple functions - transporting both goods and people. The vehicle includes a configurable cargo area that can be transformed into a passenger cabin, allowing one vehicle type to replace multiple specialized vehicle types, thereby reducing logistical complexity while maintaining service coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through the transformable vehicle configuration system. The cargo area can dynamically change between cargo storage mode and passenger transport mode through movable partitions, adjustable seating, and reconfigurable interior elements, enabling the vehicle to adapt its function based on real-time transport needs
2Productivity
If specialized vehicles are used for goods delivery and human transport, then operational efficiency is improved, but urban space and congestion issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces urban space requirements by deploying a universal vehicle platform that serves both goods delivery and human transport functions. Instead of requiring separate fleets of specialized vehicles that would occupy more space, a single versatile vehicle type can perform multiple transport tasks, thereby reducing the overall spatial footprint needed for vehicle operations in urban areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the vehicle's internal configuration parameters - the cargo area volume, partition positions, and seating arrangements can be dynamically adjusted. This allows the same physical vehicle to optimize its internal space allocation for different transport modes, maintaining operational efficiency while reducing the need for additional vehicles
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single platform is used for both goods and people transport, then asset utilization is improved, but vehicle design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vehicle interior into distinct functional zones - a cargo area and a passenger area - that can be independently configured. The transformable partition system segments the space to accommodate different transport modes, while the modular design of these segments allows for standardized manufacturing and assembly, managing design complexity through systematic division of functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle through the transformable partition system where partitions and seating elements can be nested or folded into each other during transformation. The partition walls can contain hidden storage compartments or mechanical elements that nest within the partition structure itself, reducing the overall space required for transformation mechanisms
4Ease of operation
If transformable partition systems are used, then cargo area accessibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics through the transformable partition system that can move between fixed and reconfigurable states. The partitions are designed with mechanical elements that allow them to be easily moved, folded, or repositioned by operators or automated systems, providing dynamic accessibility to the cargo area while using standardized mechanical components to manage structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to multi-use mobile robots that cater to both goods delivery and people mobility. These robots allow for seamless and dynamic transition between a rideable personal transport vehicle that may be driven by a user sitting in a removable robot seat, driven by the user standing onboard the vehicle, or driven by a second individual walking behind the multi-use robot. The multi-use robot may also function as an autonomous delivery vehicle, and can provide an option to allow both people and goods to be transported simultaneously. The multi-use robots can also integrate with mobile warehouses and neighborhood storage lockers and mobile warehouses, and provide last-mile handling of goods and supplies.