Multi-Wheel Delivery Robot for Clean Indoor Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contactless delivery methods increase the risk of contamination from dirt, debris, bacteria, and viruses entering homes as robots deliver packages inside dwellings, and existing solutions do not adequately address cleanliness concerns.
Innovation Solution
A robot equipped with interchangeable outdoor and indoor wheels, which can switch between sets based on location, and features like wheel cleaning mechanisms and covers to minimize contamination, along with sensors to detect steps and adjust wheel deployment for safe indoor navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robot enters a dwelling to deliver packages, then delivery service is provided, but dirt, debris, bacteria, and viruses may enter the dwelling
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel system is segmented into multiple independent wheel sets (first wheel set, second wheel set, third wheel set) that can be selectively deployed. Each wheel set is designed for specific environments - outdoor wheels for exterior surfaces and indoor wheels for interior surfaces, allowing the robot to segment its operation by location type to prevent contamination
Solution Approach 2:
A wheel cleaning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the outdoor and indoor environments. The cleaning mechanism (including brushes, vacuum elements, or washing stations) processes the wheels to remove contaminants before the robot enters the dwelling, serving as a mediator that eliminates the harmful transfer of dirt and debris
2Object-affected harmful factors
If contactless delivery is implemented, then hygiene is improved, but risk of spoilage and theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously navigates the delivery process without human intervention - it travels to the dwelling, enters autonomously, delivers the package to the designated location, and exits. This self-service capability maintains hygiene by eliminating human contact while ensuring reliability through automated secure delivery to the recipient's premises
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the robot uses outdoor wheels for indoor navigation, then debris may be tracked inside, but wheel switching mechanisms add complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The robot can deploy different wheel sets based on real-time conditions - switching from outdoor to indoor wheels when entering the dwelling, and vice versa when exiting. This dynamic adaptation prevents debris tracking while managing complexity through context-based wheel selection
Solution Approach 2:
The robot possesses multiple wheel sets that serve different functions - outdoor wheels for exterior navigation, indoor wheels for interior navigation, and potentially intermediate wheels for transition zones. This multi-functionality allows a single robot to handle diverse surfaces and environments, preventing debris tracking across different locations
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a body having an internal opening. The robot further includes a first wheel configured to deploy out of the internal opening and to retract into the internal opening. The robot further includes a second wheel configured to deploy out of the internal opening and to retract into the internal opening. The robot further includes a sensor configured to determine a location of the robot. The robot further includes a controller configured to control each of the first wheel and the second wheel, wherein in response to the location of the robot being at a predetermined location, the controller is configured to cause the second wheel to deploy out of the internal opening and to cause the first wheel to retract into the internal opening.