Package Feed Tape Sequencing for Truck-Drone Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional warehouse and delivery systems lack an efficient method to link packages together in the order of delivery, requiring manual selection at each stop and complicating drone integration within vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A truck and drone delivery system with drone platforms, catch bins, and a feed tape mechanism that sequences packages and batteries for automated delivery and battery replacement, using GPS and microprocessors to optimize delivery routes and drone operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packages are not linked together in delivery order, then drivers can flexibly select packages at each stop, but delivery efficiency decreases due to manual selection and time loss at each stop
Solution Approach 1:
Packages are pre-linked together in the correct delivery sequence on a feed tape before the delivery route begins. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for drivers to manually select packages at each stop, as the packages are already positioned in the correct order for sequential delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
A feed tape mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the package storage and the delivery points. This mechanism automatically feeds packages in the correct sequence to the delivery location, acting as a mediator that eliminates manual selection and ensures proper delivery order.
2Productivity
If drones are integrated into enclosed vehicles for delivery, then delivery capacity increases, but system complexity increases due to the need for drone entry, package identification, and maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The drone delivery system is extracted from the enclosed vehicle interior and repositioned to operate from an external platform mounted on the vehicle. This allows drones to launch and land outside the vehicle, eliminating the complexity of navigating enclosed spaces while maintaining the ability to deliver packages to multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone operation space is transitioned from a three-dimensional enclosed vehicle interior to a two-dimensional external platform surface. This dimensional change simplifies drone maneuvers by providing a dedicated launch and landing area without the constraints of confined interior spaces.
3Measurement precision
If packages are delivered sequentially from a single location, then delivery accuracy improves, but delivery time increases due to repeated vehicle stops
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into multiple drone platforms positioned at different locations along the delivery route. Each platform can independently deliver packages to its designated area, allowing parallel delivery operations that maintain accuracy while reducing total delivery time by eliminating repeated vehicle stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed tape mechanism enables continuous feeding of packages to the drone platforms without interruption. This continuous supply ensures that drones can operate continuously without waiting for the vehicle to return, maintaining delivery accuracy while significantly reducing total delivery time through uninterrupted parallel operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A package handling system for delivery of a widget ordered and destined for a delivery stop on a delivery route, includes one or more delivery packages affixed in series to a package feed tape, a feed tape mechanism, said feed tape mechanism configured to engage said package feed tape to propel said package feed tape and said one or more delivery packages affixed thereto, a tape cutter to cut said package feed tape to separate at least one delivery package from said one or more delivery packages, a drone platform positioned proximate said tape cutter, and a drone having a drone feed tape capture system to receive said package feed tape and said at least one delivery package of said one or more delivery packages affixed to said package feed tape, and thus, provides non-person delivery of packages.