Reconfigurable Asset Swapping With Precision Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing logistics systems face challenges in efficiently managing both forward and reverse logistics tasks with autonomous vehicles, particularly in achieving high-precision docking and maximizing asset utilization while minimizing costs and carbon footprint, especially when transporting secondary vehicles or trailers with loose positional and directional coupling.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic reconfigurable asset swapping system with a docking mechanism, feedforward control system, and dynamic routing system that enables precise alignment and redeployment of deployable assets and cargos, optimizing delivery efficiency and minimizing travel time and distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If autonomous vehicles perform both forward and reverse logistics tasks from the same docking position, then asset utilization increases, but docking precision requirements increase and operating expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasset utilizationVSAvoiddocking precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The docking system is segmented into multiple docking positions (first docking position for forward logistics, second docking position for reverse logistics) rather than using a single docking position. This segmentation allows the autonomous vehicle to perform different logistics tasks from different docking positions, reducing the precision requirements for each individual docking operation while maintaining high asset utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A precision docking system acts as an intermediary between the autonomous vehicle and the docking infrastructure. This precision docking system compensates for the vehicle's docking deficiencies and enables accurate docking even when the vehicle has loose positional and directional coupling, particularly when transporting secondary vehicles or trailers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If autonomous vehicles transport secondary vehicles or trailers with loose positional coupling, then vehicle versatility increases, but docking precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle versatilityVSAvoiddocking precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The precision docking system serves as an intermediary that compensates for the loose positional coupling between the autonomous vehicle and the secondary vehicle or trailer. This intermediary system ensures accurate docking despite the vehicle's inherent positioning limitations when transporting uncoupled or loosely coupled loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the docking parameters by providing precision positioning at the docking interface rather than requiring precision throughout the entire vehicle-trailer assembly. This allows the autonomous vehicle to transport secondary vehicles or trailers with loose positional coupling while still achieving precise docking through the dedicated precision docking system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If electrification and autonomous operation are implemented, then energy efficiency increases and labor costs decrease, but capital equipment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcapital equipment costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous vehicle is designed with multi-functionality to perform both forward logistics tasks and reverse logistics tasks from different docking positions. This universality maximizes the utilization of the capital equipment, ensuring that the high cost of autonomous vehicles and electrification is offset by increased operational efficiency and asset utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates an automated environment where autonomous vehicles operate without human intervention for both forward and reverse logistics. This automated inert environment eliminates labor costs and reduces energy consumption compared to traditional manual operations, justifying the higher capital equipment costs through operational savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Data Source

PatentUS20250298635A1High Utilization Reconfigurable Asset Swapping Logistics System

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 GURIN MICHAEL

AI summary

A reconfigurable asset system is provided for transporting and reconfiguring deployable devices ranging from deployable motors, deployable cargos, or other deployable assets between at least two locations. The system includes a deployable asset, a swapping with reconfiguration station, and a dynamic routing system. The swapping with reconfiguration station can change the configuration of any deployable device from a first deployable cargo physical parameter set to a second deployable cargo physical parameter set. The system uses a dynamic routing system to choose the deployable cargo, the second location, and the swapping with reconfiguration station for reconfiguring the deployable cargo. The system also includes a feedforward control system to establish a feedforward schedule database of the deployable cargo from the first location to the swapping with reconfiguration station and then from the swapping with reconfiguration station to any of the at least two locations.