Robotic Bin Handling Arm With Motorized Tile Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package delivery systems face challenges in efficiently unloading packages from delivery vehicles during the last mile delivery, as this process is often manual and time-consuming, especially for large vehicles carrying many packages.
Innovation Solution
A delivery vehicle equipped with a robotic arm and a grid of motorized tiles that allows for the loading and unloading of bins, enabling the robotic arm to move bins vertically and horizontally within the vehicle, facilitating efficient package handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual unloading process is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system performs unloading operations autonomously without requiring human operators to manually handle packages. The system self-manages the entire unloading process from detecting bin positions to grasping and removing packages, thereby significantly improving productivity while the complexity is managed through integrated control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical unloading operations with an automated robotic arm system equipped with sensors and control mechanisms. This substitution of human labor with automated mechanical systems enables faster unloading speeds and consistent operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and system complexity
2Productivity
If robotic arm is added to automate unloading, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system is designed to perform multiple functions including detecting bin positions, grasping packages of various sizes, and placing them in designated areas. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single integrated system, improving unloading efficiency while managing overall system complexity through versatile component design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control systems and sensors as intermediary components that coordinate between the robotic arm, bin detection mechanisms, and package handling operations. These intermediaries manage the complexity by providing intelligent control and coordination, enabling the robotic system to operate efficiently without requiring overly complex direct mechanical linkages
3Productivity
If packages are loaded in preset order, then delivery efficiency is improved, but unloading time still increases for large vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual unloading operations with an automated robotic arm system that can quickly retrieve packages from any position in the vehicle. This automated mechanical system eliminates the time-consuming manual searching and handling processes, thereby reducing unloading time even for large vehicles with packages loaded in preset orders
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system operates continuously without interruption during unloading, maintaining constant motion from detection to package removal. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between operations that would occur in manual unloading processes, significantly reducing total unloading time for large vehicles while maintaining the preset loading order efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle for delivering a plurality of packages disposed in a plurality of bins is described. The vehicle includes a grid of a plurality of motorized tiles configured to enable movement of the plurality of bins within the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a robotic arm disposed at a vehicle rear portion. The robotic arm may be configured to load or unload a bin to or from the grid of the plurality of motorized tiles. The robotic arm may be attached to a linear actuator that is configured to move the robotic arm in a vehicle interior portion.