Roller Table Micro-Hub for Urban Parcel Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current logistics systems for delivering parcels in large cities face inefficiencies due to limited parking times, non-compliance with traffic regulations, and the use of internal combustion engines, which hinder emission-free delivery. Additionally, existing modular container systems require significant space, are inflexible, and incur wear from rollers, limiting their use in urban areas.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a roller table system with interchangeable containers that can be moved on a flat table surface, allowing for easy handling and loading, and the use of compact, environmentally friendly delivery vehicles like cargo bikes and trams, which can access multi-storey and underground car parks, enabling efficient and emission-free parcel delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard transport vehicles (small trucks) are used for parcel delivery in large cities, then delivery capacity is maintained, but parking availability and traffic regulation compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into two parts: a central distribution point for storing multiple containers, and smaller delivery vehicles that transport individual containers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall delivery capacity while using smaller vehicles that can access parking areas inaccessible to large trucks.
Solution Approach 2:
Containers serve as intermediaries between the central distribution point and final delivery locations. The containers are pre-filled at the distribution point and can be easily transferred to various delivery vehicles, enabling flexible delivery routes and locations without requiring large trucks to park at final destinations.
2Duration of action of moving object
If internal combustion engines are used in delivery vehicles, then delivery range is sufficient, but emissions and pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery journey is segmented into two phases: long-distance transport of containers using electric vehicles from suburban areas to city centers, and short-distance final delivery using zero-emission vehicles (cargo bikes, e-bikes, or small electric vehicles). This segmentation allows the use of electric power for the emission-sensitive urban portion while maintaining sufficient overall delivery range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy parameter from combustion engines to electric motors, particularly for the final delivery leg. Electric vehicles and cargo bikes produce zero emissions during operation, eliminating the harmful factors associated with internal combustion engines while providing adequate range for urban delivery through frequent container exchanges at micro-hubs.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If electric delivery vehicles are used for final delivery, then emissions are reduced, but delivery range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery network is segmented into multiple micro-hubs distributed throughout the city, each serving as a local container storage point. Electric delivery vehicles operate between these nearby hubs and final delivery locations, with ranges sufficient for short trips. The overall system achieves extended operational range through the hub-and-spoke structure rather than relying on long individual vehicle ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
Containers act as intermediaries that are pre-loaded at suburban distribution centers and transported to urban micro-hubs. This allows electric delivery vehicles to start their routes with fully loaded containers, eliminating the need for frequent trips back to refill or reload, thereby extending their effective operational range despite limited battery capacity.
4Ease of operation
If swap bodies with wheels are used in micro-hubs, then container exchange is enabled, but space requirements and location flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wheels are extracted from the container design, leaving flat-bottomed containers that rest directly on the micro-hub platform. This extraction eliminates the space required for wheel mechanisms and allows the micro-hub to use a compact flat surface, dramatically reducing the space requirements and enabling placement in locations such as parking garages and underground facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting containers on wheels that roll on the ground, the system inverts the approach by having containers rest on a fixed platform surface. The platform itself provides the support function, eliminating the need for ground-based wheel mechanisms and reducing the overall space and complexity of the micro-hub structure.
5Ease of operation
If containers with wheels are used for transport, then mobility is improved, but weight increases and wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mechanism is extracted from the container, eliminating the weight of wheels, axles, and associated components. The containers become simpler, lighter structures that rely on the micro-hub platform and delivery vehicle mechanisms for movement, thereby reducing container weight without sacrificing mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery vehicle and micro-hub platform serve as intermediaries that provide the mobility function previously incorporated into the container's wheel system. This separation allows the container to be lighter while the supporting infrastructure handles the movement, reducing wear on the container itself and improving overall system efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for flexible and efficient parcel delivery in urban areas, reducing emissions and traffic congestion, while enabling the use of compact, zero-emission vehicles that can navigate tight spaces and multi-storey car parks, improving logistics efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
the table surface has rolling bearings on which the containers rest, in particular bearing balls or rollers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
In a system for transporting goods, particularly in urban areas, comprising containers (3) for receiving the goods, in particular packages, and at least one sub-distribution point (8) where at least one container (3), preferably a plurality of containers (3), can be temporarily stored, and at least one delivery vehicle (9) that can transport a container, wherein the sub-distribution point (8) has a flat table surface (16) on which the containers (3) can be stored and moved, the table surface (16) has rolling bearings (17) on which the containers (3) rest, in particular bearing balls or rollers, and the delivery vehicles (9) have a level loading area for receiving a container (3) with also a rolling bearing.