Rooftop Platform with Rotatable Turntable for Aerial Parcel Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing delivery systems face challenges in efficiently delivering parcels using aerial technologies, particularly in terms of flexibility, efficiency, and adaptability to various environments, especially when integrating with building structures.

Innovation Solution

A rooftop platform equipped with an elevator apparatus and a rotatable turntable, capable of receiving parcels from UAVs, facilitates efficient delivery and retrieval by allowing parcels to be transferred to different floors within a building, utilizing sensors and computer applications for management and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If human couriers are used for home delivery, then delivery can be completed, but physical demands on couriers increase and delivery efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidphysical demands on couriers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables autonomous parcel containment units to navigate and deliver parcels without human physical intervention. The robotic units self-propel through building corridors and elevators, eliminating the need for human couriers to physically carry and transport parcels, thereby reducing physical demands while maintaining delivery efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of human carriers with an automated robotic system. Aerial vehicles deliver parcels to rooftop platforms, which then transfer them to robotic containment units that autonomously navigate building interiors using sensors and automated navigation, substituting human physical labor with automated mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional delivery systems are used, then parcels can be delivered, but flexibility and adaptability to various environments are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various environmentsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rooftop platform is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of aerial vehicles and parcel containment units. The standardized transfer mechanism and modular design allow the same platform to work with different drone models and robotic units, enhancing adaptability across various delivery scenarios without requiring complex custom solutions for each case

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system is divided into separate functional modules: aerial delivery vehicles, rooftop transfer platforms, and indoor robotic containment units. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system adaptability, reducing the complexity that would arise from attempting to design a monolithic delivery system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If aerial vehicles are used for delivery, then delivery efficiency can be increased, but integration with building structures and operational flexibility remain unsolved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidintegration with building structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rooftop platform serves as an intermediary between aerial delivery vehicles and the building's internal delivery system. It receives parcels from drones in the air and transfers them to robotic containment units for indoor navigation, effectively mediating the transition between aerial and ground-based delivery modes and enabling seamless integration with existing building structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions delivery from a two-dimensional ground-based system to a three-dimensional aerial-ground hybrid system. Aerial vehicles operate in the air space above buildings, transferring parcels to rooftop platforms, which then distribute them through building corridors and elevators, utilizing vertical space and multiple dimensional pathways to enhance delivery efficiency and building integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12492099B2Methods and systems for delivering or accepting a parcel at a rooftop via an aerial vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICAN INC

AI summary

The technology disclosed herein relates to a rooftop platform to facilitate a delivery of a parcel by an aerial vehicle. The rooftop platform may comprise an elevator apparatus at least partially accessible via the rooftop platform. The rooftop platform may also comprise a rotatable turntable mounted to the rooftop platform. The rotatable turntable can be rotated to position the parcel on the elevator apparatus. The rotatable turntable may have tracks for receiving track wheels of a parcel containment unit. In some embodiments, the parcel may be positioned on the elevator apparatus at a top surface of a lift cabin of the elevator apparatus. The rooftop platform may also comprise a landing area for the aerial vehicle to deliver or receive the parcel containment unit via the rotatable turntable.