Shared Cargo Compartment Robot for Secure Multi-Recipient Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parcel delivery robots face inefficiencies due to the need for individually sized compartments, leading to wasted space and increased size and weight, while also risking incorrect parcel delivery to recipients.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot with a single cargo compartment that uses sensors and communication components to identify and verify the correct parcel for each recipient, ensuring only authorized parcels are removed and preventing mix-ups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individually sized compartments are used to hold different packages, then each package can be securely delivered to its specific recipient, but the robot's size and weight increase and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individually sized compartments into a single shared cargo compartment. Multiple packages are stored together in this unified space, eliminating the need for separate compartments for each package. This reduces the overall volume and weight of the robot while maintaining the ability to deliver multiple packages to different recipients through systematic access control and tracking mechanisms.
2Weight of moving object
If a single shared cargo compartment is used to hold multiple packages, then the robot's size and weight are reduced, but the risk of incorrect parcel delivery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor the cargo compartment. These sensors detect which packages are present, their positions, and whether they have been removed. This real-time feedback information is used to verify that the correct package is delivered to each recipient, preventing incorrect deliveries even though multiple packages share the same compartment space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical separation (individual physical compartments) with electronic and sensor-based identification systems. Instead of relying on physical division to prevent mix-ups, the system uses sensors, communication interfaces, and digital tracking to identify and verify the correct package for each recipient, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control.
3Reliability
If individually sized compartments are used for each package, then delivery security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cargo compartment that serves multiple functions: it stores multiple different packages, provides secure containment, enables tracking of all packages, and allows controlled access for different recipients. This single multi-functional structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized compartments, each designed for specific package types or recipients.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery system and method for delivering packages to multiple recipients uses a mobile robot having a delivery package space suitable for accommodating at least two packages, at least one package sensor configured to output first data reflective of the presence or absence of packages within with package space, at least one processing component configured to receive and process the package sensor's first data and at least one communication component configured to at least send and receive second data. The mobile robot travels to a first delivery location, permits a first recipient to access the package space, and identifies the first recipient's package to the first recipient. The system and method use data from the package sensor to verify that the first recipient removed only his or her package, if other package(s) are also present. The mobile robot then travels to a second delivery location associated with a second recipient.