Removable Storage Pod With External Package Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery vehicle systems waste space and increase delivery times due to the need for a walking path and driver entry into the storage area to access packages, leading to higher operational costs and reduced storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A removable storage pod with a conveying system that allows packages to be dispensed to the delivery person without entering the storage zone, using shelves, elevators, pusher arms, and control systems to transition packages from storage to a dispensing zone, enabling automatic dispensing at delivery locations based on global positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a walking path is provided in the storage area for driver access, then package accessibility is improved, but storage space is reduced and delivery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic arm acts as an intermediary between the driver and packages stored in the storage area. The driver remains in the cab and communicates package location requests, while the robotic arm autonomously retrieves packages from storage and delivers them to the dispensing area, eliminating the need for driver entry and walking paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the robotic arm to autonomously locate and retrieve packages based on driver input without human physical intervention. The robotic system independently navigates the storage area, identifies package locations, and performs retrieval operations, freeing the driver from manual package handling tasks.
2Ease of operation
If the driver enters the storage area to locate and retrieve packages, then package retrieval is possible, but delivery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm serves as a mediator that handles the time-consuming task of package location and retrieval. While the driver remains in the cab ready to receive packages, the robotic system simultaneously searches storage areas and retrieves items, parallelizing the workflow and eliminating sequential delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm performs preliminary actions by proactively searching for and retrieving packages before the driver needs them. The system can anticipate package needs based on delivery routes and prepare packages in advance, reducing waiting time during actual delivery operations.
3Device complexity
If manual package handling is used, then system complexity is reduced, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm provides self-service functionality by autonomously performing package retrieval operations without human physical labor. The system independently navigates storage areas, identifies packages using sensors and tracking systems, and retrieves items, replacing manual labor with automated intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors, processors, and control algorithms. The robotic arm uses electronic tracking, spatial reasoning, and automated control to perform tasks previously requiring human perception, decision-making, and physical manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage pod for use with a delivery vehicle is provided. The storage pod is configured to store packages and to dispense them when sufficiently close to a delivery location. Methods of delivering packages using a storage pod are provided.