Transport pods

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The last mile of temperature-controlled distribution is inefficient due to thermodynamically inefficient systems that require heating or cooling entire cargo spaces, leading to high energy consumption and emissions, and manual labor-intensive processes at click and collect points, where multiple couriers deliver to the same locations, causing logistical and temperature integrity issues.

Innovation Solution

A thermally-insulated transport pod system with a thermal energy storage device and convective air flow management, allowing for passive temperature control with minimal stratification, and a dockable design for efficient temperature recharge, integrated with a locker system for secure and efficient delivery to multiple locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If auxiliary diesel engines are used to heat or cool entire cargo spaces, then temperature control reliability is improved, but energy consumption and emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo space is divided into multiple temperature zones using separate temperature control units, each managing a specific region. This allows only the necessary portions of the cargo space to be cooled or heated, rather than the entire space, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining temperature control reliability for temperature-sensitive products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cargo space are assigned different temperature characteristics based on the specific thermal requirements of the products being transported. Temperature control units are strategically positioned to provide localized cooling or heating where needed, optimizing energy usage by avoiding uniform temperature control of the entire cargo space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual loading and re-locking processes are used at click and collect points, then delivery flexibility is improved, but labor intensity and error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery flexibilityVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-service at click and collect points through programmable lockers that can be remotely accessed and controlled. The lockers automatically manage product storage, tracking, and release based on pre-programmed instructions, eliminating the need for manual loading and re-locking operations while maintaining delivery flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations (loading, locking, unloading) are replaced with an automated control system that uses electronic signals and programmable logic to manage the lockers. This substitution reduces labor intensity and minimizes human error while preserving the ability to adapt to different delivery scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple courier agents deliver to the same click and collect points, then service coverage is improved, but mileage and logistical efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice coverageVSAvoidmileage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple courier agents converge their deliveries at centralized docking stations equipped with standardized lockers. This consolidation allows different couriers to deliver to the same physical location without duplicating travel routes, thereby reducing overall mileage while maintaining broad service coverage through the network of docking stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking stations are designed with universal, standardized lockers that can accommodate deliveries from multiple courier agents using different protocols and formats. This multi-functionality allows a single docking station to serve multiple couriers and multiple delivery destinations, optimizing route efficiency while expanding service coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system enables low-energy, efficient temperature-controlled transport and storage of products with reduced emissions and labor, maintaining product integrity through ambient cargo space temperatures and centralized hub packing, while minimizing duplication of drop-off points and enhancing security.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal energy storage device configured to absorb or emit thermal energy to control a temperature of the product storage space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy storage: Thermal Energy Storage

Implementation Method 2

the thermal energy device space is fluidly coupled to the product storage space to enable a convective air flow between the thermal energy device space and the product storage space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20240318890A1Transport pods

Publication Date: 2024.09.26 HUBL LOGISTICS LTD

AI summary

There is provided a thermally-insulated transport pod (100), transport locker pods (100), a locker system (200), a docking station (330), and a dockable pod system (200).