Underground Micro-Tunnel Goods Distribution System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current goods distribution systems in urban areas face challenges such as atmospheric pollution and prolonged delivery times due to reliance on combustion engine vehicles and inadequate infrastructure, which are not suitable for high-volume tonnage transport.
Innovation Solution
An underground automated goods distribution system utilizing a micro-tunnel loop with exchange stations that allows for automated, electric-powered transport of goods at a depth that minimizes interference with existing infrastructure, using self-propelled or cable-towed shuttles and containers, and a scheduling station for efficient logistics management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If goods are transported using surface vehicles with internal combustion engines, then delivery coverage is achieved, but urban air pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions goods transport from the surface dimension to the underground dimension by creating a micro-tunnel network beneath urban areas. Loading units are transported through these subsurface tunnels and then vertically elevated via shafts to surface destinations, effectively moving the transport system to another spatial dimension to avoid pollution while maintaining delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the goods transport function from the surface environment and relocates it to an underground micro-tunnel system. By separating the transport infrastructure from the polluted surface atmosphere, the system eliminates the harmful effects of combustion engine emissions while preserving the essential delivery function
2Loss of time
If goods are transported using surface vehicles, then delivery coverage is achieved, but delivery time is lengthened due to traffic congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dedicated underground transport dimension that bypasses surface traffic congestion entirely. The micro-tunnel network provides direct, obstruction-free pathways for loading units, with vertical shafts providing access to various surface locations, thereby eliminating traffic-related delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the urban transport system into specialized components: horizontal micro-tunnel sections for efficient goods circulation, vertical shafts for elevation changes, and exchange stations for loading/unloading. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall delivery speed
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a micro-tunnel loop system is created under urban foundations, then interference with existing infrastructure is minimized, but construction depth and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the underground dimension beneath existing urban foundations to route micro-tunnels, allowing the system to pass under buildings and infrastructure without interfering with their structural integrity. This depth-based routing minimizes surface disruption while accommodating complex urban layouts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs exchange stations with multi-functional capabilities that serve both as loading/unloading points and as access points to the micro-tunnel network. These stations handle both goods transfer and potential future expansions, reducing the need for additional specialized infrastructure
Data Source
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AI summary
Underground system (1) for the distribution of goods in an urban environment, comprising: - at least one micro-tunnel (2) forming at least one loop (7), extending under the foundations of surface buildings and/or pre-existing infrastructure, in which goods circulate whose transport is automated, - a plurality of exchange stations (4; 6) with the surface, each comprising a shaft allowing the goods to descend to the micro-tunnel (2) and to be brought back up after transport within the micro-tunnel.