Method for delivering a shipment by an unmanned transport device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current delivery methods for parcels are inflexible, often requiring recipient presence and limited to specific store opening hours, with inadequate protection against weather and theft, and lack timely and direct delivery to intended locations.

Innovation Solution

An unmanned transport device, such as a drone, uses geocoordinates to autonomously deliver shipments to a receiving container, which exchanges electronic authorization information to activate a transfer device for secure and precise transfer of the shipment, allowing for flexible and timely delivery without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If shipments are deposited on the recipient's property or at collection points, then delivery flexibility is improved, but protection against weather and theft deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery flexibilityVSAvoidweather and theft protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A secure receiving container acts as an intermediary between the unmanned transport device and the recipient. The container is equipped with authorization checking means and a transfer device that mediates the handover process, providing secure storage while maintaining delivery flexibility. The container protects shipments from weather and theft while allowing automated delivery to the recipient's location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving container is designed to autonomously verify authorization information and activate the transfer device without human intervention. The container self-manages the secure storage and release of shipments based on authorized access, combining security with delivery flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If classic delivery methods with human staff are used, then delivery security is improved, but delivery timing flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery securityVSAvoiddelivery timing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces human delivery staff with an unmanned transport device that autonomously delivers shipments to a secure receiving container. The mechanical/automated system maintains delivery security through authorization verification while providing continuous operation beyond human working hours, achieving both reliability and timing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving container autonomously verifies authorization information and executes the transfer device activation without human intervention. This self-service capability ensures secure delivery while operating at any time, combining reliability with delivery timing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If an unmanned transport device is used for delivery, then delivery timing flexibility is improved, but authorization verification complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery timing flexibilityVSAvoidauthorization verification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving container serves as an intermediary that handles the complex authorization verification process. The container is equipped with authorization checking means that automatically verify the unmanned transport device's credentials, transferring the complexity from the transport device to the stationary container infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If a transfer device is activated through the receiving container, then shipment transfer precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipment transfer precisionVSAvoidtransfer device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the unmanned transport device and the receiving container interior. It provides precise shipment transfer through automated control while containing the complexity within the stationary container infrastructure rather than the mobile transport device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3129931B1Method for delivering a shipment by an unmanned transport device

Publication Date: 2019.06.12 DEUT POST AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for delivering a shipment by an unmanned transport device (1) to a receiving container (2) for said shipment (6), the method comprising the following and additional steps: moving the unmanned transport device (1) into a destination area (10) associated with the receiving container (2), on the basis of geographical co-ordinates (a); once the unmanned transport device (1) has reached the destination area (10), pairing of the transport device (1) with the receiving container (2) and exchanging electronic authorisation information (13) between the receiving container (2) and the unmanned transport device (1) (d).