Vehicle Package Locker Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle-based package delivery systems face delays when recipients are unavailable to receive packages, as existing technologies lack efficient mechanisms for aligning delivery vehicles with package lockers to facilitate secure and timely package transfer.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an alignment mechanism between a vehicle and a package locker, utilizing a vehicle-based controller, inductive power transfer, cameras, and a locker-based controller, which includes a light emitting member and distance sensor to ensure precise alignment and power transfer, enabling secure and efficient package exchange even when the recipient is not present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct package delivery to recipient is used, then delivery speed is improved, but delivery reliability deteriorates when recipient is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a package locker as an intermediary between the delivery vehicle and the recipient. The locker receives packages from the vehicle when the recipient is unavailable, enabling asynchronous delivery. The alignment mechanism ensures precise positioning of the vehicle relative to the locker for automated package transfer, resolving the contradiction by decoupling the delivery timing from recipient availability.
2Productivity
If automated package transfer is implemented, then delivery efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual package transfer operations with automated systems. Sensors detect package presence, alignment mechanisms automatically position the vehicle, and robotic systems handle package deposition into the locker. This substitution of mechanical automation for manual operations improves delivery efficiency while managing complexity through integrated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment mechanism and package transfer system operate autonomously without human intervention. The vehicle self-aligns with the locker using sensor feedback, and the package transfer occurs automatically through coordinated robotic systems. This self-service capability improves productivity by eliminating manual operations while containing complexity within the automated subsystems.
3Measurement precision
If precise alignment mechanism is added, then package transfer accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment mechanism incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the relative position between the delivery vehicle and package locker. This feedback information is used to adjust vehicle positioning in real-time, achieving precise alignment. The feedback loop improves measurement precision while managing complexity through iterative correction rather than overly complex mechanical alignment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the vehicle horizontally, vertically, and rotationally relative to the locker. By designing a multi-functional alignment system that handles all positioning requirements simultaneously, the patent improves transfer accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity compared to separate systems for each degree of freedom.
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
This solution allows for the efficient and secure transfer of packages between vehicles and package lockers, ensuring timely delivery and reducing delays by enabling alignment and power transfer, even when the recipient is not physically present, thus enhancing the reliability of vehicle-based package delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting member and distance sensor to ensure precise alignment
Implementation Method 2
The alignment target may include a symbol or character painted onto the delivery door using a phosphorescent compound. When light is directed at the alignment target, the alignment target can reflect the light
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a vehicle-based controller, inductive power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle-based package delivery and alignment systems and methods are provided herein. An example method includes performing a first alignment of a delivery door of a vehicle with a receiving door of a package locker using location signals that are indicative of a location of the package locker, performing a second alignment of the delivery door with the receiving door based on camera images of an alignment target, and transferring a package from the vehicle to the package locker.