Autonomous Vehicle Package Routing Via Centralized Handoff Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package delivery methods have not evolved significantly despite the rise in e-commerce, with autonomous vehicles primarily focused on navigation, lacking innovative applications for package delivery, and proposed solutions like drone delivery face regulatory and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
Repurposing autonomous vehicles for package delivery by equipping them with software for fleet management, using centralized delivery locations and pickup devices with security features, and implementing routing methods to optimize package transport without deviating from pre-planned routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous vehicles are repurposed for package delivery, then delivery efficiency is improved, but vehicle operational reliability may deteriorate due to additional tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery process into distinct phases: autonomous vehicles perform routine transportation tasks, while centralized robotic locations handle package transfer operations. This segmentation allows vehicles to maintain their primary transportation function while enabling package delivery through coordinated handoff at specialized locations, thus preserving vehicle reliability while improving delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces centralized robotic delivery locations as intermediary nodes between package senders and recipients. These locations serve as mediators that receive packages from vehicles, store them securely, and manage retrieval, thereby enabling package delivery functionality without requiring vehicles to perform complex delivery maneuvers that could compromise their operational reliability.
2Reliability
If centralized delivery locations with robotic mechanisms are implemented, then package security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized delivery locations are equipped with autonomous robotic mechanisms that automatically perform package receiving, storage, and retrieval operations without human intervention. The system self-manages security protocols, access control, and package handling, thereby providing enhanced security while minimizing the need for complex human-operated infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized robotic locations are designed as multi-functional facilities that can handle multiple packages, serve multiple vehicles, and provide various services including secure storage, automated sorting, and customer interaction. This universal design consolidates numerous functions into single locations, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized facilities for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous vehicles deviate from pre-planned routes for package pickups, then delivery flexibility is improved, but travel time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where package pickup locations and handoff points are pre-identified and integrated into the vehicle's routing plan before departure. Vehicles receive advance notification of packages to be loaded at specific locations along their predetermined route, allowing them to execute pickups without deviating from their optimized path, thus maintaining travel efficiency while providing delivery flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors package locations, vehicle positions, and delivery requests in real-time, providing feedback to the routing system. When new package pickup opportunities arise, the system evaluates whether they align with existing vehicle routes or require minor adjustments, enabling flexible response to changing delivery needs while minimizing route deviations and associated time losses.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for re-purposing autonomous vehicle for package transportation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising receiving a request from an autonomous vehicle; identifying, responsive to the request, a nearby package stored within a delivery structure; transmitting routing instructions to the autonomous vehicle, the routing instructions including a location of the delivery structure; detecting a presence of the autonomous vehicle; instructing the delivery structure to deposit the nearby package into the autonomous vehicle; calculating a waypoint for delivery of the nearby package; and transmitting transport routing instructions to the autonomous vehicle, the transport routing instructions including the waypoint.