VTOL Payload Routing via Ground Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation service entities face challenges in managing payload distribution for aerial vehicles, particularly vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, due to weight and space constraints, which can lead to inefficiencies and the need for alternative transportation methods for payload items.
Innovation Solution
A payload management system that accesses itinerary data to determine if a payload item would exceed the weight or space threshold of a VTOL aircraft. If so, the system provides alternate itineraries that route the payload item via a different vehicle, such as a ground vehicle, ensuring compliance with aircraft capacity limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the payload item is transported on the VTOL aircraft, then the individual can travel directly from origin to destination, but the maximum weight threshold of the VTOL aircraft would be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation system is segmented into two independent parts: the individual is transported on the VTOL aircraft while the payload item is transported separately on a ground vehicle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the VTOL carrying only what it can safely handle and the ground vehicle handling the excess weight.
Solution Approach 2:
A ground vehicle acts as an intermediary transportation mode for the payload item. Instead of directly loading the payload onto the VTOL aircraft, the system uses a ground vehicle to transport the payload to the destination, mediating the weight constraint issue between the payload and the aircraft.
2Reliability
If the payload item is routed via a ground vehicle, then the VTOL aircraft weight threshold is maintained, but the individual requires coordination between multiple transportation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two different transportation modes (VTOL aircraft and ground vehicle) into a coordinated multi-modal transportation service. The computing system integrates scheduling, routing, and tracking for both vehicles, allowing them to operate as a unified system despite using different transport modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms where the computing system monitors the locations and statuses of both the VTOL aircraft and ground vehicle, dynamically adjusting routes and timing to ensure synchronized arrival at the destination while maintaining weight threshold compliance.
3Productivity
If alternate itineraries are provided for payload routing, then operational efficiency is improved, but the system requires complex coordination and tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service functionality where the computing system automatically generates, assigns, and manages alternate itineraries for payload items without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously coordinates between VTOL aircraft and ground vehicle operations, tracking their progress and adjusting routes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing system performs preliminary actions by pre-planning and pre-coordinating the ground vehicle routes and timing before the VTOL aircraft departure. This advance preparation ensures that the ground vehicle is ready to receive and transport the payload item to the destination by the required time, improving overall operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application describes a payload management system that routes a payload item associated with an individual from an origin to a destination. In some examples, the payload item is routed from the origin to the destination separate from a travel itinerary associated with the individual. For example, the payload item can be routed via a vehicle other than a VTOL aircraft that is assigned to the individual for a multi-modal transportation service.