Wireless Bulkhead Door Control for Parcel Delivery Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles used for parcel delivery face inefficiencies in engine starting and stopping, and cargo compartment access, leading to increased fuel consumption, wear and tear, and potential operator injury due to repetitive manual operations.
Innovation Solution
A control module coupled to the ignition system and doors of the vehicle, allowing wireless control via a transmitter to minimize operator movement and automate door access, along with a dampening mechanism to prevent door slamming, and a lock box for secure storage of spare keys and transmitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually operates the engine start/stop and bulkhead door access at each delivery stop, then the vehicle can be controlled precisely, but the repetitive manual operations cause operator injury and increase fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the engine and bulkhead door automatically respond to operator actions without requiring manual intervention for each start/stop cycle. The engine control system detects door opening and automatically manages engine state, eliminating repetitive manual operations and reducing operator injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electronic control system. The control module uses sensors and actuators to automatically manage engine start/stop and door operations, substituting the manual mechanical process with an electronic automation system that reduces fuel consumption and operator strain.
2Speed
If the operator leaves the engine running during delivery stops, then quick access to the cargo compartment is possible, but unnecessary fuel is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control where the engine control module continuously monitors door sensor status and automatically adjusts engine operation. When the bulkhead door is opened, the system receives feedback and automatically starts the engine; when the door is closed, the engine is automatically shut off, optimizing fuel consumption based on actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine control system performs preliminary action by automatically starting the engine in anticipation of door opening operations. The system detects door sensor changes and pre-emptively manages engine state to ensure immediate availability when cargo access is needed, eliminating the delay of manual key insertion and engine starting.
3Productivity
If the bulkhead door is manually opened and closed hundreds of times daily, then cargo access is achieved, but wear and tear on the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead door system implements self-service operation where the door automatically opens and closes in response to operator presence detection. The door control system autonomously manages the opening/closing cycle based on sensor input, eliminating the need for repeated manual operation and reducing mechanical wear on door components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automatic door control system that mediates between the operator and the bulkhead door. The control module acts as an intermediary, using sensors to detect operator intent and automatically actuating the door, thereby eliminating direct manual interaction and reducing wear on door hardware.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the operator walks to the rear of the vehicle for every stop, then larger parcels can be accessed, but delivery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead door system provides multi-functional access that serves both small package deliveries and larger parcel operations. By enabling cargo compartment access from the driver's position, the system eliminates the need for operators to exit the vehicle for any parcel size, making the bulkhead door a universal access point for all delivery types and significantly reducing delivery time.
Data Source
AI summary
A commercial vehicle used for parcel delivery is installed with a control module. The control module communicates wirelessly with a transmitter to give control to the vehicle operator. The vehicle operator can access the vehicle's cargo compartment through the bulkhead door and/or the rear door solely by using the transmitter as opposed to manually actuating the door latch. A door actuator is added to the bulkhead door such that when the bulkhead door is wirelessly actuated the door opens without operator assistance, and the process of the door opening does not damage the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle operator can initiate the control module to allow a push-button start and stop of the vehicle's ignition system. Such elements contribute to time savings and cost savings for parcel delivery operators.