Container method and system for automated end-to-end package delivery
US11981508B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2021 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G67/24
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is an end-to-end delivery system that uses standard containers designed for autonomous vehicle (AV) goods delivery, a purpose-built AV cargo management system, a purpose-built robot to load and unload packages, and software to coordinate the various tasks involved. The standard containers may include a hardware locking interface for locking to a carrying robot. The cargo management system may include a programmable conveyor system installed on each floor of a multi-floor cargo space within the AV. For example, the floor may include a roller surface to allow omnidirectional routing of packages. An elevator shaft may be used for receiving and off-loading containers. The software may identify a target container anywhere within the multi-floor cargo space, and determine how to rearrange the containers within a grid in the AV so that the target container may be moved to the elevator shaft for unloading.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.