WO2018052334A1 - System of container delivery by drone - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of logistics, namely to systems for delivering goods to collection points using drones. The system comprises drones, distribution centers (DC) 1, collection points (CP) 2, and a control center (CC) 3 having software. The technical result of the claimed invention is to increase the speed of delivery of a container without the need for the user to install an individual landing platform for the drone.

Description

 CONTAINER DELIVERY SYSTEM BY DRON

The invention relates to the field of logistics, and in particular to systems for the delivery of 5 goods to points of delivery using drones.

 From patent document KR 20160020454, a drone delivery system is known. The system includes: logistics server, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) - drone; a user terminal for wireless data exchange, including a GPS receiver, and a logistics application installed in the user terminal.

 The closest analogue of the claimed invention is a delivery system using a drone US 2016185466. The system contains many docking stations and many unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) - drones. The UAV remains in touch with the dock. The UAV delivers a packet to its destination, 15 receives a packet from the point of delivery, charges the UAV throughout the network of docking stations.

 Logistic software controls delivery and monitoring. A wireless communications device provides communication between the UAV and the dock. Light indicators indicate the status of the package and the operational status of the UAV. A motion detector detects UAVs for access control for 20 loading / unloading and docking.

 However, these technical solutions are guided by the GPS coordinates when delivering the container to the destination, which is extremely difficult to implement in large cities. Due to a GPS error of about 10 meters, it is extremely difficult to deliver the package to a specific recipient door.

25 The technical problem to which the claimed invention is directed is the need to create a convenient means of delivery of containers, providing fast forwarding, proximity of points of issue and round-the-clock possibility of obtaining a container.

 The technical result of the claimed invention is to increase the speed and accuracy of container delivery without the need for a user to install an individual landing platform for the drone.

The specified technical result is achieved due to the fact that the system for delivering a container using a drone containing at least one drone, at least one delivery point, additionally contains at least 35 one control center and at least one distribution center, with this point of delivery is made in the form of an automated post station with the possibility of receiving a container from the drone and dispensing the container to the user and is located at a distance from the distribution center or other point of delivery corresponding to the flight path of the drone without recharging, and is equipped with 5 sensors for accurate landing of the drone, the drone is made with the possibility orientation by satellite navigation system, holding at least one container and delivering the container from the distribution center to the point of delivery, distribution center ene to obtain at least one supply container and the drone at least one container, th control center is configured to set a route for the drone and the drone control location.

 In aggregate, such a system can create a transport and distribution network that ensures the prompt delivery of containers with goods between delivery centers, a distribution center and centers

15 issuance with a single logistic control center, providing the most optimal flight routes for drones.

 The point of delivery can be made with the possibility of user loading the container in manual mode and storing it.

 The distribution center can be equipped with a reception, loading and

20 exhaust zones.

 The inventive system is especially relevant in a big city where delivery with drones "to the door" is impossible due to the limitations of satellite navigation systems, and the installation of an individual landing platform for each user is an expensive operation and is sometimes limited due to

25 lack of space in the metropolis. The inventive system based on a combination of a drone, a distribution center, a pickup point and a control center allows you to create a network of fast delivery of containers with goods in a large city, bypassing transport problems and significantly reducing the cost of the delivery process due to the need to use couriers. The stationary point of delivery in the form of an automated post station provides reliable cargo safety and round-the-clock access, making the user independent of the time frame, which is often difficult when working with couriers. This system is available both to large companies and small private firms, for example, small online stores, which contributes to

35 expansion of the territory of delivery for potential buyers. Besides, in In a particular case, such a system allows users to exchange containers with cargo without the need to call a courier or contact the courier or postal service, thereby increasing the speed of delivery of goods.

 5 The best embodiment of the claimed invention is shown in the figure, in which positions 1-4 are indicated:

 1 - distribution center;

 2 - point of issue;

 3 - control center;

ju 4 - the maximum distance from the distribution center to the point of issue.

 The system for delivering a container using a drone contains at least one drone, at least one distribution center (RC) 1, at least one distribution point (PS) 2, and a control center (CC) 3 with software 15.

 For more efficient functioning of the system, many drones, many delivery points 2 and several distribution centers 1 will be required.

 Points of delivery 2 are located in relation to the distribution center 20 in the particular case at a maximum distance of 4, which can fly the drone without recharging. A closer location of distribution point 2 from distribution center 1 is also possible if it is necessary to install distribution point 2 in a densely populated area with an increased need for delivery services. For delivery to pick-up points 2, located at a distance from 25 distribution center 1 further than the maximum possible drone for flying, the closest points to pick-up point 2 of pick-up 2 are equipped with charged batteries to ensure replacement of the drone battery.

 The drone can be made in the form of a copter / quadro / sexticopter or a hybrid flying circuit that provides an accurate landing. The drone is equipped with a replaceable battery and a container mount device.

Pick-up point 2 is made in the form of an automated mail station with the functions of a vending point and is equipped with cells for placing containers, access to a wireless network and a terminal for payment, user access to the cell and order delivery. Pickup Point 2 is also equipped with a device for receiving and sending drones. This device contains a platform with sensors that ensure the landing of the drone, coordination and control of the location of the drones that are in the range of the sensors, for example, in the form of a lowering and closing platform lid, or a sliding platform, or a platform closed by a dome. It is possible to use, for example, the DJI Guidance system, or its analogues, or other systems using both ultrasonic and laser sensors, radio sensors, inertial sensors on the drone, etc. The device for receiving and sending drones is also equipped with a module for detaching the container from the drone and transporting it container to the cell. This module can also be configured to attach the container to the drone. A device for receiving and sending drones provides control of the drone’s technical condition, determination of damage to the drone and container integrity, cleaning of the drone from precipitation, ice accumulation, mounting / dismounting of additional equipment, heating / cooling of the drone’s body. The device is also equipped with a module for charging and monitoring the status of batteries located at the pick-up point with the function of replacing drone batteries. This is done using, for example, a system of intensive blowing of a drone with hot and / or cold air, video monitoring, including control points of external nodes and / or data exchange on the state of nodes and batteries with a control center.

 Issue 2 can be equipped with solar panels to provide electric power to its own functions and to charge batteries designed for the drone.

 Issue point 2 has a security system and anti-vandal performance, is equipped with advertising surfaces, for example, in the form of displays, for displaying advertisements and is configured to manually unload / load containers from cells.

 Point 2 is also equipped with sensors for air temperature, interior space, wind speed, humidity, atmospheric pressure for assessing weather conditions.

Control Center 3 can be made in the form of a server with access to a wireless network and with the ability to control the location and movement of all drones, their battery level, route and optimize flight routes, deliveries, control and record the contents of all containers, monitor the status of points of issue 2, weather conditions, acceptance of new orders for delivery and payment using software. Control Center 3 is implemented using the Internet portal for trade, and also assumes the possibility of direct direction of a specific container from one pick-up point 2 to any other one entering both the flight area of one drone and 5 with the possibility of automated transfer to the next drone through the distribution center 1 or intermediate point of issue 2.

 Distribution center 1 is, for example, a warehouse and contains a receiving area for drones, a loading zone and an exhaust zone.

 The reception area is configured to receive drones, their maintenance and delivery to the loading area. This can be implemented, for example, in the form of a wide conveyor belt with marked landing points, which moves in an open space, and then enters the covered area, which is the loading area.

 The loading zone is configured to secure preformed containers to 15 aircraft. Insertion of containers is done manually or using mechanisms similar to points of issue.

 The exhaust zone provides control of the drone battery charge, battery replacement, pre-flight preparation and release of drones. Replacement of the batteries is also carried out 20 manually or by a mechanism similar to the points of issue.

 The most appropriate is a circular conveyor, along which the landing drones move in a circle, alternately entering the corresponding zone and, in case of non-service or incomplete service, making the second round.

25 The system for delivering a container using a drone operates as follows.

 The user carries out an order on the website of the delivery of services or using a mobile application via the Internet. The order arrives at the control center 3, where it is processed in automatic or manual mode. zo During processing, the availability of the ordered goods is determined in the distribution center 1, the required delivery address and delivery time. After processing, the order information is sent to distribution center 1, where the order is completed in a container, the container is attached to the drone and the delivery site’s drone is loaded into the control software

35 and the route, i.e. point of issue 2. At the same time, the point of delivery is point of issue 2 loaded into the container chip, and the drone only serves as a carrier. The optimal route is calculated by the control center 3 depending on the presence of drones, weather conditions, battery charge and free places at the points of issue 2.

 Then the drone delivers the container to point of delivery 2.

The location of points of delivery 2 are registered in the control center 3. They are also control beacons for determining the coordinates for the drone. A more accurate landing site, including with high accuracy, up to centimeters and above, is determined using sensors located directly at the point of issue 2. Using a GPS or GLONASS system, the drone determines the flight direction. When approaching the coverage area of sensors at the pick-up point 2, pick-up point 2 sensors are used. The flight route can be pre-registered in the aircraft’s memory based on the data from the control center 3. These two options can be combined. For example, when flying around tall buildings, the route prescribed by the operator of control center 3 can be used, and the drone carries out the rest of the flight on its own.

 The drone lands at point of delivery 2 using sensors located, for example, on the roof, as well as on the landing platform. When the drone appears on the platform, for example, a capacitive sensor, a touch sensor, a beam intersection, etc. are activated, and the receiving platform system is activated, which provides all the functions of receiving, unloading, replacing or not replacing the battery with a charged one, unloading the container, for example, using movable grooves, expandable grips, or in another way. At the same time, the container can move using a conveyor or otherwise to an empty cell, and the drone either picks up an empty container, or a container for delivery to another delivery point 2 or distribution center 1, or remains awaiting instructions from control center 3.

 After unloading the container, the drone is sent to the distribution center 1 or to another pick-up point 2, depending on the logistics task. The container enters the free cell of the pick-up point 2. Pick-up point 2 is provided with access to a wireless network, through which the user is notified of the delivery of the container and the cell ID number.

The user can pick up the delivered order within a specified period of time depending on the nature of the cargo. If the container has not been collected, it is returned to the distribution center 1. W

 Upon receipt of the container, the user uses the terminal to pay for delivery and order, if necessary, and gets access to the cell with the container.

 The user can also use pick-up point 2 to dispatch the goods. To do this, using the terminal, the user loads the container with the cargo into the reserved cell. The terminal communicates via a wireless network with the control center 3. The control center 3 processes the delivery order and reports to the distribution center 1 about the delivery requirement using the drone from this pick-up point 2.

 Point of issue 2 may also contain already prepared consignments with goods in demand, working as a vending machine.

 The above examples are special cases and do not exhaust all possible implementations of the claimed invention.

 The specialist in the art should understand that various variations of the implementations of the devices of the claimed system do not change the essence of the invention, but only determines its specific embodiment.

Claims

Claim 1. A system for delivering a container using a drone, comprising at least one drone, at least one pick-up point, characterized in that it further comprises at least one control center and at least one distribution center, wherein the pick-up point is designed as automated mail station with the ability to receive a container from the drone and dispense the container to the user and is located at a distance from the distribution center or other pick-up point corresponding to the flight path of the drone without recharging, and it is equipped with sensors for accurate landing of the drone, the drone is configured to be orientated in a satellite navigation system, hold at least one container and deliver the container from the distribution center to the pickup point, the distribution center is configured to receive at least one container and supply the drone with at least one container, the control center is configured to set the route for the drone and control the location of the drone.  2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the point of issue is made with the possibility of the user loading the container in manual mode and storing it.  3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution center is equipped with a receiving, loading and exhaust zones.