Autonomous Postal Delivery System for Conventional Mailboxes

Abstract

An autonomous postal delivery systems for conventional mailboxes is disclosed. A self-driving vehicle with LIDAR sensors in conjunction with GPS algorithms guides the mail delivery van safely to predetermined addresses. Onboard optical scanners recognize residential mailboxes and robotic systems retrieve mail from secured compartments and deliver mail efficiently. An objective of the invention is to automate postal deliveries to residential mailboxes using unmanned vehicles.

Claims

1. An autonomous postal delivery systems for conventional mailboxes.

2. The device of claim one providing an automated residential postal delivery service.

3. The device of claim one providing an autonomous vehicle to transport mail items to such mail boxes.

4. The device of claim one providing optical or radio frequency scanners to recognize exact mailbox locations in order to properly position said autonomous vehicle.

5. The device of claim one providing an an automated, mail sorting system within said autonomous vehicle.

6. The device of claim one providing an a ‘point-of-delivery-apparatus’ system whereby mail is inserted inside of a mailbox using the robotic arm with a cylinder and piston apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive, examples of embodiments and/or features. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. In the drawings:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a section view of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a section view of the robotic arm and cylinder placing mail inside a mailbox.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the delivery function method.

[0017] Other aspects of the present invention shall be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the following detailed description, neither of which should be considered limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0018] In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.

[0019] FIG. 1 showing a perspective front view of autonomous delivery vehicle 6 having a plurality of visual sensors 8 disposed at several sides of said vehicle 6 including the uppermost surface and front bumper area 1. Sensors may be comprised of rotating LIDAR units that broadcast a series of laser points 7 that return to the sensor, sent to the main controller and are interpreted to prevent collisions. Said sensors comprised of systems such as those by Velodyne™ and used in Google™ autonomous vehicles thereon.

[0020] FIG. 2 showing a top view of autonomous delivery vehicle 6 stopped at a mailbox 8. Onboard mailbox sensor 9 detecting conventional residential mailbox 3 comprised of an optical scanner and/or RFID and the like. Signals from said sensor 9 being used by the vehicle main controller to determine elevation of said box 3 and position the vehicle in a manner such that mail can be transferred from vehicle 6 to said box 3.

[0021] FIG. 3 showing a section view of autonomous vehicle 6 having mailbox camera detector 9 affixed thereto and window 15 with a selectively, upwardly-sliding window governed by main controller unit 8 allowing robot arm 23 with gripper 10 (located on one end of said vehicle 6) to transfer mail items to the exterior of said vehicle 6 therein. Said robot arm 23 also being comprised of servo motors allowing said arm 23 to articulate in all directions. Conveyor 12 comprised of a flexible belt, such as rubber etc., being disposed below mail compartments 13 and looped around two rollers with motors connected to said controller 18. FIG. 3 showing horizontal and vertical gantries 14 being adapted along mail compartments 13 allowing robotic grippers 16 to be moved to infinite positions among said mail compartments 13. Said grippers 10 having servo motors allowing them to control grips based on instructions from said main controller 18. FIG. 3 also showing battery assembly 17 configured along a terminal end of said vehicle 6's floor comprised of lithium or nickel hydride etc. cells.

[0022] FIG. 4 showing a section view of conventional residential mailbox 3 having gripper 10 inserting mail cylinder into said mailbox 3. Cylinder 21 comprised of a hollow cylinder made of a rigid material such as aluminum and the like and having a rigid, cylindrical plunger 26 made of plastic etc. therein. Said plunger 26 configured perpendicular to said cylinder 21's longitudinal axis and affixed to proximal rod 27 being operatively secured to said robotic arm 10 and being governed by commands from said controller 18.

[0023] FIG. 5 showing a flow diagram of methods associated with the delivery of mail in conventional mailbox 3 using aforementioned autonomous vehicle 6.

[0024] It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention, and are not to be considered limiting in any manner. While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.