Modular container delivery system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12559015-B2
Application number	US-202318333539-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 13, 2023
Priority date	Jun 13, 2023
Publication date	Feb 24, 2026
Grant date	Feb 24, 2026

Abstract

Modular container delivery systems and methods are described herein. A modular container delivery system may be implemented to facilitate autonomous delivery of packages to customers. A modular container, as described in greater detail below, may be attached to a battery operated electric vehicle (BEV) and autonomous driving platform chassis. The container system itself contains a package sorting mechanism that is configured to move packages inside the vehicle, organize them into separate section of the vehicle and retrieve packages for delivery on as needed.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A method, comprising:
attaching a modular container to a vehicle using a connection interface that provides for mechanical engagement and module communication, wherein the modular container is loaded with a plurality of box units and comprises a magnetic arm with an attachment mechanism for attaching to a magnetic pick of a box unit;
determining, based on a delivery route, at least a first package in a first box unit that is ready for delivery;
confirming delivery of the first package with a client;
using the magnetic arm to arrange the first box unit for pickup;
reading a QR code to verify the first package;
performing a package-client verification;
determining successful verification of the client;
determining that the client has arrived at a delivery location;
determining that the client has extracted the first package from the first box unit; and
updating first package status of the first package to delivered.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising
determining an incorrect client as part of the package-client verification;
moving the first package to a delayed delivery section of the modular container; and
updating the first package status to request attention.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
determining the client is unable to receive the first package as part of the package-client verification;
updating the first package status to retry delivery; and
rescheduling delivery of the first package.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising using the magnetic arm to move the first box unit from a storage section of the modular container to a delivery section of the modular container.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first box unit comprises:
a first notification LED that reflects the first package status;
a first magnetic pick for attachment with the magnetic arm; and
first electronic comms.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the first box unit further comprises a second magnetic pick located on a bottom of the first box unit for attachment with another box unit.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the modular container comprises a verification unit for reading the QR code and a delivery interface for providing the client with access to the first package.

Assignees

• Ford Global Tech Llc

Inventors

• Zuniga Pablo Gabino
• Toriz Vega Jose Luis
• Lopez Lerma Diego

Classifications

• G06Q10/0833 Primary

  Tracking · CPC title

• B60P1/6418

  the load-transporting element being a container or similar · CPC title

• B60P3/007

  for delivery of small articles, e.g. milk, frozen articles · CPC title

• B60P1/5471

  the crane being detachable from the vehicle · CPC title

• G06Q10/08

  Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management · CPC title