GB2556464A

GB2556464A - Method and device for distributing items by means of a delivery vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2556464A
Application number: GB1718397.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hansen Fabienne; Kazanchyan Christofer; Ulrich Neal; Tony Nguyen Toan; Abas Kevin; Nene Amit; Tran Hieu; Singh Gangandeep; Cho Hyunil; Tempelhoff Nicolaas
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2017-11-07
Filing date: 2017-11-07
Publication date: 2018-05-30
Also published as: GB201718397D0

Abstract

Method for distributing items 16 by means of a delivery vehicle, each item 16 having an identification code 20, the method comprising: reading the identification code 20 of the respective item 16 by means of a reading device, loading a shelving system 10 with the items 16, determining of the location of each item 16 on the shelving system 10 by means of at least one binary mechanical switch (22, Fig 4), transporting the shelving system 10 to predetermined distribution points and signaling of the position of the respective item 16 to be unloaded. The switches (22) may be positioned under sensor pads located beneath rubber mats 14. The weight of a parcel placed on a rubber mat 14 can cause the compression of springs (30, Fig 4) and engagement of a tactile switch (22). The position of packages may be signaled by lights such as LEDs.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Daimler AG (Incorporated in the Federal Republic of Germany) Mercedesstrasse 137, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany (72) Inventor(s):

Fabienne Hansen

Christofer Kazanchyan

Neal Ulrich

Toan Tony Nguyen

Kevin Abas

Amit Nene

Hieu Tran

Gangandeep Singh Hyunil Cho Nicolaas Tempelhoff (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2542697 A1 US 20140201041 A1

EP 3171307 A1 US 20070050271 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B60P, B65G, G06Q, H01H Other: WPI & EPODOC; Patent Fulltext (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Hofsetter Schurack & Partner Balanstr.57, Miinchen, 81541, Germany (54) Title of the Invention: Method and device for distributing items by means of a delivery vehicle Abstract Title: Determining the location of items within a delivery vehicle (57) Method for distributing items 16 by means of a delivery vehicle, each item 16 having an identification code 20, the method comprising: reading the identification code 20 of the respective item 16 by means of a reading device, loading a shelving system 10 with the items 16, determining of the location of each item 16 on the shelving system 10 by means of at least one binary mechanical switch (22, Fig 4), transporting the shelving system 10 to predetermined distribution points and signaling of the position of the respective item 16 to be unloaded. The switches (22) may be positioned under sensor pads located beneath rubber mats 14. The weight of a parcel placed on a rubber mat 14 can cause the compression of springs (30, Fig 4) and engagement of a tactile switch (22). The position of packages may be signaled by lights such as LEDs.

1/4

2/4

Method and device for distributing items by means of a delivery vehicle

The invention relates to a method and a device for distributing items by means of a delivery vehicle.

With the growing trend in e-commerce possess a challenge to increase the efficiency of the last mile delivery process due to its growing complexity. One of the biggest challenges faced by the fleet managers are the inefficient loading and unloading process. The other major challenge is the utilization of the cargo space to the maximum capacity for the delivery of the items. It is further necessary to assist the driver to be able to find the item to be delivered, so that he or she can perform his/her work efficiently.

WO 2008/138866 A2 describes a method and a device for transporting items to distribution points. The items are transported by means of a delivery vehicle with shelf modules. The items are provided with machine-readable identifications. The shelf modules are loaded with the items outside the delivery vehicle and are then transported in the delivery vehicle. The items are moved relative to a reading device. The reading device then automatically reads the respective identification of an item passing the reading device and determines in which shelf level the item is located. Said information is stored on an interim basis. For each distribution point, the position of each item that is to be removed at the distribution point is automatically detected in the shelf module depending on the sequence of the reading of the identification and the determined shelf level in which the article is located. Preferably, the items to be unloaded at the corresponding distribution points of the respective shelf module are displayed.

In UK. Pat. No. GB 2542697 a method for identifying the position of items in a delivery vehicle is described. The method comprises the following steps: reading an identification code of each item or object to be loaded, loading the items onto a shelving system, transporting the shelving system to distribution points where items are delivered and unloading at least one of the items at its respective distribution point. The shelving system is provided with a weight sensor device, by means of which the location of each item on the shelving system is determined. The location of each item is also determined on the basis of the read identification code. At each distribution point, a signal indicating the position of the items to be delivered is output. The signal may be wirelessly transmitted, and may comprise at least one symbol indicating the vehicle or shelving system. The symbol may be shown on a display.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for distributing items by means of a delivery vehicle for improving the efficiency of the distribution of the items.

This object is solved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 as well as a device having the features of patent claim 7. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

In the present invention, a method of the kind indicated in the preamble of patent claim 1 is further developed in such a way that the items can be distributed by means of a delivery vehicle in a particularly time- and cost-effective way, so that a higher efficiency of the distribution of the items can be achieved. According to the present invention, the shelving system is provided with sensor pads, which in turn comprise of at least one binary mechanical switch, wherein the determination of the location of each item on the shelving system is made by means of the at least one binary mechanical switch. The binary mechanical switch is of advantage due to its robust structure and a quick response.

In said method, the item having an identification code, is first identified by the driver by reading the identification code of the respective item by means of a reading device. The identification code can be in the form of a barcode, which includes all the information about the respective item such as, the type of the item, its weight, fragility and other material specifications, name and address of the owner of the item and the address of the receiver where the concerned item is to be delivered. Further, it can also be contemplated as a variation to the method that RFID technology can be used instead of the barcode to identify the concerned item including the information of the name and address of the owner as well as the address of the receiver, thereby eliminating the use of a barcode.

After reading the identification code of the respective item by means of a reading device, the concerned item is loaded on the shelving system of the delivery vehicle. When the item is placed on the sensor pad of the shelving system, engaging the corresponding at least one binary mechanical switch, which in turn enables to identify the location of the concerned loaded item. For example, the driver scans or reads the item’s barcode before placing the item on the shelving system and then places the respective item on the shelving system, which in turn comprises of sensor pads. Each sensor pad comprises of at least one binary mechanical switch beneath and at least one spring. As soon as the respective item is placed on the sensor pad, the at least one spring gets compressed by the weight of the placed item and as a result the at least one binary mechanical switch gets engaged. This engagement of the at least one binary mechanical switch and the read information of the prior read or scanned item are matched by means of a software, as a result the location of the respective item on the shelving system in the delivery vehicle is identified.

In said method the information regarding the weight of the respective item is identified by means of the barcode reading before the respective item is placed on the shelving system, hence no weight sensors are required. The sole purpose of the at least one binary mechanical switch being to sense the presence of the respective item placed on the corresponding sensor pad of the shelving system. This is of advantage because such binary mechanical switches are much cost effective and robust as compared to the weight sensors mentioned in GB 2542697.

The at least one binary mechanical switch and at least one spring are located underneath the sensor pad of the shelving system, that is, between the sensor pad and the base of the shelving system. The binary mechanical switch itself can comprise at least two layers of metallic or non-metallic membranes. In the off position, that is, when no item is placed on the sensor pad, the two membranes of the binary mechanical switch are kept apart by means of the spring. The spring can be located between be the two membranes of the binary mechanical switch or can be located outside the switch connecting the sensor pad and the base of the shelving system, such that the two membranes of the binary mechanical switch have a gap in between, that is, the two membranes are kept apart or are not in contact. When the respective item is placed on the sensor pad by the driver after the scanning of the barcode of the concerned item, the spring gets compressed due to the weight of the placed item and the two membranes of the binary mechanical switch come in contact, as a result an electric circuit is closed and the binary mechanical gets engaged. This in turn sends a signal to a sensing device, wherein the location of the respective binary mechanical switch and the corresponding scanned item which is placed are matched by means of the software. Hence, in this manner, the location of each item loaded on the shelving system is identified and is recorded in an electronic device, for example a mobile phone or a tablet PC. The electronic device can comprise of a central processing unit CPU in order to store and process the information about the each item and their respective locations on the shelving system. This is of advantage because in this case the driver does not need to sort the items according to different categories based on the types of items, hence it enables to ensure the maximum usage of space in the delivery vehicle. Hence, this method according to the present in offers a solution to overcome the problem of wasted time in sorting the items while loading as well as ensuring that the maximum capacity of the space on the shelving system is utilized. Moreover, since items can be placed in any order, no special training of the driver is required, which is of an additional advantage.

The at least one spring beneath the sensor pad of the shelving system help the at least one binary mechanical switch to return to “off” state when the item is unloaded. Hence, when the correct placed item on the sensor pad of the shelving system is unloaded, disengaging the corresponding at least one binary mechanical switch. In other words, the at least one spring which is in a compressed state, when the item is placed on the corresponding senor pad, returns back to its normal state on the removal of the placed item. This in turn, moves the at least two layers of metallic or non-metallic membranes of the switch apart, which in turn opens the electric circuit, causing the corresponding binary mechanical switch to disengage. It can be further, possible that this disengagement of the binary mechanical switch due to the unloading of the corresponding item can be notified to the driver by means of a software. This enables, to keep the record that the concerned item has been unloaded.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one binary mechanical switch can be in the form a tactile switch. It is further contemplated for sensing the presence of an item or package including but not limited to proximity sensors instead of tactile switches.

Further, according to the present method, the tracking of the item when moved from one sensor pad of the shelving system to another sensor pad of the shelving system by means of a software is possible. This enables the driver to keep a record of the previous history of the position of the concerned item in the delivery vehicle. This is of further advantage, since this enables the recording of the identification of the exact location of the concerned item, which can be moved from one location to another on the shelving system in between the delivery locations. This can enable a new loading of items during the distribution process, which in turn increases the efficiency of the whole distribution process.

Another advantage of the method according to the present invention is that, fleet managers can be constantly informed about the usage of space in the delivery vehicle or cargo space and how much potential space is left in their vehicles. This is achieved by pushing data comprising of the data of the vehicle usage and item locations to a cloud, as a result the fleet managers would be able to constantly monitor the usage of space in the delivery vehicle by means of a mobile warehouse or mobile inventory monitoring system. Further, during the delivery process, the route of the driver can be dynamically adjusted in order to ensure a better utilization of the delivery vehicle. Further, the present method can enable the fleet managers to automatize the whole distribution process, since the extremely robust and reliable. This is of advantage because it ensures increased speed of deliveries and more deliveries per shift.

Further advantage of the method according to the present invention relates to the helping and directing the drivers during the unloading process. At a point of delivery, showing a visual representation of the cargo space in a driver’s mobile app of the location of the specific item and light emitting diodes or LEDs or other audiovisual means in the cargo space direct the driver to the corresponding item. Hence, this method offers assistance to the drivers to find the concerned item when the delivery vehicle arrives a distribution point. This in turn helps is reducing the time, which could be spent in searching the corresponding item and hence as whole the efficiency of the distribution process is increased. This is of advantage because it ensures a reduced cognitive load on the driver and increased accuracy of deliveries.

Further advantage of the method according to the present invention is that the method does not rely on permanent internet connection via 2G/3G or the like, which has proven to be an issue in case of underground parking situations or remote areas. Hence, this method offers an offline solution enabling the overall process more stability and reliability.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a device for distributing items by means of a delivery vehicle, each item having an identification code. The device comprises a reading device, which is designed to read the identification code of the respective item, a shelving system, which is designed to be loaded with the items, a delivery vehicle, which is designed to transport the shelving system and the items arranged on the shelving system to predetermined distribution points and a signal unit, which is designed for the signaling of the position of the respective item to be unloaded at the respective distribution point.

According to the invention, the shelving system comprises of at least one binary switch, by means of which the determination of the location of each item on the shelving system is made. When the item is placed on a sensor pad of the shelving system, the corresponding at least one binary mechanical switch gets engaged, which enables the location of the corresponding item on the shelving system. Further, when the correct placed item on the sensor pad of the shelving system is unloaded, the corresponding at least one binary mechanical switch gets disengaged. A further advantage of the present invention is that the placed items can be physically secured by means of straps, dividers or another method.

Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the present invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the printing apparatus according to the present invention and vice versa.

Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention derive from the following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

The drawings show in:

Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of a shelving system with parcel organization dividers and a rubber mat;

Fig. 2 a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the shelving system with items loaded;

Fig. 3 a schematic and perspective view of two sensor pads underneath the rubber mat of the shelving system;

Fig

Fig a schematic and perspective view of underside of the sensor pad;

a schematic and perspective top view of a cargo space of a delivery vehicle;

part of a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the shelving system; and part of a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the shelving system.

In the figures the same elements or elements having the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of a shelving system 10 with parcel organization dividers 12 and a rubber mat 14. The shelving system 10 is designed to accommodate a wide range of items 16 (shown in fig. 2) of different sizes. Before placing the item 16 on the shelving system 10, the driver reads the identification code 20 (shown in fig. 2) of the respective item 16 by means of a reading device. The identification code 20 can be in the form of a bar code. After reading the identification code 20 of the item 16, the driver places the item 16 on the shelving system 10 in the space between the parcel organization dividers 12 on the rubber mat 14 of the shelving system 10.

Parcel organization dividers 12 are designed to separate the loaded items 16 as well as to provide the driver or user a location to place each item separately in the space between two parcel organization dividers 12 on the shelving system 10, in order to enable the placement of exactly one item 16 on a sensor pad 18 (shown in fig. 3) located underneath the rubber mat 14, each between the parcel organization dividers 12. One item 16 is placed on one sensor pad 16.The rubber mat 14 is designed to provide traction to the placed items 16 on the shelving system 10, this ensures to prevent the placed items 16 from slipping from the shelving system 10 during while the delivery vehicle 24 (shown in fig. 5) is driven by the driver for transporting the shelving system 10 and the items 16 arranged on the shelving system 10 to predetermined distribution points.

The other major function of the rubber mat 14 is to cover sensor pads 18 (shown in fig. 3) The rubber mat 14 can further protect the sensor pads 18 located underneath from abrasions which can occur during the placement of items 16 and also protect the sensor pads 18 from leakage of fluids from the items 16 or external spilling of fluids on the shelving system 10. A further advantage of the rubber mat is that it can be used as a shock absorbents, in case when heavy items are placed on the shelving system 10 so that the sensor pads 18 do not receive the high impulse, which could damage the sensor pads 18 as well as the binary mechanical switches (shown in fig. 4) and springs 30 (shown in fig. 4) underneath each of the sensor pads 18. The rubber mat 14 can be made of other suitable materials such as plastic or different polymers as well.

The shelving system 10 can be arranged so that the items 16 are loaded on the shelving system 10 outside the delivery vehicle 24 and then the shelving system 10 is transported by means of a sliding or rolling mechanism into the cargo space 26 of the delivery vehicle 24. It is further, possible that the shelving system 10 forms a part of the floor of the delivery vehicle 24 as well. A further possibility can be where the shelving system 10 can be in the form of multiple shelves or racks which can be loaded with items 16 either outside the delivery vehicle 24 and then transported into the delivery vehicle 24 or the shelving system 10 is located fixed inside the delivery vehicle 24 itself, on which the items 16 are loaded.

In an embodiment of the shelving system 10, the placed items can be physically secured by means of straps, dividers or another method, in order to provide additional security to the placed items 16 on the shelving system 10, so that the placed items 16 do not slip during the movement of the delivery vehicle 24. This is of advantage, since it allows that the rubber mat 14 can be made of any other material which does not have a good traction, since the items 16 can be secured by means of straps, dividers or another method. This can allows for a flexibility in the usage of the material of the rubber mat 14 of the shelving system 10.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the shelving system 10 with items 16 loaded, wherein items 16 are placed or loaded the shelving system 10 after their respective identification codes 20 are read or scanned by means of a reading device. The items are placed between the parcel organization dividers 12, such that one item is placed on each sensor pad 18, which is located underneath the rubber mat 14 of the shelving system 10.

Fig. 3 depicts a schematic and perspective view of two sensor pads 18 underneath the rubber mat 14 of the shelving system 10. The sensor pads 18 are located direct underneath the rubber mat 14 and provide a base for the items 16 to be placed on the shelving system 10. After reading the identification code 20 of the item 16, the driver places the item 16 on the shelving system 10 directly on one corresponding sensor pad 18. The exact placement of the item 16 on the sensor pad 18 is ensured by the parcel organization dividers 12. Underneath the sensor pad 18 are binary mechanical switches 22 (shown in fig. 4) and springs 30 (shown in fig. 4), which connect the sensor pad 18 with the base 28 of the shelving system 10. The holes 31 on the sensor pad 18 can be used to fix the rubber mat 14 on top of the sensor pad 18 by means of clipping element for example.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic and perspective view of underside of the sensor pad 18, wherein a multiple binary mechanical switches 22 and springs 30 are attached to the underside of the sensor pad 18. When the driver after reading the identification code 20 of the item 16 and places the item 16 between the parcel organization dividers 12 on the rubber mat 14 of the of the shelving system 10, it is ensured that the item 16 is places on the corresponding sensor pad 18 located underneath the rubber mat 14 in the space between the parcel organization dividers 12. Once the item 16 is placed above the sensor pad 18, it presses the sensor pad in downward direction due to its weight. This leads to the compression of the springs 30 located below the sensor pad 18 and the at least one binary mechanical 22 switch gets engaged. This leads to the determination of the location of each item 16 on the shelving system 10 by means of the at least one binary mechanical switch 22. The geo-information about the location of the item 16 in the cargo space 26 of the delivery vehicle 24 and the information of the item 16 itself contained in its identification code 18 are recorded by means of a software and communicated to the driver through an electronic device, such as a tablet or a driver’s mobile phone by means of a mobile app. Further, the springs 30 ensure that when the correct placed item 16 on the sensor pad 18 of the shelving system 10 is unloaded or picked up by the driver at the time of the delivery of the corresponding item 16, that the corresponding at least one binary mechanical switch 22 gets disengaged.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic and perspective top view of the cargo space 26 of the delivery vehicle 24. When the delivery vehicle 24 reaches the point of delivery, a visual display terminal shows the driver the outline of the cargo space 26 of the delivery vehicle 24 and the location of the corresponding item 16, that needs to be delivered at the particular distribution point. It is possible that more than one items 16 can be delivered at the same particular distribution point, in the case of the corresponding locations are shown on the visual display. When the driver opens the delivery vehicle’s rear door to enter into the cargo space 26 to pick up the corresponding items 16, a series of floor lighting 32 glow in order to help direct the driver to the correct zone, where the item 16 is located in the cargo space 26. The floor lighting 32 can be in the form of LEDs, this is in addition to the audiovisual notifications or signals about the location of the item 16 given to the driver through his mobile app. The audiovisual signals notify the driver and direct him or her to the corresponding distribution address, where the corresponding item 16 needs to be delivered.

Fig. 6 shows a part of a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the shelving system 10. The part of the embodiment of the shelving system 10 shown in fig. 6 comprises of three shelves 38. The shelves 38 can be supported by a structure 40 to provide stability to the shelves 38 of the shelving system 10 during the movement of the delivery vehicle 24. The top shelve 38 of the shelving system 10 is loaded with an item 16. The top shelf 38 according to the present embodiment of the shelving system 10 is designed to hold one item 16 in the transverse direction, shown in the form of an arrow 42. The front side of the top shelf 38 contains a LED indicator 34, which has trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The LED indicator 34 can be integrated to the shelf 38 and a cover 36 can be further used for the protection of the LED indicator 34. It can be also possible that the LED indicator 34 is integrated to the cover 36 and then it is attached to the shelf 38. The LED indicator 34, in this case is glowing because the top shelf 38 holds an item 16, it can be possible that when the driver places the item 16 on the shelf 38, the LED 34 starts glowing or in an ON” state, indicating that the at least one binary mechanical switch 22 is engaged, and that the location of the placed item 16 is identified.

The middle shelf 38 according to the present embodiment of the shelving system 10 is designed to hold two items 16 in the transverse direction, shown in the form of an arrow 42. The middle shelf 38 comprises of two LED strips, the LED indicator 34 a indicating the presence of the item 16 on the backside and the LED indicator 34 b indicating the presence of the item 16 on the front side on the middle shelf 38 of the shelving system 10. In this case, it can be seen that, only the item 16 is located on the front side of the middle shelf 38, hence, only the LED indicator 34b is glowing or in an “ON” state.

Whereas there is not item placed on the backside of the middle shelf 38, due which the LED indicator 34a is not glowing or in an “OFF” state. It is further possible, that at the time of delivery when the delivery vehicle 24 reaches the distribution point, the LEDs corresponding to the item 16, that is to be distributed, start blinking or glow in a different color or glow in a different intensity in addition to the audiovisual signal to the driver on his mobile terminal or device, as well as the floor lighting 32 up to the location of the corresponding item 16, that is to be distributed. Once the driver picks up the corresponding item 16 from the shelf 38, the corresponding LED stops glowing or get into an OFF” state, indicating that the at least one binary mechanical switch 22 underneath is disengaged. Similar to the top shelf 38, the middle shelf 38 also comprises the cover 36.

The bottom shelf 38 according to the present embodiment of the shelving system is designed to hold two items 16 in the transverse direction, shown in the form of an arrow 42. The bottom shelve 38 comprises of two LED strips, the LED indicator 34 a indicating the presence of the item 16 on the backside and the LED indicator 34 b indicating the presence of the item 16 on the front side on the middle shelf 38 of the shelving system 10. However, in this case, it can be seen that, both the items 16 are either not located on the bottom shelf 38 or have been already picked up for the delivery. As a result, both the LEDs 34a and 34 b are not glowing or are in an “OFF” state. Similar to the top shelf 38 and the middle shelf 38, the bottom shelf 38 also comprises the cover 36.

Fig. 7 shows part of a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the shelving system 10. Here the shelving system 10 without the rubber mat 14 and the sensor pads 18 is shown, wherein the shelf 38, the parcel organization divider 12, the base 28, the binary mechanical switches 22, the LEDs 34a and 34b and the cover 36 are shown.

Claims

1. Method for distributing items (16) by means of a delivery vehicle (24), each item (16) having an identification code (18), the method comprising:

- reading the identification code (18) of the respective item (16) by means of a reading device;

- loading a shelving system (10) with the items (16);

- determining of the location of each item (16) on the shelving system (10);

- transporting the shelving system (10) and the items (16) arranged on the shelving system (10) to predetermined distribution points;

- signaling of the position of the respective item (16) to be unloaded at the respective distribution point;

characterized in that, the determination of the location of each item (16) on the shelving system (10) is made by means of at least one binary mechanical switch (22).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the item (16) is placed on a sensor pad (18) of the shelving system (10), engaging the corresponding at least one binary mechanical switch (22).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the correct placed item (16) on the sensor pad (18) of the shelving system (10) is unloaded, disengaging the corresponding at least one binary mechanical switch (22).

4. Method according any one of the above mentioned claims, characterized in that, tracking of the item (16) when moved from one sensor pad (18) of the shelving system (10) to another sensor pad (18) of the shelving system (10) by means of a software.

5. Method according any one of the above mentioned claims, characterized in that, pushing data comprising of the data of the vehicle usage and item (16) locations to a cloud.

6. Method according any one of the above mentioned claims, characterized in that, at a point of delivery, showing a visual representation of the cargo space (26) in a driver’s mobile app of the location of the specific item (16) and LEDs (32, 34) or other audiovisual means in the cargo space (26) direct the driver to the corresponding item.

7. Device for distributing items (16) by means of a delivery vehicle (24), each item (16) having an identification code (20), the device comprising:

- a reading device, which is designed to read the identification code (20) of the respective item (16);

- a shelving system (10), which is designed to be loaded with the items (16);

- a sensing unit, which is designed for the determination of the location of each item (16) placed on the shelving system (10);

- a delivery vehicle (24), which is designed to transport the shelving system (10) and the items (16) arranged on the shelving system (10) to predetermined distribution points;

- a signal unit, which is designed for the signaling of the position of the respective item (16) to be unloaded at the respective distribution point;

characterized in that, the shelving system (10) comprises of at least one binary switch (22), by means of which the determination of the location of each item (16) on the shelving system (10) is made.

8. Device according to claims 7, characterized in that, when the item (16) is placed on a sensor pad (18) of the shelving system (10), the corresponding at least one binary mechanical switch (22) gets engaged.

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, when the correct placed item (16) on the sensor pad (18) of the shelving system (10) is unloaded, the corresponding at least one binary mechanical switch (22) gets disengaged.

10. Device according to any of the mentioned claims from 7 to 9, characterized in that, the placed items (16) can be physically secured.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1718397.1

1-10