WO2023111199A1

WO2023111199A1 - Aerodrome structure for a distribution centre

Info

Publication number: WO2023111199A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/086192
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harpreet Singh SANDHU; Stuart Bloomfield; Andrea Fang-Ning WU-SANDHU
Original assignee: Urban Air Port Limited
Priority date: 2021-12-16
Filing date: 2022-12-15
Publication date: 2023-06-22
Also published as: GB2615734A

Abstract

An aerodrome structure (100) for use in cooperation with a loading dock (20) of a building comprises a lift structure and a cargo transition structure (150). The lift structure comprises an upstanding structure (130); a platform (110) located within the upstanding structure (130); and a lift mechanism (120) configured to raise and lower the platform (110) between an upper level (112) and a lower level (114, 116). The platform (110), when at the upper level (112), provides a take-off and landing pad (110) for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The platform (110), when at the lower level (114, 116), provides access to the cargo transition structure (150). The cargo transition structure (150) comprises a port (180) configured to cooperate with a loading dock (20) to facilitate transfer of cargo via the port (180) between a building comprising the loading dock (20) and the lift structure.

Description

Aerodrome structure for a distribution centre

Background

Demand for rapid, efficient and sustainable parcel delivery is growing.

Distribution centres play a significant part in distribution networks. A distribution centre may receive goods from suppliers and pick orders to be sent onward, for example directly to consumers or to retail stores. To facilitate this, distribution centres commonly provide a plurality of docks, each of which is suitable to receive a lorry or truck and provides direct level access from a floor area of the distribution centre to a floor area of a docked lorry or truck.

Such docks are usually intended to receive a large lorry or truck, configured to carry large quantities of parcels. For last mile delivery of consumer goods, it is common for smaller vans to be deployed. The economics of parcel delivery are such that, for consumer goods, a van deployed in last mile delivery may need to carry sufficient parcels to be delivered over the course of an entire working day. This means that, for customers at the end of the delivery route, their parcel will be on the delivery van for potentially most of the delivery day prior to being delivered, leading to a delay in the delivery being made.

The use of small, short-range, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is attractive, in particular for last mile parcel delivery to consumers. Such aircraft may require less human involvement than a van and may be configured to handle a single parcel and therefore to deliver it directly to the recipient without first going via delivery points for other parcels.

VTOL aircraft may be electrically-powered, or comprise hybrid power systems which combine different energy sources, and are therefore more sustainable than conventional fossil-fuelled delivery methods.

Transportation of relatively small-scale cargo shipments by VTOL aircraft may benefit from associated ground infrastructure at a distribution centre giving the ability to reach large populations rapidly.

13223834V 1 The present disclosure aims to address this infrastructure need in an efficient, flexible, robust, and cost-effective manner.

Summary

Against this background, there is provided an aerodrome structure for use in cooperation with a loading dock of a building, the aerodrome structure comprising a lift structure and a cargo transition structure, wherein the lift structure comprises: an upstanding structure; a platform located within the upstanding structure; a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the platform between an upper level and a lower level; wherein the platform, when at the upper level, provides a take-off and landing pad for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft; wherein the platform, when at the lower level, provides access to the cargo transition structure; and wherein the cargo transition structure comprises a port configured to cooperate with a loading dock to facilitate transfer of cargo via the port between a building comprising the loading dock and the lift structure.

In this way, infrastructure is provided for receiving and sending VTOL aircraft, and for processing their cargo, in a manner that is adapted to integrate with a distribution centre using existing distribution centre dock infrastructure. Thus, increased delivery speed relative to conventional on-road deliveries can be provided.

Since the aerodrome structure effectively plugs into a dock, no adaptations of the existing real estate are needed. Furthermore, a power supply available at the dock for lorries and trucks can be used to power the aerodrome structure. In addition, since the aerodrome structure is of similar dimensions to a lorry (in order to facilitate cooperation with a lorry dock), the aerodrome structure can be manufactured off site and delivered to the distribution centre by road for immediate deployment and minimum disruption. In addition, the aerodrome structure can be easily transported between sites to adapt to fluctuations in demand and changes in distribution centre operations.

13223834V 1 Advantageously, the cargo transition structure of the aerodrome structure provides an intermediate space for cargo after it has left the domain of the distribution centre whilst awaiting departure with a VTOL. This means that floor area within the distribution centre does not need to be set aside for this purpose.

Optionally, the aerodrome structure may comprise a pair of aerodrome structures comprising a first aerodrome structure and a second aerodrome structure, wherein the first aerodrome structure is parallel to the second aerodrome structure and the first aerodrome structure is spaced apart from the second aerodrome structure such that the port of the first aerodrome structure and the port of the second aerodrome structure are configured to cooperate with adjacent loading docks of the distribution centre.

In this way, a pair of adjacent docks may be deployed and the space between used to provide more facilities, all of which are independent of the distribution centre.

Optionally, the aerodrome structure may further comprise a link structure located between the first aerodrome structure and the second aerodrome structure.

Optionally, the cargo transition structure may have a cargo transition floor having a first level configured to align with a floor of the distribution centre at the port at the first level.

Optionally, the lift mechanism may be configured to raise and lower the platform to a second lower level, beneath the upper level.

Optionally, the second lower level may comprise one or more of the following: storage for vertical take-off and landing aircraft; charging facilities for vertical take-off and landing aircraft; battery exchange facilities for vertical take-off and landing aircraft; refuelling facilities for vertical take-off and landing aircraft; and a maintenance facility for vertical take-off and landing aircraft

In this way, VTOL aircraft may be charged/fuelled/maintained within the aerodrome structure. Optionally, the cargo transition structure may comprise cargo transit apparatus configured to transfer cargo from the cargo transition structure to the platform.

Optionally, the upstanding structure of the lift structure may have a circular cross sectional shape and the platform has a corresponding circular shape.

Optionally, an exterior of the lift structure may have a square cross sectional shape outside the upstanding structure.

Optionally, the square cross sectional shape may have an elongate axis that is coaxial with an elongate axis of the upstanding structure.

Optionally, the cargo transition structure may have a rectangular cross sectional shape.

Optionally, the aerodrome assembly may further comprise a photo-voltaic panel on an exterior fagade of the aerodrome assembly.

Optionally, the platform of the lift structure module comprises a QR code on an upward facing surface of the platform for identification of the platform by an airborne aircraft approaching the aerodrome assembly.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic image of a distribution centre with which the aerodrome structure of the disclosure may be used;

Figure 2 shows a highly schematic cross sectional representation of a lorry or truck at a dock of the distribution centre in accordance with the prior art;

Figure 3 shows a schematic image of a distribution centre together with an aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure;

13223834V 1 Figure 4 shows a highly schematic cross sectional representation of the aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure at a dock of the distribution centre, and with the platform at the upper level;

Figure 5 shows the same highly schematic cross sectional representation of the aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure at a dock of the distribution centre, and with the platform at a lower level;

Figure 6 shows a highly schematic further embodiment of an aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure comprising an intermediate level; and

Figure 7 shows a highly schematic further embodiment of an aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure further comprising a cargo transit apparatus configured to transfer cargo from the cargo transition structure to the platform.

Detailed description

Distribution centres commonly provide a plurality of docks, each of which is suitable to receive a lorry or truck and to provide direct level access from a floor area of the distribution centre to a floor area of a docked lorry or truck. In this way, goods stored in the distribution centre may be easily transferred onto a docked lorry or truck for onward distribution, for example to a consumer or a retail store.

With increased online retail and growing demand for rapid delivery, there is appetite for increased delivery capacity and speed. Trials of parcel delivery by vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft have taken place. In order for such a method of parcel delivery to become more commonplace, it is necessary to provide appropriate infrastructure.

Distribution centres are often built on a very large scale and at considerable cost. Therefore there is understandable reluctance to build entirely new distribution centres with dedicated infrastructure for VTOL aircraft. Figure 1 shows part of a conventional distribution centre 10 that comprises a plurality of docks 20, each of which docks is suitable to receive a lorry or truck 50. The distribution centre 10 may have a floor 30 at a level that is raised relative to a level 40 of the surrounding ground, with the step change between the two floor levels coinciding with each dock 20. In this way, a floor of the cargo volume of a lorry or truck 50 may be the same as the height of a floor 30 of the dock 20, which facilitates level access between the distribution centre 10 and the cargo volume of the lorry or truck 50.

Figure 2 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a lorry or truck 50 docked at a dock 20. The lorry or truck 50 may be conventional with a cargo area 52 having a floor 55 and an access port 80 (represented by a dotted line in the figure) that may be sealable with a door such as a roller door 60. The dock 20 comprises a dock platform 35 marking a change in height between the level 40 of the surrounding ground and a level of the floor 30 of the distribution centre 10. In this way, with the lorry or truck 50 docked, the floor 55 of the cargo volume of the lorry or truck 50 is at the same level as the floor 30 of the distribution centre 10. The dock 20 may comprise a shutter door 25.

The present disclosure relates to infrastructure, specifically an aerodrome structure that is deployable at the dock 20 of an existing distribution centre 10 for sending and receiving VTOL aircraft.

Figure 3 shows the distribution centre 10 with a pair of aerodrome structures 100 located to cooperate with a pair of adjacent docks 20. Each aerodrome structure 100 comprises a platform 110. The platform 110 that provides a take-off and landing pad 110 for a VTOL aircraft 500.

In situations where a pair of aerodrome structures 100 is deployed together at adjacent docks 20, the space between the two aerodrome structures 100 may be deployed, for example as an access way 200 between the exterior and the interior of the aerodrome structures 100.

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross sectional view of an aerodrome structure 100 in accordance with the present disclosure cooperating with a dock 20 of the distribution centre 10.

13223834V 1 The aerodrome structure 100 comprises a base 140 and a roof 145, an upstanding structure 130, a lift mechanism 120 and a cargo transition structure 150. The cargo transition structure 150 comprises a floor 155 and a port 180 (represented by a dotted line in the figures) that is configured to cooperate with a dock 20 of the distribution centre 10.

The base 140 is located at a base level 118. When the aerodrome structure 100 is deployed at a dock, the base may be located at ground level. The floor 155 of the cargo transition structure 150 is raised relative to the base 140. The aerodrome structure 100 may comprise one or more height adjustment elements to enable adjustment of the height of the floor 155 of the cargo transition structure 150 to meet the height of the dock platform 35 more accurately.

The lift mechanism 120 is configured to raise and lower the platform 110 within the upstanding structure 130 between an upper level 112 (shown in Figure 4) and a lower level 114 (shown in Figure 5). At the upper level 112, the platform 110 provides a take-off and landing pad 110 for a VTOL aircraft 500. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 4, upper level 112 is aligned with the roof 145. At the lower level 114, the platform 110 is level with the floor 155 of the cargo transition structure 150. The floor 155 of the cargo transition structure 150 aligns with the floor 30 of the distribution centre 10.

In this way, cargo may be moved from the interior of the distribution centre 10 via an interior volume 152 of the cargo transition structure 150 and onto a VTOL aircraft 500 located on the platform 110 when at the lower level 114 (as shown in Figure 5), without having to navigate any changes in floor height. The platform 110 may then be raised by the lift mechanism 120 to the upper level 112 at which level the platform 110 provides a take-off and landing pad for the VTOL aircraft 500.

The lift mechanism 120 may comprise any appropriate lifting apparatus. While the schematic figures show a scissor lift, the lift mechanism 120 is not to be understood as being limited to a scissor lift. For example, the lift mechanism 120 may comprise a link, a column or an integrated lift mechanism.

The aerodrome structure 100 may further comprise a secondary volume having a secondary floor 158 at an additional lower level 116, as shown in Figure 6. In this arrangement, the additional lower level 116 is located between the upper level 112 and the

13223834V 1 lower level 114 and may provide additional functionality. For example, the secondary floor 158 may provide storage or charging space for VTOL aircraft. The secondary floor 158 may comprise a charger 190. (Equally, a charger 190 may be located elsewhere within the aerodrome structure 100.) While the Figure 6 arrangement shows the secondary floor 158 between the upper level 112 and the lower level 114, in an alternative arrangement the secondary floor (not illustrated) may be located below the lower level 114.

Further additional levels (not illustrated) may also be provided, potentially to add capacity and/or functionality.

The cargo transition structure 150 may comprise a cargo transit apparatus 300, which may be in the form of a robot 300. The disclosure envisages any cargo transit apparatus, including any active cargo transit apparatus, any passive cargo transit apparatus and any combination of active and passive cargo transit apparatus. Furthermore, the highly schematic robot 300 shown in Figure 6 is intended to represent any form of robotic functionality. The cargo transit apparatus 300 may comprise any one or more of the following: a slide, a chute, a shaft, a tube, a conduit, a trough, a channel, a sluice, a funnel, a carousel, a conveyor, a belt, a wheeled robot, a static robot, or any other appropriate apparatus, either alone or in combination. The cargo transit apparatus 300 may further comprise a framework for supporting other elements of the cargo transit apparatus 300. For example, where the cargo transit apparatus 300 comprises a wheeled robot, the framework may comprise rails or guides for assisting or facilitating movement of the wheeled robot.

The upstanding structure of the lift structure may have a circular cross sectional shape and the platform has a corresponding circular shape, per the arrangement illustrated in Figure 3. Other cross sectional shapes fall within the scope of the disclosure.

An exterior of the lift structure may have a square cross sectional shape outside the upstanding structure, per the arrangement illustrated in Figure 3. Other cross sectional shapes fall within the scope of the disclosure.

The square cross sectional shape may have an elongate axis that is coaxial with an elongate axis of the upstanding structure.

13223834V 1 The cargo transition structure may have a rectangular cross sectional shape, per the arrangement illustrated in Figure 3. Other cross sectional shapes fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the cross sectional shape may be include at least some curved portions.

Instead of or in addition to an electric charger, the aerodrome structure 100 may comprise a battery exchange facility and/or a hydrogen refuelling facility. Furthermore, any of these components may be located in any appropriate part of the aerodrome structure 100.

The aerodrome structure 100 may comprises one or more photovoltaic panels on an exterior face of the aerodrome structure 100.

This disclosure uses the terms dock and loading dock. Other terms, including loading bay, and loading zone may be equally applicable. Similarly, the terms unloading dock, unloading bay and unloading zone may also be appropriate.

The disclosure uses the term distribution centre. Other terms, including fulfilment centre, may be equally applicable. Furthermore, the aerodrome structure might be deployed in any environment with a loading dock, not necessarily a distribution centre located in a large warehouse facility. Distribution centres can be in a smaller format. In addition, the aerodrome structure might be deployed in other environments, such as at a loading dock of a retail store.

While use of the aerodrome structure 100 has been described largely in relation to the despatch of parcels, it may be equally appropriate for the receipt of parcels, or for both receipt and despatch.

13223834V 1

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An aerodrome structure for use in cooperation with a loading dock of a building, the aerodrome structure comprising a lift structure and a cargo transition structure, wherein the lift structure comprises: an upstanding structure; a platform located within the upstanding structure; a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the platform between an upper level and a lower level; wherein the platform, when at the upper level, provides a take-off and landing pad for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft; wherein the platform, when at the lower level, provides access to the cargo transition structure; and wherein the cargo transition structure comprises a port configured to cooperate with a loading dock to facilitate transfer of cargo via the port between a building comprising the loading dock and the lift structure.

2. The aerodrome structure of claim 1 comprising a pair of aerodrome structures, each in accordance with claim 1 , the pair of aerodrome structures comprising a first aerodrome structure and a second aerodrome structure, wherein the first aerodrome structure is parallel to the second aerodrome structure and the first aerodrome structure is spaced apart from the second aerodrome structure such that the port of the first aerodrome structure and the port of the second aerodrome structure are configured to cooperate with adjacent loading docks of the distribution centre.

3. The aerodrome structure of claim 2 further comprising a link structure located between the first aerodrome structure and the second aerodrome structure.

4. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim wherein the aerodrome structure comprises a base and the cargo transition structure comprises a cargo transition floor, wherein the cargo transition floor is raised relative to the base such that the cargo transition floor aligns with a floor of the distribution centre.

13223834V 1

5. The aerodrome structure of claim 4 further comprising one or more height adjustment elements to enable adjustment of a level of the cargo transition floor relative to the base.

6. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim wherein the lift mechanism is further configured to raise and lower the platform to a second lower level, beneath the upper level.

7. The aerodrome structure of claim 6 wherein the second lower level comprises one or more of the following: storage for vertical take-off and landing aircraft; charging facilities for vertical take-off and landing aircraft; battery exchange facilities for vertical take-off and landing aircraft; refuelling facilities for vertical take-off and landing aircraft; and a maintenance facility for vertical take-off and landing aircraft

8. The aerodrome structure of any preceding wherein the cargo transition structure comprises cargo transit apparatus configured to transfer cargo from the cargo transition structure to the platform.

9. The aerodrome assembly of any preceding claim wherein the upstanding structure of the lift structure has a circular cross sectional shape and the platform has a corresponding circular shape.

10. The aerodrome assembly of any preceding claim wherein an exterior of the lift structures has a square cross sectional shape outside the upstanding structure.

11. The aerodrome assembly of claim 10 wherein the square cross sectional shape has an elongate axis that is coaxial with an elongate axis of the upstanding structure.

12. The aerodrome assembly of claim 11 wherein the cargo transition structure has a rectangular cross sectional shape.

13. The aerodrome assembly of any preceding claim further comprising a photo-voltaic panel on an exterior fagade of the aerodrome assembly.

13223834V 1

14. The aerodrome assembly of any preceding claim wherein the platform of the lift structure module comprises a QR code on an upward facing surface of the platform for identification of the platform by an airborne aircraft approaching the aerodrome assembly.