Account Resource Distribution Rail Selection for Fast Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distribution systems for account closures are inefficient, unreliable, and costly, with significant computing resources required to track physical checks and manage resource distribution, leading to delays and liabilities for provider institutions.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes a hierarchical ordering matrix to determine a preferred rail for distributing resources based on parameters such as customer preferences and resource characteristics, automatically selecting the most suitable distribution method, including options like check mailing, transfer between accounts, blockchain, or ACH, minimizing user input and optimizing distribution efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If checks are mailed to distribute resources from an account, then the distribution can be completed, but the process becomes inefficient, costly, and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution completion reliabilityVSAvoiddistribution processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical check distribution system (physical mailing, manual tracking) with an automated electronic distribution system that uses computing resources to automatically transfer funds through electronic payment rails, eliminating the need for physical checks and manual tracking processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service distribution by automatically determining the optimal distribution method, selecting appropriate payment rails, and executing transfers without requiring manual intervention from bank employees or follow-up actions from customers, thereby improving both efficiency and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If checks are mailed to distribute resources, then distribution can occur, but significant computing resources are consumed to track the physical check

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution tracking reliabilityVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy/representation of the distribution process by maintaining electronic records of fund transfers through payment rails, replacing the need to physically track and monitor mailed checks, thereby reducing computing resource consumption while improving tracking reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If checks are mailed for resource distribution, then the account can be closed, but uncashed checks become a liability for the provider institution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccount closure easeVSAvoiddistribution completion reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically executing the resource distribution through electronic payment rails before the account closure is finalized, ensuring funds are transferred and confirmed prior to closing the account, thereby eliminating the risk of uncashed checks and enabling immediate account closure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If manual check distribution is used, then resources can be distributed, but the process is costly due to envelope and postage costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution completion reliabilityVSAvoiddistribution cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical check distribution system (envelopes, postage, physical handling) with an electronic fund transfer system that uses automated payment rails, eliminating material costs associated with physical check distribution while maintaining or improving distribution reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12614160B2Distribution utility

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

A method includes: receiving an indication of a distribution initiating event; identifying resources associated with the distribution initiating event; retrieving a hierarchical ordering matrix that utilizes at least one parameter to control a distribution of the resources; determining a preferred rail for distributing the resources based on the at least one parameter associated with at least one of the resources or a customer relative to the hierarchical ordering matrix, whereby determining the preferred rail includes receiving a customer preference regarding a preferred distribution methodology for the resources, and selecting one of the plurality of rails to be the preferred rail based on the received customer preference and an amount of the resources to be distributed being less than a max transfer amount of the one of the plurality of rails that is selected to be the preferred rail; and initiating the distribution of the resources via the preferred rail.