AI Colluded Shipping 3D Printing Logistics Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high costs associated with product shipment are influenced by packaging size, weight, and content value, as well as geographical and regulatory factors, which existing logistics methods struggle to optimize effectively.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system identifies printable and non-printable 3D components in a product order and sends instructions to a 3D printing partner to print and assemble the product, optimizing shipping by selecting a partner based on proximity and assembly skills, thereby reducing shipping costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional centralized manufacturing and shipping methods are used, then product delivery can be achieved through established logistics channels, but shipping costs increase due to large packaging size, weight, and geographical distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing process by dividing the product into printable 3D components and non-printable components. This allows local production of certain parts through 3D printing while other components are manufactured centrally and shipped, thereby reducing overall shipping costs and packaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the supply chain by integrating 3D printing capability at distributed locations. This transforms the traditional linear manufacturing-shipping model into a multi-dimensional network where components can be produced locally on-demand, reducing geographical constraints and shipping distances.
2Reliability
If all product components are manufactured centrally and shipped to customers, then quality control is easier, but packaging size and weight increase leading to higher shipping costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments components into those suitable for 3D printing and those requiring traditional manufacturing. Printable components are produced locally, reducing package weight and volume for shipping, while non-printable components are manufactured centrally with controlled quality standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the information handling system receives customer requests, determines component types, and coordinates with 3D printing partners. This feedback loop ensures quality control is maintained through systematic coordination while enabling local production to reduce shipping weight.
3Loss of energy
If 3D printing is used to produce customized components locally, then shipping costs are reduced, but the system complexity increases due to coordination between multiple entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an information handling system as an intermediary that coordinates between customers, 3D printing partners, and traditional manufacturing sources. This intermediary manages the complexity by automatically receiving requests, determining component types, and coordinating production and assembly, thereby reducing system complexity through centralized intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The information handling system performs multiple functions: receiving customer requests, analyzing component requirements, selecting appropriate manufacturing methods, coordinating with 3D printing partners, and managing assembly instructions. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single coordinating system rather than distributing it across multiple specialized systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If on-demand 3D printing is implemented, then product customization and local production are enabled, but assembly coordination between different components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The information handling system acts as an intermediary that receives assembly instructions from the customer and coordinates with both the 3D printing partner and the supplier of non-printable components. This ensures all components are prepared according to specific customer requirements and delivered with proper assembly instructions, simplifying the coordination process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining component types, selecting manufacturing methods, and preparing assembly instructions before production begins. This advance planning ensures that all components are ready for assembly with proper coordination, reducing difficulties during the actual assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided in which an information handling system receives a request for a product from a first entity that includes multiple components. The information handling system determines that the components include a set of printable 3D components and a set of non-printable 3D components. Next, the information handling system sends a set of component instructions to a second entity to print the set of printable 3D components and, in turn, sends a set of assembly instructions to the second entity to assemble the product using the set of 3D printable components and the set of non-printable 3D components.