Back-End E-Commerce Delivery for Schedule-Controlled Merchant Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small-scale local merchants, such as florists and bakers, face challenges in setting up e-commerce websites due to complex software requirements and high overhead costs for delivering perishable products, especially when cooperating with distant merchants, and existing delivery cost estimation methods are inaccurate, leading to unrealistic pricing and quality issues.

Innovation Solution

A highly automated e-commerce system optimized for local merchants, featuring calendar-based scheduling, sophisticated delivery cost estimation, easy product addition via smartphone apps, merchant networking, and customizable gift options, allowing for efficient and transparent delivery cost calculation and network formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If local merchants use prefabricated e-commerce framework software systems, then they can establish online e-commerce systems, but the systems require considerable customization and skilled programmers to optimize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting up e-commerce systemVSAvoidsoftware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs delivery cost estimation and calculation without requiring merchant intervention or programming expertise. The automated nature of the cost estimation engine allows merchants to simply provide delivery parameters while the system handles the complex calculations and optimizations automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary automated delivery cost estimation engine that acts as a mediator between the merchant's simple input and the complex delivery cost calculations. This intermediary component handles the computational complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to merchants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If merchants sign up for high overhead services to enable distant delivery, then they can meet customer expectations, but delivery costs are hidden and unrealistic expectations are imposed on delivery florists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery coverage areaVSAvoiddelivery cost transparency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides transparent feedback to customers about actual delivery costs by displaying estimated delivery charges during the ordering process. The automated estimation engine calculates and presents realistic cost information, allowing customers to make informed decisions about delivery options and costs before completing their purchase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of hidden delivery cost markups with an automated computational system that transparently calculates and displays delivery costs. This substitution uses algorithms and data processing to provide open cost information rather than relying on opaque pricing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If standardized floral arrangements are made available for distant delivery, then delivery can be facilitated, but florists cannot or prefer not to deliver the advertised arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidproduct customization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts delivery cost estimates based on the specific product characteristics, delivery distance, and florist capabilities. Rather than using fixed standardized pricing, the automated estimation engine adapts cost calculations to match the actual delivery requirements and florist preferences, allowing flexible accommodation of different arrangement types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12430618B1Back-end production and delivery system for schedule controlled networkable merchant e-commerce sites

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 NATARAJAN SUNDARAM

AI summary

An improved computerized e-commerce system, optimized for smaller merchants such as florists who often provide seasonal perishable gifts that require local delivery, and who often desire to form cooperative networks with local merchants offering related gift services, as well as other related merchants such as other florists in more distant locations. The web server based system allows merchants to easily set up non-static (time variable) websites that automatically provide schedule driven promotions. New products can be quickly uploaded from smartphones, and sophisticated time and location aware algorithms can compute accurate delivery costs and make such costs transparent to customers. The system may also include backend software configured to assist in product production, inventory control, product cost optimization, and product delivery optimization, management, and tracking.