Delivery System Circulation Route Parcel Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing delivery systems, when a large number of parcels are collected during busy periods, storage space is inadequate, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to repeated movements between distribution stations and delivery destinations, especially when addressees are absent.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system incorporating a moving apparatus that loads parcels and moves them along a circulation route, using acquisition and delivery control units to generate plans and manage parcel transfer based on permission information, allowing for temporary storage and route adjustments to avoid congestion, including the use of underground belt conveyor systems or automatic driving vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If parcels are collected at a distribution station during busy periods, then delivery coverage is improved, but storage space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by placing the moving apparatus in an underground space beneath the distribution station. This allows the system to expand storage capacity without occupying additional ground area, effectively resolving the contradiction between delivery coverage and storage space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving apparatus acts as an intermediary between the above-ground distribution station and underground storage areas. It transports parcels between these zones, enabling the system to utilize underground space for storage while maintaining efficient above-ground operations for parcel collection and distribution.
2Reliability
If drivers repeatedly move between distribution station and delivery destination when addressee is absent, then delivery attempts are made, but delivery efficiency decreases and personnel cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service delivery by placing parcel lockers at delivery destinations that allow addressees to retrieve parcels autonomously. When an addressee is absent, the parcel is deposited in the locker rather than requiring repeated driver visits, enabling the addressee to collect it at their convenience and eliminating inefficient repeated trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The parcel is delivered to the destination in advance and stored in a locker before the addressee is available to receive it. This preliminary delivery action eliminates the need for repeated driver visits, as the parcel is already at the destination and will be automatically made available once the addressee returns.
3Quantity of substance
If moving apparatus circulates continuously along circulation route, then parcel storage capacity is improved, but congestion may occur during peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The moving apparatus operates dynamically with adjustable speed and stopping behavior based on real-time conditions. The control unit monitors parcel volume and can slow down or pause the apparatus at specific locations to allow efficient loading and unloading, preventing congestion while maintaining continuous circulation and high storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery system includes a moving apparatus on which a parcel to be transferred to a predetermined region is loaded and that is capable of moving the parcel along a circulation route along which the moving apparatus circulates in the region. The delivery system acquires delivery information including position information about a delivery destination of the parcel, generates a delivery plan for delivering the parcel to the delivery destination, based on the acquired delivery information, and controls the moving apparatus such that the moving apparatus moves the parcel to the delivery destination on the circulation route based on the delivery plan and fulfills the transfer of the parcel when permission information indicating that the transfer of the parcel is permitted has been received.