Dynamic Primary Buffer Sorting System for Parcel Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel sorting systems are limited by fixed geometric specifications, leading to a restricted number of sorting destinations and inefficient use of space, which hinders the ability to sort packages based on their properties like weight, size, and delivery type, resulting in delayed loading processes and increased energy and investment costs.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage parcel sorting system with dynamic primary buffers that can be assigned based on package-related information, allowing for flexible sorting destinations and reduced truck turnaround times, enabling more efficient loading and use of space by decoupling the number of parcel exits from the sorting system's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-stage linear sorting process is used with fixed geometric specifications, then the sorting system structure is simple, but the number of sorting destinations is limited and space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting process is divided into two independent stages: first-stage sorting to primary buffers and second-stage sorting to final destinations. This segmentation allows each stage to operate independently, increasing the number of possible sorting destinations without proportionally increasing system complexity. The primary buffers act as intermediate sorting zones, enabling parcels to be sorted once to a buffer and then redirected to multiple possible final destinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the sorting process by implementing dynamic buffer assignment. Instead of fixed geometric sorting destinations, buffers are dynamically assigned to different destinations at different times. This transforms the sorting system from a spatially-constrained single-stage process to a temporally-flexible two-stage process, dramatically increasing adaptability without linearly increasing physical infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of parcel exits is increased to accommodate more sorting destinations, then more destinations can be served, but the space required and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each primary buffer serves multiple destinations over time rather than being dedicated to a single destination. A buffer that currently holds parcels for Destination A can later be reassigned to Destination B once its parcels are dispatched. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of buffers needed, decreasing space requirements and energy consumption for moving and managing buffer resources while maintaining high destination capacity.
3Productivity
If packages are transported directly from sorting to truck loading, then the process is efficient, but sorting based on package properties like weight and size is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sorting of packages to appropriate primary buffers based on their properties (weight, size, destination) before final truck loading. This preliminary action allows comprehensive sorting by package properties to occur in the controlled environment of the sorting facility, while the actual truck loading process remains efficient and simple. The buffers hold packages in sorted groups, ready for rapid loading when trucks arrive.
4Volume of stationary object
If trucks are used as temporary storage with multiple partial loads, then space utilization improves, but sorting within trucks according to parcel properties is not easily possible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to sort packages within the truck (which would be operationally difficult), the system inverts the approach by completing all sorting operations before packages are loaded into the truck. Packages are sorted to appropriate buffers based on their properties, then entire buffer contents are loaded together as complete loads. This eliminates the need for in-truck sorting while maintaining high space utilization through optimized load compilation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sorting installation (1) for parcels (2) and to a method for sorting parcels (2) in a sorting installation (1). The object of the invention is to design the sorting process in sorting installations to be more efficient and to allow better sorting on the basis of properties of the parcels. According to the invention, a sorting installation (1) is provided, comprising at least one parcel inlet (3), which is set up to receive a multiplicity of parcels (2) to be sorted into the sorting installation (1). The sorting installation also comprises at least one parcel outlet (4), which is set up to discharge sorted parcels (2) from the sorting installation (1) to external transport means (5), and a conveying mechanism (6), which is set up to transport the parcels (2) to be sorted from the parcel inlet (3) into a sorting area (7) of the sorting installation (1). The sorting area (7) comprises a sorting mechanism (9), which is set up to sort the multiplicity of parcels (2) according to at least one item of parcel-related sorting information and to remove them from the conveying mechanism (6) at at least one transfer station of the sorting installation. The sorting area (7) also comprises primary buffer stores (10, 10A), which are set up to receive and temporarily store in each case at least one parcel (2) sorted by the sorting mechanism (9) according to the at least one item of parcel-related sorting information. The primary buffer stores are set up to be moved to the at least one transfer station depending on the at least one item of parcel-related sorting information.