Dynamic Fleet Route Optimization With Capacity Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fleet route optimization systems fail to consider dynamic constraints such as vehicle capacity, type, and real-time data, leading to inaccurate and suboptimal route planning, especially in logistics and supply chain management.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that splits target location data into clusters based on distance and material constraints, uses a weightage matrix to calculate initial routes, and optimizes these routes in real-time using heuristic models, considering vehicle capacity, location, and driver constraints, with dynamic updates based on real-time data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional fleet route optimization systems are used, then basic route planning can be achieved, but the routes are inaccurate and suboptimal because they fail to consider dynamic constraints such as vehicle capacity, type, and real-time data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute accuracyVSAvoidconsideration of dynamic constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts route optimization based on real-time data including vehicle capacity, type, location constraints, and driver constraints. The weightage matrix is continuously updated with current conditions, allowing the system to adapt routes as constraints change rather than using static pre-planned routes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback from vehicles through telematics and sensors to monitor actual route progress, vehicle status, and constraint changes. This feedback loop allows the optimization system to detect deviations and adjust routes dynamically to maintain accuracy while satisfying dynamic constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If more comprehensive constraints and real-time data are considered in route optimization, then route accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute optimization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optimization system segments the complex route planning problem into manageable components: clustering target locations based on distance and material constraints, calculating weightage matrices for different constraints, generating initial routes using heuristic models, and optimizing through iterative processes. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by handling each component separately

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by changing parameters in a structured way - adjusting the weightage matrix values based on constraint priorities, modifying clustering parameters based on geographical area size, and iteratively optimizing route parameters. This parameter-based approach allows comprehensive constraint consideration while maintaining computational manageability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If real-time data collection and processing is implemented, then dynamic route optimization is achieved, but data processing requirements and system resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute optimization responsivenessVSAvoiddata processing energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing weightage matrix values, pre-clustering target locations based on geographical area, and pre-establishing heuristic models. This preparation reduces the computational burden during real-time optimization, allowing rapid route adjustments without proportionally increasing processing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4030370B1Method and system for fleet route optimization
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LTD
  • EP4030370B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4030370B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4030370B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This disclosure relates generally to fleet route optimization. Conventional methods for fleet route optimization have limited capability in managing and controlling transport of material from geographically spread out suppliers to the door-step of the customer in an efficient manner in real-time. The disclosed method includes optimization at two levels. At the first level and initial optimized route is obtained for the fleet by clustering the target locations into multiple clusters and obtaining heuristic on each cluster by using a weightage matrix. The initial set of optimized routes are examined in real time, and based on said examination, the routes are optimized (second level optimization) to provide a final set of optimized routes. The disclosed method and system thus facilitate in creating routes dynamically, monitor it through the application, and dynamically change and/or alter the routes based on new order and/or execution challenges.