Dynamic Pickup Point Matching for Flexible Product Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional delivery systems do not allow customers to change the delivery address to a pickup point different from the originally designated main delivery address while the package is in transit, limiting flexibility for recipients who may not be available at the static delivery location.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that enables customers to select alternative pickup points for some products from their order, matching delivery vehicles with the selected pickup points and allowing delivery to these locations while continuing delivery of other products to the main address, all while the order is in transit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static delivery address is used for all products in an order, then the delivery process is simple and efficient, but the customer cannot pick up products at alternative locations if they are unavailable at the main address
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery process by allowing different delivery destinations for different products within the same order. Customers can specify that some products be delivered to the main address while others be delivered to alternative pickup points, creating independent delivery paths for different items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic delivery destination selection that allows customers to change delivery addresses for specific products after the order is placed. The system dynamically adjusts delivery routes and destinations based on customer needs, transforming the static delivery process into a flexible, adaptable system.
2Ease of operation
If the delivery address is changed after the product is shipped, then the customer can receive products at convenient locations, but the logistics coordination becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system identifies delivery vehicles that will pass near alternative pickup points during their existing delivery routes. By pre-identifying suitable vehicles and locations before the customer makes a change request, the system minimizes the complexity of rerouting and coordination when address changes are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary matching system that connects customers, delivery vehicles, and alternative pickup points. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of coordinating address changes by automatically matching customer requests with suitable delivery vehicles and locations, simplifying the overall logistics coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple delivery destinations are allowed for different products, then customer flexibility is improved, but the delivery route optimization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different delivery destinations for different products based on local customer needs. Each product can be routed to the most appropriate destination (main address or alternative pickup point), optimizing the delivery path for each item individually rather than forcing a single destination for the entire order.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal delivery system that can handle multiple destination types (main address, alternative pickup points, different locations for different products) within a single order. The system is designed to accommodate various delivery scenarios simultaneously, making it versatile enough to handle complex multi-destination deliveries efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
Customer flexible pickup of product delivery that includes taking a product order from a customer to a merchant, wherein the customer provides a main delivery address, and providing pickup points to the customer for product delivery. Delivery vehicles with products for the product order are sent into transit. Customer instructions are received for at least one product of the product order to be delivered to at least one pickup point. At least one product is matched to the inventory in the delivery vehicles. Delivery vehicles are matched by inventory and location to the pickup point. At least one product is delivered to the at least one pickup point with matched delivery vehicle. A remainder of products in the product order are delivered to the main delivery address.