Dynamic Sorting Array for Package Bundling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting systems face inefficiencies when dealing with multiple desired groupings and dynamic changes in sort destinations, often requiring multiple passes through the system, which reduces throughput and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically adapts an array of item destinations as items are processed, allowing for limited resorting to conform to changing target locations, including the creation of new child target locations based on predefined criteria, such as package quantity, to optimize sorting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sorting passes are used to handle dynamic sort destinations, then sorting completeness is improved, but system throughput deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic array of target locations that can be modified during the sorting process. When a child target location is created or an existing one is modified, the system dynamically updates the array and redirects subsequent items to the new location, eliminating the need for multiple sorting passes while maintaining complete and accurate sorting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the array of target locations is dynamically modified during sorting, then sorting adaptability is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sorting progress and item characteristics, using this feedback to dynamically create child target locations and modify the array structure. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying sorting requirements in real-time while maintaining organized control through structured array management and conditional creation logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method of dynamically sorting items for delivery to diverse destinations in which at least one target location changes during the sorting process using an electronic array that correlates diverse destinations to target locations for sorting, wherein the electronic array changes based upon criteria relating to the results of the sort resulting in the removal of a first set of items from one target location while leaving a second set in the target location and placing the first set in another target location to adapt to the changed array and thereafter continuing to sort further items according to the changed array while some items remain in their initial target locations. Additionally disclosed is a system and method of sorting which electronically identifies items destined for the same address that are commingled with items to diverse destinations, and allows for their separation and bundling responsive to the electronic identification and allows for payment for delivery charges based upon a bundle rather than the individual items included in the bundle.