Dynamic Yard Management for Shared Trailer Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current resource allocation techniques in transportation networks face inefficiencies due to varying demand, leading to high costs and underutilization of resources, and there is a lack of seamless data sharing between entities involved in shipments, hindering automation.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that provides accessible and reliable data to all entities in the transportation network, enabling efficient allocation of shared resources by integrating computing devices with proximity sensors and GPS modules to manage yard assets, and using authorization tokens for automated processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual resource allocation techniques are used in transportation networks, then entities can manage their resources, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to varying demand and lack of seamless data sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple entities' resource management systems into a single automated platform that handles trailer, vehicle, and driver allocation across the entire transportation network. This consolidation enables seamless data sharing and coordinated resource distribution, resolving the contradiction by combining fragmented manual systems into an integrated automated system that improves utilization without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The automated allocation system acts as an intermediary between shippers, receivers, and resource providers, facilitating seamless data sharing and coordination. This intermediary platform enables efficient resource allocation by mediating information flow and allocation decisions, improving productivity while managing complexity through centralized automation
2Reliability
If entities maintain large numbers of resources to ensure availability during peak demand, then resource availability improves, but costs increase and resources remain underutilized during low demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation that automatically adjusts resource distribution based on real-time demand conditions. The system monitors demand patterns and dynamically reallocates trailers, vehicles, and drivers to match actual needs, ensuring availability during peak periods while minimizing underutilization during low-demand periods, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and resource waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes allocation parameters dynamically based on demand conditions, adjusting the number and distribution of resources allocated to different entities and routes. By modifying allocation parameters in response to varying demand, the system maintains resource availability when needed while reducing resource idle time during low-demand periods, addressing the contradiction between reliability and efficiency
3Productivity
If automated allocation systems are implemented, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal automated allocation system that handles multiple resource types (trailers, vehicles, drivers) and serves multiple entities across the transportation network through a single platform. This multi-functional system improves allocation efficiency for all resources simultaneously while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems, resolving the contradiction by providing universal functionality through one integrated platform
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automated allocation of shared resources in transportation networks are described herein. A facility computing device can be configured to store data corresponding to a location of a transportation facility. A vehicle computing device can be associated with a vehicle and configured to provide navigation directions for the vehicle. A yard database can store information corresponding to a location of a yard for staging trailers. A trailer computing device can be associated with a trailer and configured to track a location of the trailer. The system can include at least two endpoint computing devices. The system can include a yard management computing device communicatively coupled with the facility computing device, the vehicle computing device, the yard database, the trailer computing device, and the at least two endpoint computing devices.