Fleet Routing UI for Route Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fleet logistics systems are inefficient and wasteful, leading to increased costs, pollution, and environmental harm due to suboptimal routing and scheduling of fleet vehicles, which is particularly evident in school bus operations where delays and redundant routes result in financial and time losses.

Innovation Solution

A graphical user interface is developed to optimize routes and stop timing for fleet vehicles, featuring a route identification interface, vehicle type selection, stop order management, and assignment functionality, which uses a map to visually represent routes and stops, allowing for real-time vehicle assignment and optimization based on factors like minimal fuel usage and emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional fleet logistics systems are used for routing and scheduling, then vehicle operations can be maintained, but efficiency is reduced and costs increase due to suboptimal routing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefleet routing efficiencyVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary optimization of routes and schedules before fleet operations begin. The routing system pre-calculates optimal paths, stop sequences, and vehicle assignments based on delivery locations, vehicle capacities, and time windows, allowing fleet operations to start with already-optimized parameters rather than reacting to inefficiencies during execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital representations (copies) of physical fleet operations through computer models that simulate various routing scenarios. These digital twins allow optimization of routes, schedules, and vehicle assignments without affecting actual fleet operations, enabling efficient selection of optimal routing strategies before implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If traditional routing methods are used, then fleet operations can continue, but redundant routes result in increased costs and environmental harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroute optimizationVSAvoidpollution and emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple delivery locations and routes into consolidated optimal paths. By analyzing all delivery points, vehicle capacities, and time constraints simultaneously, the system combines separate routes into unified efficient paths that minimize total distance and eliminate redundant travel, thereby reducing pollution and emissions from fleet operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes routing parameters such as stop sequences, vehicle assignments, and route paths based on real-time and historical data. By continuously optimizing these parameters to minimize total distance and time while meeting delivery constraints, the system reduces unnecessary vehicle movement and associated environmental harm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If manual or traditional scheduling systems are used, then fleet operations can be managed, but delays occur and time losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling delaysVSAvoidscheduling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical scheduling methods with automated computer-based optimization algorithms. The computer system automatically calculates optimal routes, assigns vehicles, and schedules stops by processing delivery locations, vehicle capacities, and time window constraints, eliminating manual errors and delays while managing complexity through software automation rather than human coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of energy

If suboptimal routing is used, then fleet operations can proceed, but financial costs increase due to inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidoperational expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor actual fleet performance against optimized routes and schedules. By comparing real-time data on fuel consumption, distance traveled, and delivery times with planned optimal values, the system identifies deviations and adjusts routing parameters to maintain efficiency, ensuring that operational expenses remain minimized through continuous optimization rather than one-time planning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240420045A1User interface for fleet routing system

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 ZUM SERVICES INC

AI summary

A graphical user interface and a system are provided which include a route identification interface element which specifies a new route for a vehicle, a plurality of route type buttons, a vehicle type interface, a stop order interface, a map, a control button, and an assignment button. The stop order interface identifies one or more stops for a vehicle in a fleet of vehicles. The map identifies the new route and the one or more stops graphically on the graphical user interface. The control button provides a utilization view for the one or more vehicles in the fleet of vehicles from which a vehicle from the one or more vehicles in the fleet of vehicles that are available can be assigned to the new route.