Dynamic Food Packaging Sequence Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods for multiple food items in orders are not optimal, as they do not account for the unique requirements of each food item, such as damage prevention, spillage, temperature maintenance, and efficient use of packaging space.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines a packaging sequence for multiple food items by assigning a priority rank to each item based on its properties, such as stacking ability, temperature, and texture, and then optimally arranging them within the available packaging space to minimize the number of packages used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If predetermined packaging sequences are used for multiple food items, then the packaging process is simplified and faster, but the food items may not be packed according to their unique requirements, leading to damage, spillage, or temperature issues
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging sequence is made dynamic by automatically generating unique sequences based on the specific properties of food items in each order. The system retrieves food item properties (temperature requirements, stacking ability, texture, etc.) and dynamically creates an optimized packaging sequence rather than using fixed predetermined sequences, thus adapting to each order's unique requirements while maintaining efficient processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the packaging parameters (sequence, arrangement, packaging type) based on the retrieved food item properties. By analyzing properties such as temperature sensitivity, stacking ability, and texture, the system adjusts the packaging parameters to ensure each food item is handled according to its specific requirements, preventing damage and maintaining quality
2Productivity
If food items are packed without considering their unique properties, then the packaging process is simpler and faster, but the number of packages needed increases due to inefficient space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of food item properties (dimensions, stacking ability, weight, temperature requirements) before generating the packaging sequence. This preliminary action allows the system to optimize the arrangement of items within packages in advance, ensuring efficient space utilization and minimizing the number of packages needed, thereby reducing packaging material waste
3Reliability
If a computer-implemented method with property retrieval and priority ranking is used, then optimal packaging sequences are achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically retrieving food item properties from a database, analyzing the properties, generating priority rankings, and creating optimized packaging sequences without requiring manual intervention. This automation handles the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface for order input and packaging output, thus achieving optimization without proportionally increasing operational complexity
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method of determining a packaging sequence of multiple food items, said food item(s) being packaging comprising food, wherein each food item has a food item ID, wherein said multiple food items is associated to one order ID, said method comprising for each order ID: - receiving the order ID and said multiple food item IDs; - retrieving food item properties for each food item, preferably from a database, - assigning a priority rank to each food item based on the retrieved food item properties, - receiving packaging dimensions of one or more transport packaging, such as a bag, comprising at least a width and a length (X, Y) of a base packaging area of the transport packaging, such as the bottom of a bag, preferably also receiving a height (Z) of the transport packaging, - assigning the base packaging areas as available platforms with available platform areas, - determining an occupation area of each food item defined by a width and a length, - generating a packaging sequence of the food items, by: p. identifying the food item with the highest rank, q. calculating available platform areas (X, Y) larger than or equal to the occupation area of the identified food item, r. arranging the occupation area on the available platform area and deducting the occupation area from the available platform areas, s. recalculating the available platform areas, t. repeating steps a)-d) until every food item associated with the order ID is comprised in the packaging sequence or until the available packing areas are smaller than the occupation area of the identified food item.