Geographic Clustering for Last Mile Delivery Route Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current algorithms for determining optimal vehicle routes for delivery are time and resource intensive, particularly when dealing with large-scale batch data and geographic constraints.
Innovation Solution
A system that clusters delivery orders based on geographic location using a hierarchical clustering process, generating optimized routing solutions for each cluster and transmitting them to vehicle systems for efficient route planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current algorithms are used to determine optimal vehicle routes for large-scale batch data, then routing optimization is achieved, but the process becomes time and resource intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-scale batch of delivery orders into multiple smaller clusters based on geographic proximity. Each cluster is then processed independently to generate routing solutions. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity and time required compared to processing all orders as a single large batch, while still achieving optimized routes within each cluster.
2Manufacturing precision
If current algorithms are used to determine optimal vehicle routes, then routing solutions are generated, but the process requires excessive computational resources
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the delivery orders into geographically-based clusters, the computational workload is distributed across multiple smaller processing tasks rather than one large resource-intensive task. This reduces the peak computational resource requirements while maintaining routing optimization quality within each cluster.
3Productivity
If traditional routing methods are used without geographic clustering, then routing solutions can be generated, but the number of shifts and miles traveled increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments delivery orders into geographic clusters, which enables vehicles to service deliveries within compact regional areas. This reduces total miles traveled compared to traditional methods that may mix distant locations on single routes, thereby reducing fuel consumption and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating geographically compact clusters, the patent ensures that each cluster has local density and proximity characteristics that optimize for minimal travel distance. Vehicles assigned to each cluster operate in a localized area, improving productivity while reducing total miles traveled across the entire delivery fleet.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating a geographically-clustered routing solution includes a computer system configured to receive a plurality of orders. Each order in the plurality of orders comprises a geographic location. The plurality of orders are clustered into a plurality of clusters based on the geographic location of each order and a routing solution is generated for each of the plurality of clusters. Each routing solution is transmitted to at least one vehicle system.