Item Grouping Logic for Automated Packaging Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging systems are inefficient, leading to increased costs, delayed shipments, and poor customer satisfaction due to improper packaging, as they rely solely on volume and manual labor, which can result in damaged goods and excessive use of materials.

Innovation Solution

A computerized system that sorts items based on tags, volume, and weight, using iterative simulation to optimize packaging and minimize material usage by creating data structures for each package, ensuring items are grouped efficiently while adhering to weight and volume thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If conventional systems sort boxes by volume and fill them based on goods dimensions, then packaging space utilization improves, but goods may be damaged due to improper packaging combinations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging space utilizationVSAvoidgoods safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the packaging process into multiple independent evaluation dimensions: volume compatibility, weight compatibility, and goods compatibility. Each dimension is assessed separately through simulation, allowing the system to identify combinations that satisfy all constraints simultaneously rather than relying on a single volume-based criterion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary simulation of the packaging process before actual packing occurs. By pre-evaluating potential packaging combinations against multiple constraints (volume, weight, compatibility), the system identifies safe and efficient configurations in advance, preventing damage before it happens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual labor is used to pack each box, then packaging quality and goods safety improve, but processing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service packaging by automatically generating optimized packing lists that specify exactly which goods should be placed in each box. This eliminates the need for manual decision-making during packing while maintaining high quality standards, as the system independently evaluates and determines optimal configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical packing operations with an automated computer-based simulation and optimization system. The computer system performs the intellectual work of evaluating packaging combinations, while the physical packing process follows predetermined instructions, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated systems pack goods based solely on volume, then processing speed improves, but packaging material usage increases due to inefficient box selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidpackaging material usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the evaluation parameters from volume-only to a multi-parameter approach including volume, weight, and goods compatibility. This allows the system to make more informed decisions about box selection and goods combination, optimizing both speed and material efficiency by considering multiple constraints simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If multiple different box types are used to accommodate various item sizes, then packaging efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal evaluation framework that can handle multiple box types and item configurations through a single multi-constraint simulation approach. Rather than requiring separate specialized systems for different packaging scenarios, one unified system evaluates all combinations against multiple constraints, managing complexity through systematic analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11727354B2Systems and methods for initial item grouping logic

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 COUPANG CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for automatic packaging determination comprising a memory storing instructions and at least one processor performing steps comprising: receiving an order comprising at least one item; searching a data store to determine a tag, volume, and weight associated with each item; sorting the items into groups based on the tags of the items; performing an optimization process for each group of items having the same tag by: creating a data structure representing a first package of the group; iteratively simulating packing a largest remaining item of the group into the first package, wherein if the simulating determines that a threshold is exceeded: creating an additional data structure representing an additional package, and iteratively simulating packing a largest remaining item until all items of the group are packed into a package; and generating at least one list of items for the data structures representing packages.