Mixed Parcel Packaging System Optimizing Box Fill Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing e-commerce packaging and shipping processes often result in damage to products due to improperly sized packaging and insufficient packing techniques, especially when consolidating multiple items into a single shipping container.

Innovation Solution

A mixed parcel packaging and shipping system that uses a computing system to generate optimized packaging instructions based on product data, including fragility and volume indices, to select appropriate shipping boxes and packing materials, and to determine the optimal orientation and placement of products within the box.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If multiple items are consolidated into a single shipping container, then material and shipping costs are reduced, but the risk of product damage increases due to improperly sized packaging and insufficient packing techniques

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping costsVSAvoidproduct damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the packaging process by evaluating each product's individual characteristics (fragility, dimensions, weight) and determining its optimal placement position within the container. This segmentation allows for customized protection strategies for each item while maintaining consolidated shipping benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations and simulations to determine the optimal packaging configuration before actual packing occurs. By pre-determining the best arrangement of items and selecting appropriate packing materials in advance, the system ensures proper protection is built into the packaging design before products are subjected to shipping stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a larger shipping container is used to accommodate multiple items, then all products can be consolidated, but the fill volume increases and packing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsolidation efficiencyVSAvoidfill volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes packaging by utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement and considering orientation of products in multiple dimensions. By calculating optimal placement positions and orientations along x, y, and z axes, the system maximizes space utilization within the container, fitting more items into smaller volumes through clever geometric arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes packaging parameters dynamically by selecting container size and dimensions based on the specific combination of products being shipped. Rather than using fixed container sizes, the system adjusts volume, shape, and structural parameters of the packaging to match the actual content requirements, minimizing empty space while accommodating all items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12314900B2E-commerce mixed parcel packaging and shipping process and systems

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 STRESS ENG SERVICES INC

AI summary

A mixed parcel packaging system generates packaging instructions for mixed parcel orders, which includes shipping box size, product orientation, and selection and placement of packaging materials. The packaging instructions are based on quantitative product attributes of the products to be shipped, such that the fill volume of the shipping box is minimized subject to product fragility, leakage factors, and external environmental factors.