Mobile Apparatus Grouping Strategy for Distribution Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile apparatuses face inefficiencies in distributing materials to multiple individuals, as they need to move to each person individually, increasing the time required for distribution.
Innovation Solution
A mobile apparatus with a group setting section that divides individuals into groups connected by straight lines shorter than a predetermined threshold, allowing the apparatus to distribute materials to one member of each group, thereby reducing the distribution time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the mobile apparatus moves to each person individually to distribute materials, then each person receives distribution material, but the time required for distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the distribution task into segments by grouping multiple recipients into clusters. Instead of visiting each person individually, the mobile apparatus moves to representative positions (centroids) of these groups and distributes materials to multiple recipients simultaneously or in parallel, thereby reducing total distribution time while maintaining productivity.
2Ease of operation
If the mobile apparatus moves to each person individually, then distribution material is provided to each person, but the movement distance and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces representative positions (centroids) as intermediaries between the mobile apparatus and individual recipients. The apparatus moves to these intermediary positions which are strategically located to minimize travel distance while still enabling distribution to multiple recipients in the group, thus reducing movement time without compromising distribution coverage.
3Loss of time
If the mobile apparatus distributes to one member of each group, then distribution time is reduced, but the number of distribution points decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distribution events into a single coordinated action by moving to representative positions that serve multiple recipients. By combining the distribution function with group-level positioning, the system reduces the number of separate distribution events while still ensuring all individuals receive materials, thereby reducing time without sacrificing coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile apparatus includes a group setting section and a providing section. The group setting section sets one or more groups each having multiple members. When the multiple members are connected by using one or more straight lines, all of the multiple members are positioned so as to be connected by one or more straight lines each equal to or shorter than a predetermined threshold. Each of the one or more straight lines connects one member of the plurality of members and one other member of the plurality of members. The providing section moves to any one member of each of the one or more groups and provides distribution material.