Product Model Number Search Query Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variations in product model number formats across manufacturers and distributors, such as differences in prefixes, suffixes, and leading zeros, lead to inconsistencies when searching for model numbers in databases, resulting in difficulties in finding matches, especially in e-commerce searches.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for searching a product model number database that creates multiple queries based on a search string, allowing for exact, partial, and modified searches, including queries for model numbers starting or ending with the string, and those containing leading zeros, to account for inconsistencies in model number formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple query variations are created and executed to search for model numbers, then the probability of finding matching products improves, but the complexity of the search system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The search process is segmented into multiple independent query operations. Instead of using a single complex search algorithm, the system divides the search into several simpler queries (exact match, prefix match, suffix match, contains match) that can be executed independently and whose results are then combined. This segmentation allows each query to be simple and well-defined while collectively achieving comprehensive search coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple query templates and variations before the actual search execution. The search system prepares various query forms (exact, partial, reversed, with/without prefixes) in advance, so when a search is initiated, these pre-prepared query structures can be quickly instantiated and executed without requiring complex real-time decision-making.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the search system accommodates multiple model number formats and variations, then the versatility of the search improves, but the complexity of handling different formats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The search system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various model number formats universally. By implementing multiple query types (exact match, prefix match, suffix match, contains match) and the ability to reverse search strings, the system can accommodate different manufacturer and distributor formats without requiring format-specific processing logic for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies inversion by reversing the search string to search for suffixes as if they were prefixes. This allows the same prefix-matching logic to handle both prefix and suffix variations of model numbers, eliminating the need for separate handling logic and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If partial match queries are implemented to handle prefixes and suffixes, then the ease of operation improves, but the loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by executing multiple queries with varying degrees of string matching (exact, prefix, suffix, contains) and then combining the results. This allows the search to be convenient for users who may not know the complete model number, while the combination of multiple query results helps recover precision by providing options for the user to select from, rather than losing information through a single imprecise match.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for searching a product model number database having a plurality of product model numbers stored therein receives a string to be searched in the product model number database from a client device. Multiple queries are then created based on the string and the model number database is queried using the created queries. Query results responsive to the created queries are then received from the model number database and transmitted to the client device.