Optimized Parcel Handover Points for Multi-Recipient Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably delivering a large number of parcels to multiple recipients, often resulting in delays, additional effort, and increased costs due to inefficiencies in parcel delivery attempts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for optimizing the handover of multiple parcels to recipients by determining joint optimized handover points that consider effort parameters such as distance, time, and probability of recipient presence, using mobile depot facilities and autonomous parcel handling with parcel identification characteristics for efficient and reliable delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple parcels are delivered to multiple recipients through traditional logistics systems, then parcels can be transported from shippers to recipients, but delivery efficiency is low and additional delivery attempts increase time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining joint optimized handover points in advance for multiple recipients before actual delivery occurs. The system pre-calculates optimal locations considering recipient presence probability, effort parameters, and parcel characteristics, so that when delivery time arrives, the handover point is already optimized rather than determined reactively during delivery attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple delivery operations into a unified handover system. Instead of delivering parcels to recipients individually at different locations and times, the system combines multiple parcel handovers at joint optimized handover points, allowing recipients to collect parcels during a defined handover period at a centralized location, thereby improving overall delivery efficiency
2Ease of operation
If traditional parcel delivery systems are used, then parcels can be delivered to recipients, but the effort and cost for both recipients and logistics providers increase due to multiple delivery attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring recipient presence probability and updating the joint optimized handover point determination. The system uses feedback from recipient availability data, parcel characteristics, and handover period performance to refine and optimize handover point selection, ensuring high reliability of successful delivery while minimizing recipient effort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting handover point parameters such as location coordinates, handover period timing, and selection criteria based on recipient effort parameters and presence probability. This allows the system to optimize the balance between ease of operation for recipients and reliability of delivery by changing key parameters rather than using fixed delivery methods
3Productivity
If joint optimized handover points are determined for multiple parcels, then delivery efficiency improves and successful delivery probability increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling recipients to autonomously collect their parcels at the joint optimized handover point during the defined handover period without requiring logistics provider intervention. The system provides the optimized handover point information and manages the process automatically, allowing recipients to serve themselves while the system handles the complexity of optimization in the background
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a centralized handover point as an intermediate location between the logistics provider and multiple recipients. This intermediary joint handover point consolidates the complexity of coordinating multiple deliveries into a single managed location, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high productivity through optimized parcel handover
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for handover of a plurality of parcels to several recipients and/or for receipt of parcels from several depositors. The method includes determining a joint optimized handover point for handover of parcels to the respective recipients and/or depositors within a specific handover period for a plurality of parcels from a multiplicity of possible handover points spatially separated from one another, taking into account at least one effort parameter of at least one respective recipient and/or at least one respective depositor. The joint optimized handover point is determined by a selection from the multiplicity of possible spatially separated handover points with at least one selection step, the selection step taking into account effort parameters for the recipients and/or the depositors for which at least one effort parameter for the respective recipients and/or depositors is decreased during a handover period for the parcels.