Parcel Sequencing Sorter for Preordered Route Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for last mile delivery involve inefficiencies in sorting and sequencing articles for delivery routes, leading to increased time and cost due to manual sorting by delivery vehicle drivers.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing a memory and processor to sequence delivery stops based on predefined criteria, directing articles to sequence containers and route containers using computer-controlled transport vehicles, eliminating manual sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sorting by delivery vehicle drivers is used, then flexibility in handling diverse delivery scenarios is maintained, but delivery time and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sequencing of articles at the sorting center before articles are loaded onto delivery vehicles. Articles are sorted into sequence containers according to the optimized delivery route sequence in advance, so that when vehicles arrive at the delivery location, articles are already arranged in the correct delivery order, eliminating the need for drivers to manually sort during delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces sequence containers as intermediary storage units between the sorting center and delivery vehicles. These containers act as mediators that hold articles in the predetermined delivery sequence, transferring the sorting function from the delivery vehicle driver to the automated sorting system at the center
2Productivity
If automated sorting systems are implemented, then sorting speed and precision are improved, but system complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is segmented into modular functional units: induction stations for receiving articles, sequence containers for intermediate storage, transport vehicles for movement, and control systems for coordination. Each unit operates semi-independently, allowing the system to be scaled and configured based on specific delivery requirements without requiring complete automation of the entire process
Solution Approach 2:
The sequence containers serve multiple functions: they store articles during sorting, maintain articles in delivery sequence, and facilitate transfer between sorting center and delivery vehicles. The transport vehicles also perform multiple roles including article transport and sequence maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each task
3Ease of operation
If articles are sorted by delivery route sequences at the sorting center, then driver workload and sorting time are reduced, but coordination and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the status of articles in sequence containers and the location of transport vehicles, adjusting the sorting and transport operations in real-time based on this feedback. This ensures that articles are transferred to the correct sequence containers in the correct order, and that transport vehicles are dispatched at the appropriate times, maintaining system coordination without requiring complex manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
Method of sorting articles to a plurality of delivery routes includes sequencing a plurality of delivery stops within each of a plurality of routes based on a predefined criterion, and, depositing articles associated with a first delivery stop of each route in a first sequence container. The method also includes transferring articles from the first sequence container to a respective route container of a plurality of route containers, each route container associated with a route, depositing articles associated with a second delivery stop of each route in a second sequence container, and, transferring articles from the second sequence container to the respective route container of the plurality of route containers. Transferring articles from the second sequence container commences after completion of transferring articles from the first sequence container.