Parcel Sorting System Segmentation Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel processing systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to the manual processing of non-machinable parcels, which are often mixed with machinable parcels, leading to unnecessary manual handling and increased operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A non-machinable parcel processing system that includes a transport system, measurement devices to record physical characteristics, an automation discharge for machinable parcels, and manual workstations for non-machinable parcels, with a control system to identify and sort parcels based on their machinability, allowing machinable parcels to be routed to automation equipment and non-machinable parcels to be processed manually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual processing is used for all parcels in the stream, then non-machinable parcels can be processed, but machinable parcels are also subjected to inefficient manual handling increasing operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The parcel stream is segmented into machinable and non-machinable subsets using measurement devices and control systems. Machinable parcels are automatically routed to automation discharge while non-machinable parcels are directed to manual workstations, eliminating unnecessary manual handling of machinable parcels and improving overall processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses measurement devices to automatically identify and classify parcels based on their physical characteristics. The control system automatically routes parcels to appropriate discharge locations without requiring manual inspection or classification, allowing the system to serve itself in the classification process
2Productivity
If measurement devices and control systems are added to separate machinable from non-machinable parcels, then processing efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement devices and control system serve multiple functions: they measure physical characteristics, classify parcels as machinable or non-machinable, determine destination locations, and control the routing of parcels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved processing efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A parcel processing system and method. A method includes inducting a plurality of parcels in a non-machinable parcel stream by a non-machinable parcel processing system. The method includes recording physical characteristics of each of the parcels. The method includes comparing the recorded physical characteristics of each parcel to machinable requirements. The method includes identifying machinable parcels based on the comparison. The method includes sorting the identified machinable parcels to an automation discharge. The method includes transporting all non-machinable parcels to workstations, by the non-machinable parcel processing system, for manual processing.