Produce Tracking System Using Nested Code Hierarchy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The produce industry faces challenges in tracking the origin of fruits and vegetables due to the complexity of the production chain, which leads to difficulties in identifying product quality issues and increases costs with multiple packaging facilities involved.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system using electronic devices to record and associate unique codes with clams, trays, and palettes, allowing for precise tracing of produce origin and reducing the need for multiple packing facilities by directly shipping pre-labeled clams to farms, thereby streamlining the packaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple packaging facilities and manufacturers are involved in preparing clams, trays, and palettes, then the produce can be packaged and distributed, but the production cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple packaging operations (clam preparation, tray assembly, palette stacking) into a single integrated packaging facility at the farm. Instead of having separate manufacturers prepare clams, trays, and palettes independently, the system consolidates these functions into one location, eliminating redundant handling and reducing overall production costs while maintaining packaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary labeling and identification of clams, trays, and palettes with unique codes before the packaging process begins. This preliminary action enables automated tracking and association throughout the packaging operations, allowing the single facility to efficiently manage what would otherwise require multiple coordinated manufacturers, thereby reducing cost while maintaining organizational precision
2Productivity
If produce is picked from multiple locations and packaged by several workers, then the volume of produce can be handled, but it becomes extremely difficult to determine the origin of produce in each clam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the farm into multiple designated picking locations or zones, each with unique identification. Produce picked from each location is assigned to specific clams with unique codes that encode the origin information. This segmentation allows high-volume handling from multiple locations while preserving origin data through the coded identification system
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the unique codes on clams, trays, and palettes continuously provide origin information throughout the packaging and distribution process. By scanning and recording these codes at each step, the system maintains real-time traceability of produce origin even as volume increases and produce moves through multiple workers and locations
3Productivity
If clams are stacked into palettes with produce from many different lots, then distribution efficiency is improved, but product quality issues cannot be traced to specific lots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested hierarchy where unique codes are assigned at multiple levels: individual clams contain produce from specific lots, clams are grouped on trays, and trays are stacked on palettes. Each level has its own identification code that nests within the broader hierarchy. This allows efficient consolidated distribution on palettes while maintaining the ability to trace quality issues to specific clam lots by decoding the nested identification structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual tracking methods with automated code scanning and digital recording. Instead of physically tracking or documenting produce origins through paperwork, the system uses optical scanning of unique codes to automatically capture and store origin information, enabling precise quality tracing even when multiple lots are consolidated on single palettes for efficient distribution
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments describe systems and methods for tracking produce with an electronic device. A method includes, during each of a plurality of instances of time, receiving one or more clam codes, receiving a tray code, associating the one or more claim codes with the tray code, receiving a palette code, associating the palette code with the tray code, and storing the one or more clam codes, tray codes, and the palette code in a database. After associating the one or more clam codes with the tray code and the palette code with the tray code, the method includes receiving a request to identify the tray code or the palette code associated with a specific clam code, wherein the specific clam code is included in the one or more clam codes; and identifying the tray code or the palette code associated with the specific clam code.