Automated Conveyor System for Retail Return Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional return processes in retail establishments are inefficient, as they require manual handling of returned merchandise from customer service areas to storage areas, which can lead to handling-related damage and increased customer service representative workload.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a customer-facing device for data entry, a scanning device for merchandise identification, and a conveyor belt system that automatically transports returned merchandise from the customer service area to the storage area, with optional sorting and labeling features to facilitate hands-free and efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling of returned merchandise is used, then customer service representatives can process returns, but handling-related damage increases and workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemerchandise integrityVSAvoidcustomer service representative workload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service returns where customers can initiate return requests through customer-facing devices, and the conveyor system automatically transports merchandise without requiring customer service representative intervention for the physical handling and transport process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical handling system with an automated conveyor belt system that mechanically transports merchandise from the customer service area to the storage area, eliminating the need for human physical handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated conveyor belt system is implemented, then transport efficiency improves and manual handling damage decreases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereturn processing speedVSAvoidconveyor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system is divided into multiple independent conveyor belts (first conveyor belt, second conveyor belt, third conveyor belt) that can operate independently, allowing for modular maintenance and reduced system-wide complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate transfer points where merchandise is transferred between different conveyor belts, allowing each belt to be optimized for specific transport segments and simplifying the control logic for each individual belt

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple conveyor belts are used, then transport capacity and sorting capability improve, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemerchandise sorting capabilityVSAvoidconveyor system footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belts are arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration including horizontal segments and vertical transfer points, allowing the system to utilize three-dimensional space rather than requiring all conveyor belts to be arranged in a single linear plane

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10185962B2Store item return process

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

A system for transporting merchandise returned by a customer from a customer service area or a retail store to a back storage area of a retail store comprises a customer facing device for use by a retail store customer to enter return merchandise data; a scanning device for identifying the returned merchandise; and at least one conveyor belt at the retail store for transporting the returned merchandise from the customer service area to the back storage area.