Pouch Sorter Delivery Buffers for Route-Ordered Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The final loading of delivery vehicles at distribution centers is time-consuming due to manual handling by drivers, and preparing multiple vehicles simultaneously increases this time, especially when sorting and loading parcels onto delivery vans.
Innovation Solution
A sorting arrangement with a pouch sorter that includes hanging pouches for parcels, a delivery pouch buffer, and a control system to sequence and automatically unload parcels onto a conveyor, ensuring parcels are loaded in the correct delivery order based on vehicle routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling by drivers is used for loading delivery vehicles, then flexibility in loading is maintained, but loading time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sorting and sequencing of parcels into hanging pouches before the delivery vehicle arrives. The pouch sorter arranges parcels in the correct delivery sequence and loads them onto the vehicle in advance, eliminating the need for drivers to manually sort and determine loading order during delivery preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch sorter system automatically performs the loading function without requiring driver intervention for sorting decisions. The automated system serves itself by sequencing and presenting parcels in the correct order, allowing drivers to simply load pouches in the sequence they are presented rather than making sorting decisions.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple delivery vehicles are prepared simultaneously, then delivery capacity increases, but preparation time for each vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the delivery fleet into separate loading positions, each with its own delivery pouch buffer. The pouch sorter can service multiple buffers simultaneously or sequentially, allowing parallel preparation of multiple vehicles without creating bottlenecks. Each vehicle is independently loaded from its designated buffer position.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch sorter maintains continuous operation by keeping multiple delivery pouch buffers filled with sequenced parcels. While one vehicle is being loaded, the system continues to sort and sequence parcels for other vehicles in the queue, ensuring uninterrupted workflow and maximizing utilization of the sorting capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parcels are not pre-sequenced for delivery routes, then sorting flexibility is maintained, but driver time for determining loading order increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sequencing of parcels according to delivery routes before loading. The pouch sorter receives route information and automatically arranges parcels in the correct delivery sequence, presenting them to drivers already ordered for immediate loading. This eliminates the need for drivers to review routes and determine loading order manually.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a sorting arrangement for sorting objects, such as parcels of small and medium size, for loading onto a transport vehicle for delivery from a storage facility, such as a distribution centre, said arrangement comprising a pouch sorter having a plurality of hanging pouches for receiving and storing objects therein, including at least one delivery pouch buffer receiving said individually transferred pouch or group of pouches; wherein the pouches are transferred to the delivery pouch buffer in a predetermined sequence for providing a sequential delivery pouch buffer at the delivery vehicle loading position.