Smart Container Routing and Billing for Integrated Parcel Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart container-based logistical systems face issues such as long-term storage locker inefficiencies, lack of real-time location and traffic information for distribution planning, and separation of pick-up and delivery processes, leading to increased costs and delays.
Innovation Solution
Implementing smart containers with timekeeping, billing, and communication units to manage deposit-removal cycles, generate distribution routes based on real-time traffic conditions, and integrate pick-up and delivery processes using reservation digital certificates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smart containers are used as long-term storage lockers, then users have convenient storage access, but smart containers cannot be used for actual express delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts container availability status based on reservation information. Containers transition between 'available' and 'reserved' states, allowing the system to adapt to both storage and delivery needs. The logistics data center continuously updates container status based on delivery schedules and pick-up confirmations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the logistics data center receives container status information, generates distribution routes based on real-time conditions, and updates container reservations accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures containers are allocated efficiently between storage and delivery functions.
2Device complexity
If logistical personnel cannot access real-time location and traffic information, then system complexity is reduced, but distribution route planning becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The logistics data center serves multiple functions: storing container location information, receiving real-time traffic data, generating optimal distribution routes, and managing container reservations. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single centralized system rather than distributing it across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives real-time traffic condition information and container location data, then dynamically generates updated distribution routes. This feedback loop enables efficient route planning without requiring complex local processing at each container or vehicle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pick-up and delivery processes are separated, then operational flexibility is improved, but human and financial resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges pick-up and delivery operations by allocating the same logistics personnel for both functions. When a pick-up person confirms goods receipt at a smart container, they are automatically assigned delivery routes passing through that container, combining both operations in a single workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary route planning that incorporates both pick-up and delivery stops. Distribution routes are generated in advance to optimize the combination of pick-up locations and delivery destinations, reducing total travel distance and resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart container is disclosed. The smart container includes a container body having at least one storage division, a timekeeping unit configured to keep time of a deposit-removal cycle for a storage division to obtain a timekeeping result, a billing unit configured to receive the timekeeping result from the timekeeping unit of the deposit-removal cycle for the specific storage division and calculate a storage fee based on the timekeeping result, and a displaying unit being for displaying the storage fee calculated by the billing unit.