Parcel Sequencing Sorter Using Stop-Ordered Route Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for last mile delivery are inefficient due to manual sorting of articles, which increases costs and time.

Innovation Solution

A control system configured with a memory and processor to sequence delivery stops within routes, direct article transport to sequence containers, and then to route containers, using computer-controlled transport vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sorting of articles is used, then flexibility in handling various articles is maintained, but time consumption and labor costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidsorting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated control system that uses processors and memory to sequence and direct articles. The system automatically determines delivery sequences and routes articles through transport vehicles to appropriate containers, eliminating manual labor while maintaining sorting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables articles to be automatically sorted and routed without human intervention. The control system self-manages the entire sorting process by receiving article information, determining delivery sequences, and directing transport vehicles to move articles to the correct containers based on predefined criteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated sorting systems are implemented, then sorting speed and efficiency improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated sorting system is divided into distinct functional modules: a control system with processor and memory for sequencing, transport vehicles for moving articles, and containers for receiving sorted articles. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high sorting speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple sequence containers are used for different delivery stops, then delivery sequencing accuracy improves, but space requirements and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesequencing accuracyVSAvoidspace for containers

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The transport vehicles serve multiple functions: they transport articles from the sorting system to containers, and also return empty containers to the sorting system for reuse. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated containers for each delivery stop, optimizing space utilization while maintaining sequencing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12280401B2Sequencing parcel sorter

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 TOMPKINS ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

Method of sorting articles to a plurality of delivery routes includes sequencing a plurality of delivery stops within each of a plurality of routes based on a predefined criterion, and, depositing articles associated with a first delivery stop of each route in a first sequence container. The method also includes transferring articles from the first sequence container to a respective route container of a plurality of route containers, each route container associated with a route, depositing articles associated with a second delivery stop of each route in a second sequence container, and, transferring articles from the second sequence container to the respective route container of the plurality of route containers. Transferring articles from the second sequence container commences after completion of transferring articles from the first sequence container.