Trailer Load Design Automation Using Simulated Annealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an efficient method for automatically generating optimal load designs and routes for delivery trailers, particularly in scenarios involving multiple destinations and varying item temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that employs simulated annealing and mixed integer programming to optimize stack building plans, route construction, and load design, ensuring efficient use of trailer space, minimizing transit time, and adhering to temperature control requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual load design methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and optimization efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated load design where the computer system independently performs load planning, stack configuration, and route optimization without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically generating optimized load designs based on input parameters such as trailer dimensions, load weights, and delivery routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical load design processes with a computer-based automated system. The mechanical process of physically arranging and optimizing loads is substituted with computational algorithms that automatically calculate optimal configurations, thereby increasing productivity while reducing manual labor.
2Loss of energy
If optimized load designs are implemented, then delivery costs and transit times are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex load design process into distinct functional modules: input data collection, load calculation, stack configuration, route optimization, and validation. This segmentation allows the complex system to be managed through modular components, each handling specific aspects of the optimization process independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting various input parameters such as trailer dimensions, load weights, stack heights, and route distances to optimize the load design. The system changes parameters dynamically to find optimal solutions that minimize delivery costs and transit times while satisfying constraints.
3Productivity
If comprehensive optimization is performed, then load configuration and route optimization improve, but computation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial optimization by focusing computational resources on the most critical aspects of load design, such as stack configuration and key route segments, rather than attempting to optimize every possible parameter simultaneously. This allows for high-quality optimization results while controlling computation time within acceptable ranges.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including obtaining information about a trailer that has been partially loaded with preloaded stacks in a manner that deviates from an original load design. The trailer is loaded with stacks of pallets including (i) the preloaded stacks that have already been loaded in the trailer and (ii) unloaded stacks that have not yet been loaded into the trailer. The method also can include determining positions of empty floor spots remaining in the trailer. The method additionally can include determining a first portion of an incremental load design for the unloaded stacks using a gap-filling pattern behind an uneven rear edge of the preloaded stacks in the trailer. The method further can include determining a second portion of the incremental load design. The method additionally can include updating the incremental load design based on an overall load design of the trailer using a first simulated annealing using a first neighborhood defined by separate rows within a delivery group that does not include the preloaded stacks. The method further can include outputting at least the incremental load design, as updated, to cause the unloaded stacks to be loaded in the trailer according to the incremental load design while the preloaded stacks remain in the trailer. The incremental load design specifies a respective floor spot assignment for each of the unloaded stacks. Other embodiments are described.