Transport Vehicle Routing for Space-Efficient Parcel Sorting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Parcel and article sorting in fulfillment centers is labor-intensive, error-prone, and inefficient, with existing automated systems being costly, space-intensive, and underutilized, leading to increased costs and delivery times.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising transport vehicles and a control system that interacts with article identifiers to determine destinations and direct the transport of articles to corresponding containers, optimizing sorting efficiency by using a platform with multiple outlets and intelligent transport management to avoid collisions and maximize space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated sorting equipment is used, then sorting accuracy and speed are improved, but capital investment cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting speedVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the sorting function into two parts: a simple transport vehicle that moves packages, and a control system that provides intelligence. The transport vehicle itself is mechanically simple, while the control system handles the complex decision-making about routing and destination determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sorting mechanisms with a control system that uses information processing (scanning identifiers, determining destinations) to direct simple transport vehicles. The intelligence is separated from the mechanical transport function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If automated sorting equipment is deployed, then sorting precision is improved, but warehouse space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting accuracyVSAvoidwarehouse space

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The transport vehicles are designed to be universal units that can serve multiple destinations and be redirected dynamically. The same vehicle infrastructure serves both transport and sorting functions, eliminating the need for dedicated mechanical sorting equipment at each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic routing where transport vehicles are directed to different destinations based on real-time needs and destination determination, rather than fixed mechanical routing paths. This flexibility allows the same physical infrastructure to adapt to varying sorting requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If traditional labor-intensive sorting is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but processing time and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transport vehicles are equipped with the ability to autonomously navigate and deposit packages at the correct destinations based on control system directions. The system serves itself by using information acquisition devices to read identifiers and automatically determine destinations without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the simple transport vehicles and the destination containers. It processes information from identifiers, determines destinations, and directs the vehicles accordingly, bridging the gap between simple transport and intelligent sorting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If automated sorting equipment is used, then productivity is improved, but payback period increases due to high initial investment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting throughputVSAvoidpayback period

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses relatively simple and inexpensive transport vehicles compared to traditional automated sorting equipment. These vehicles can be deployed in large numbers and replaced or redirected as needed, reducing the capital investment barrier while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10968087B2Parcel and article sorting system and method

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 TOMPKINS ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A system includes an article supply location, wherein the article supply location includes a plurality of articles to be sorted, first and second transport vehicles, each having a first position in which an article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article is deposited into a proximal container. And a control system. The control system is configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles, determine one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the transport vehicle to deposit a selected article, direct the first transport vehicle to transport a selected article to the destination container and deposit the article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container.