Virtual Sorting System for Same-Day Package Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 'Hub-and-Spoke' model for package delivery is limited to overnight delivery and does not allow for same-day delivery, lacking a virtual sorting and distribution network integrated with distributed internet services to optimize intercity transportation resources and minimize door-to-door delivery time.
Innovation Solution
A distributed e-package delivery system utilizing a cloud-based platform that enables real-time package delivery order initiation, selecting the best delivery work plan based on time, cost, and sender requirements, and dispatching orders to mobile workers, leveraging multi-modal intercity transportation resources to facilitate same-day delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the Hub-and-Spoke model is used for package delivery, then packages can be delivered overnight, but same-day delivery is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sorting function from physical hubs and relocates it to a virtual sorting system implemented through computer networks and algorithms. This eliminates the need for physical hub infrastructure while maintaining the sorting capability, enabling same-day delivery without the complexity of multi-level physical sorting centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual sorting system as an intermediary layer between package pickup and delivery. This virtual system uses computer networks to coordinate and optimize package routing, replacing the traditional physical hub-and-spoke infrastructure with a software-based coordination mechanism that reduces delivery time and system complexity.
2Loss of time
If the Hub-and-Spoke model with cut-off time sorting is used, then overnight delivery is achieved, but delivery cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing optimization through virtual sorting algorithms that continuously adjust package delivery paths based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach allows packages to be routed through the most efficient available transportation modes and paths, reducing costs while maintaining fast delivery times compared to the static Hub-and-Spoke model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of sorting location from physical hubs to virtual networked systems. This parameter change enables the system to optimize delivery routes and consolidate shipments more efficiently, reducing transportation costs and energy consumption while achieving same-day delivery performance.
3Loss of time
If a virtual sorting and distribution system is implemented, then same-day delivery is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical sorting infrastructure (hubs, sorting equipment, manual handling) with an information-based virtual sorting system using computer networks and algorithms. This substitution reduces physical complexity while enabling sophisticated routing optimization for same-day delivery through software-based coordination.
4Speed
If the Hub-and-Spoke model is used, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but delivery speed is limited to overnight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery process into independent virtual sorting nodes distributed across the network, eliminating the need for centralized physical hubs. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple packages through different virtual routes simultaneously, increasing delivery speed while reducing the complexity of multi-level physical sorting systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are electronic package delivery systems, distributed cloud computing systems, and platforms for initiating a package delivery order which utilize a virtual sorting and distribution system to receive a sender's or a customer's request for a package delivery. Also provided are user-implemented methods and computer-implemented methods to make or to receive the request as input, to reply with package delivery work plan options as output and to make and receive the acceptance of the best package delivery work plan.