Hybrid powered asset tracking device

Abstract

The present application provides a long-life hybrid powered asset tracking device with solar charging capability, which can operate under high and low light irradiance conditions. The asset tracking device includes a system controller with energy saving management logic, a communication component, a battery component, a vibration sensor module, and a space occupancy detection module. The communication component is coupled to the system controller for conducting location determination procedures and data exchange procedures in indoor and outdoor environments. The battery component includes a solar panel module, a primary battery module, and a secondary battery module for charging the secondary battery module using energy from the solar panel module and the primary battery module. The vibration sensor module cooperates with the energy saving management logic to limit the number of data exchanges between the asset tracking device and a cloud server when no movement event is detected. The space occupancy detection module can detect the presence of an object within a predetermined range and limit the number of data exchanges when no object is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the technical field of wireless tracking systems; more specifically, it relates to long-life wireless tracking devices that can be powered by solar energy or non-solar energy. Background Technology

[0002] Asset trackers are typically small, rugged, and durable, relying on positioning and communication technologies to transmit information about the location and status of assets. Trackers are commonly used in industries such as logistics, transportation, supply chain management, and security to ensure the efficient transport and protection of valuables. Asset trackers typically include a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver for outdoor location tracking, and auxiliary connectivity features for indoor tracking or areas with weak GNSS signals, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks. These devices come in a wide variety, ranging from simple tags that provide only intermittent location updates to complex devices capable of providing real-time data such as location, movement, and temperature.

[0003] Asset trackers utilize GNSS systems including the Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), and Galileo Satellite Navigation System (GALILEO). These systems provide high-precision global location data. GNSS-based trackers are well-suited for outdoor environments with direct satellite connectivity. To improve positioning accuracy in indoor environments or environments where satellite signals may be blocked, such as urban canyons, asset trackers typically also use Wi-Fi access points or Bluetooth beacons to determine location. This method, known as hybrid positioning, uses nearby devices as references to estimate the device's position. When GNSS and other signals are unavailable, asset trackers may also use cellular triangulation. Cellular networks offer wide coverage and are often used as a backup solution for location tracking.

[0004] In recent years, solar asset trackers have become widely used due to their ability to extend device lifespan and eliminate the need for frequent battery replacements. These devices use solar panels to generate electricity, typically made of high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon cells, and store the energy in internal rechargeable batteries. Even when using solar power, asset trackers usually include lithium-ion batteries or other rechargeable batteries to ensure continued operation when solar power is unavailable, such as at night or during extended indoor periods.

[0005] Asset trackers are widely used to monitor the movement of goods in the supply chain, helping companies manage inventory, reduce losses, and optimize logistics. In the transportation sector, asset trackers can be used to track vehicles, monitor their routes, and optimize operations. In the construction industry, asset tracking helps monitor the location of expensive machinery and tools, preventing theft and misuse. Farmers use asset trackers to monitor the movement of livestock or the location of equipment situated in large fields. Trackers can also be embedded in valuables for theft prevention, alerting the owner if the item is moved or tampered with.

[0006] However, providing long-term power to asset trackers remains a significant challenge in the asset tracking field. Commercially available asset trackers are typically bulky and operate over narrow temperature ranges. Extending tracker lifespan often requires power optimization features, such as sleep modes. Solar trackers are generally limited to outdoor environments. Indoor asset trackers also face limited charging options. Furthermore, these energy-saving designs often come at the expense of functionalities; for example, the number of reports a tracker can generate is limited, resulting in a less than ideal user experience and performance. Therefore, current technology does not offer an ideal solution for power optimization.

[0007] As the demand for power-intensive functions in asset trackers continues to increase, these trackers require reliable power supplies to provide the higher power consumption required for the devices. Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved asset trackers that not only enable advanced functions but also provide an acceptablely long lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a long-life wireless tracking device that can be powered by solar energy or non-solar energy, thereby addressing the aforementioned shortcomings and unmet needs in the prior art.

[0009] To address existing problems in asset trackers, this invention provides a long-life, hybrid-powered asset tracker capable of solar charging in both high and low solar irradiance environments. The asset tracker may include one or more satellite positioning modules and a wireless connectivity module for determining its location in indoor and / or outdoor environments. To power the asset tracker, this invention also provides a solar panel and a battery system, the battery system comprising at least a primary battery and a secondary battery. This invention further provides a battery management system for charging the secondary battery using power from the solar panel and the primary battery.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a long-life, hybrid-powered asset tracking device is provided, featuring solar charging capability and operability under both high and low solar irradiance conditions. The asset tracking device includes a system controller, a communication component, a battery component, a vibration sensor module, and a space occupancy detection module. The system controller includes an energy-saving management logic component. The communication component is coupled to the system controller for providing location determination and data exchange procedures for the asset tracking device in indoor and / or outdoor environments. The battery component, coupled to the system controller, includes a solar panel module, a primary battery module, a secondary battery module, and a battery management module, wherein the battery management module is used to charge the secondary battery module using energy from the solar panel module and the primary battery module. The vibration sensor module is coupled to the system controller for detecting the movement status of the asset tracking device, wherein the energy-saving management logic component cooperates with the vibration sensor module to limit the number of data exchanges between the asset tracking device and a cloud server when the vibration sensor module determines that the asset tracking device is not moving. The space occupancy detection module is coupled to the system controller to detect whether there is an object within a predetermined range, and when no object is detected, the energy-saving management logic component is used to limit the number of data exchanges between the asset tracking device and the cloud server.

[0011] In some embodiments, the communication component includes a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver module for acquiring satellite signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), or Galileo Satellite Navigation System (GALILEO).

[0012] In some embodiments, the GNSS receiver module supports assisted GPS (A-GPS), which is used to complete cold start positioning in 5.5 seconds and warm start positioning in 2 seconds.

[0013] In some embodiments, the communication component includes a Wi-Fi module for detecting Wi-Fi access points, wherein the Wi-Fi access points are used for indoor positioning and data exchange.

[0014] In some embodiments, the communication component includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module for detecting Bluetooth beacons, wherein the Bluetooth beacons are used for indoor positioning and data exchange.

[0015] In some embodiments, the communication component includes a cellular communication module for providing NB-IoT, 4G, or 5G connectivity and for uploading telemetry data to the cloud server.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cellular communication module supports a power-saving mode (PSM) to reduce current consumption in idle state.

[0017] In some embodiments, the asset tracking device further includes an NFC controller. The NFC controller is coupled to the system controller and is used to exchange data with an NFC reader and to activate the asset tracking device from deep sleep mode or factory reset mode.

[0018] In some embodiments, the communication component is used to provide a variety of communication options, including Wi-Fi, BLE, and cellular networks, thereby enabling reliable data exchange with the cloud server, synchronization of tracker settings parameters, and performance of wireless updates.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery management module includes a solar panel manager, an ultra-low power DC-DC boost converter, a programmable maximum power point tracking controller, a programmable undervoltage protection circuit, and a programmable overvoltage protection circuit.

[0020] In some embodiments, the threshold configuration of the programmable overvoltage protection circuit is up to 4.3V, and the threshold configuration of the programmable undervoltage protection circuit is down to 2.5V.

[0021] In some embodiments, the space occupancy detection module is implemented by selecting one or more items from a cluster of laser sensors, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and infrared sensors.

[0022] In some embodiments, the vibration sensor module is a passive device that consumes almost no power and is used to trigger the system controller to wake the hybrid-powered asset tracking device from sleep mode when a sudden movement exceeds a predetermined vibration threshold.

[0023] In some embodiments, the hybrid-powered asset tracking device further includes a front housing and a rear housing, and one or more printed circuit boards. The printed circuit boards are housed between the front housing and the rear housing, wherein the system controller, the communication components, and the battery management module are disposed on the one or more printed circuit boards.

[0024] In some embodiments, the hybrid-powered asset tracking device also includes protective rubber disposed between the front and rear housings to provide a seal against water, gas, and dust entering the space between the front and rear housings.

[0025] In some embodiments, the primary battery module and the secondary battery module are disposed within a housing formed by the front housing and the rear housing, and are protected from environmental influences by the protective rubber.

[0026] In some embodiments, the system controller is further configured to set the asset tracking device into a deep sleep mode after production testing. Attached Figure Description

[0027] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be illustrated in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D A schematic diagram of a hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C A schematic diagram of the protective rubber of a hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A schematic diagram of internal components on the rear shell of a hybrid-powered asset tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D A schematic diagram of an antenna module, battery module, and control circuit of a hybrid-powered asset tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 5 An exploded view of a hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 An architectural diagram of a hybrid-powered asset tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the direction of current flow in a hybrid-powered asset tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the direction of current flow depends on the voltage level of the lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the following description, preferred examples of asset tracking systems and methods for hybrid power supply will be illustrated. Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications, including additions and / or substitutions, can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Specific details may be omitted to avoid obscuring the invention; however, this disclosure is intended to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings herein without extensive experimentation.

[0036] This invention provides a hybrid-powered asset tracking device, aiming to offer a long-life hybrid-powered device that can operate efficiently under various lighting conditions, including high- and low-irradiance environments. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device can employ multiple power supply combinations to maximize reliability and minimize maintenance requirements. The main functions of the hybrid-powered asset tracking include: determining its precise location and transmitting it even in harsh environments, making it particularly suitable for tracking cargo and baggage carts. The term "long-life" as used herein refers to the hybrid-powered asset tracking device being able to operate for at least 12 months without maintenance or the use of external charging / battery replacement.

[0037] Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D A schematic diagram of a hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 is capable of operating in various indoor and outdoor environments and includes a battery system with solar charging capability, which can power the tracker over a wide temperature range (e.g., between -30°C and +85°C).

[0038] Figure 1A A front view of the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 is shown; Figure 1B A rear view of the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 is shown; Figure 1C A top view of the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 is shown; Figure 1D A perspective view of a hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 is shown. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 includes a solar panel 12, a front housing 14, a rear housing 16, and a protective rubber gasket 20, all integrated into a compact housing suitable for long-term outdoor and industrial applications.

[0039] A solar panel 12 is mounted on the front housing 14 to collect solar energy, which powers the internal circuitry of the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10. The solar panel 12 also enables the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 to operate in various indoor and outdoor environments within a temperature range of -30°C to +85°C. The solar panel 12 has an efficiency of approximately 24% and is waterproof and UV-resistant, allowing it to maintain functionality under various outdoor conditions. The solar panel 12 is capable of providing a maximum current output of approximately 170mA at 2.97V, thus generating sufficient power even in low-light conditions.

[0040] The rear housing 16, located opposite the front housing 14, provides a space occupancy sensor 18 for detecting the presence of objects within a predetermined range. The front housing 14 and rear housing 16 are mechanically fastened together with screws, and a protective rubber gasket 20 is provided between them. The protective rubber gasket 20 provides an environmental seal, preventing gas and water from entering the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10. Therefore, the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 can be encapsulated in a durable and weather-resistant housing, protecting internal components from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and physical impact. This robust design allows the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 to be used in various outdoor and industrial environments, particularly suitable for tracking goods or luggage carts frequently exposed to harsh conditions.

[0041] In one embodiment, the solar panel 12 is coupled to a lithium-ion rechargeable battery with a capacity of less than 200 mAh. When the solar panel 12 is facing sunlight, the lithium-ion rechargeable battery can be fully charged in approximately one hour. The solar panel 12 is operatively coupled to a solar management system for managing and extracting solar power under both high and low irradiance conditions. For example, the solar management system can initiate a cold start when the solar panel 12 provides approximately 600 mV, and then continue collecting energy when the input voltage drops to approximately 130 mV, thus enabling charging even when the solar panel 12 is not directly facing the sun.

[0042] In one embodiment, the solar panel 12 includes an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) surface coating, which provides high corrosion resistance, durability over a wide temperature range, and high spectral reflectivity to enhance light utilization. The solar panel 12 also employs ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as an encapsulation material, which provides adhesion to surrounding materials, high volume resistivity, optical transparency, mechanical strength, and UV resistance.

[0043] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C A schematic diagram of the protective rubber gasket 20 of the hybrid power supply asset tracking device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2A A perspective view of the protective rubber gasket 20 is provided; Figure 2B A side view of the protective rubber gasket 20 is provided; Figure 2C A front view of the protective rubber gasket 20 is provided. The protective rubber gasket 20 is disposed between the front housing 14 and the rear housing 16 of the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10, and also serves to provide an environmental seal to prevent water, dust and gas from entering the housing.

[0044] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A schematic diagram of the internal components on the rear shell 16 of the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3A A plan view of the rear shell 16 is provided, and Figure 3B A perspective view of the rear housing 16 is provided. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) antenna 30 supported by the rear housing 16 for providing near-field communication with an external reader. The NFC antenna 30 is also used to activate the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 from deep sleep or factory reset mode. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 also includes a connector 40 for a space occupancy sensor disposed on the rear housing 16 for docking with the space occupancy sensor. In this regard, the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 may include at least one space occupancy sensor, which, when connected via the space occupancy sensor connector 40, can be used to detect objects entering a predetermined boundary and, when no object is detected, reduce the number of data exchanges with a remote server.

[0045] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D A schematic diagram of the antenna module, battery module, and control circuit of the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4A A floor plan of the internal components is provided; Figure 4BAnother plan view is provided that shows the additional circuitry; Figure 4C A perspective view of the internal configuration of the battery and antenna is provided; Figure 4D A perspective view of the lower part of the housing with cellular network antennas is provided. Regarding this, Figure 4B What is provided is a plan view of the lower-level circuitry, while Figure 4C It provides a perspective view of the three-dimensional arrangement of the battery and antenna.

[0046] The hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 also includes a Bluetooth antenna 50, a GPS antenna 60, a Wi-Fi antenna 70, and a cellular network antenna 75 disposed within the front housing 14. The Bluetooth antenna 50 provides short-range communication with external devices and supports indoor positioning. The GPS antenna 60 receives satellite signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to determine outdoor location. The Wi-Fi antenna 70 receives Wi-Fi access point signals for indoor positioning and data communication. The cellular network antenna 75 provides wide-area network connectivity to transmit location information and sensor data to a remote server via NB-IoT, 4G, or 5G networks.

[0047] The hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 also includes a secondary battery 110 and a primary battery 120, interconnected via a battery management system located on printed circuit boards (PCBs) 80 and 90. In one embodiment, the primary battery 120 is implemented using a bundle of three non-rechargeable lithium thionyl chloride (Li / SOCl2) batteries with a total capacity of at least 8000 mAh. The primary battery 120 features high energy density, long lifespan, wide operating temperature range, and low self-discharge characteristics, enabling the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 to operate for extended periods without battery replacement. In one embodiment, the secondary battery 110 is configured as a lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery of size 1520 or 1530 with a capacity of approximately 100 mAh to 200 mAh. The secondary battery 110 is used to provide high-current pulse discharge, thereby providing sufficient instantaneous current for power-consuming functions, such as transmitting data to a remote server via a cellular network. The secondary battery 110 is also used to store energy harvested from the solar panel 12, thereby extending the overall operating life of the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10.

[0048] In some embodiments, the primary battery 120 can be operatively coupled via a Schottky diode to provide charging current to the secondary battery 110 when the voltage of the secondary battery 110 is below a predetermined threshold. This configuration allows the primary battery 120 to maintain the operating state of the secondary battery 110 without the need for additional voltage conversion circuitry.

[0049] The chipset mounted on the printed circuit board 80 includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module with integrated microprocessor functionality, a Wi-Fi module, a GNSS module, and a cellular module. The BLE module handles short-range communication and system control. The Wi-Fi module is used for indoor positioning and data transmission via a Wi-Fi access point. The GNSS module acquires GPS, GLONASS, BDS, or GALILEO signals for outdoor positioning. The cellular module supports NB-IoT, 4G, or 5G communication technologies, enabling the transmission of device location and status data to a server via the internet. By dynamically selecting the most suitable positioning and communication technologies, the chipset module enables the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10 to operate in both indoor and outdoor environments.

[0050] like Figure 4C and Figure 4D As shown, the secondary battery 110 and the primary battery 120 can be arranged adjacent to each other, while the Bluetooth antenna 50 and the WiFi antenna 70 are located above the battery inside the front cover 14. At the bottom of the cover, the primary battery 120 can be located near the cellular network antenna 75, which provides wide-area connectivity for data exchange with a remote server.

[0051] Figure 5 An exploded view of a hybrid power supply asset tracking device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 The exploded view shows the front housing 14, rear housing 16, solar panel 12, and protective rubber gasket 20, as well as internal components including: NFC antenna 30, secondary battery 110, primary battery 120, and printed circuit boards 80 and 90 for carrying the antenna and control circuitry. Although the exploded view shows the overall structural configuration of the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 10, it does not imply any limitation on the specific assembly sequence or configuration.

[0052] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 can be used as a long-life hybrid-powered asset tracker and has solar charging capabilities under both high and low light irradiance conditions. Figure 6The hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 further demonstrates the interconnection and communication relationships between its components, and showcases the control functions that some of these components can perform. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 includes a battery assembly 210, a sensor assembly 230, a system controller 250 containing energy-saving management logic 252, and a communication assembly 270. All these components are electrically connected via bus and signal interfaces. For example, the battery assembly 210 can be electrically coupled to the system controller 250 via a power bus 222.

[0053] The battery module 210 includes a solar panel module 212, a solar management module 214, a secondary battery module 216, a primary battery module 218, and a battery management module 220.

[0054] Solar panel module 212 utilizes sunlight as input energy and converts it into electrical energy. Solar panel module 212 can be made of high-efficiency monocrystalline cells, possessing weatherproof and UV-resistant properties. In one embodiment, solar panel module 212 has an efficiency of approximately 24% and a maximum output current of at least 80 mA (e.g., approximately 170 mA at 2.97V). Solar panel module 212 can provide energy to solar management module 214 and provide charging current to secondary battery module 216.

[0055] The solar management module 214 is used to regulate and harvest power energy from the solar panel module 212. The solar management module 214 may include an ultra-low-power DC-DC boost converter and a programmable maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller. In one embodiment, the solar management module 214 supports a wide input range of approximately 0.13V to approximately 3.7V, cold-starts at approximately 600mV, and continues harvesting energy when the input level is as low as approximately 130mV. The MPPT controller (e.g., an MPPT ratio of 70% or 80%) can be configured to optimize harvesting operations and achieve an efficiency of approximately 90% at 3V. In one embodiment, the solar management module 214 also includes programmable undervoltage and overvoltage protection circuitry with thresholds configurable to be as low as approximately 2.5V and as high as approximately 4.3V, respectively, to prevent malfunctions. The solar management module 214 can provide regulated charging power to the secondary battery module 216 and simultaneously power the communication component 270 when available power.

[0056] The secondary battery module 216 may be a lithium-ion rechargeable battery (e.g., a 1520 or 1530 type battery with a capacity of approximately 100-200 mAh) used to provide a high C-rate pulse current for power-intensive operations such as cellular data uplink. The secondary battery module 216 can receive charging energy from the solar management module 214 and the primary battery module 218 and provide operating power to the system controller 250.

[0057] The primary battery module 218 can be configured to use one or more non-rechargeable lithium thionyl chloride (Li / SOCl2) batteries (e.g., a bundle of three batteries with a capacity of not less than 8000mAh), with an operating temperature range of approximately -55°C to +85°C. The primary battery module 218 can be connected to the secondary battery module 216 via a Schottky diode with a low forward voltage to provide unidirectional current. The primary battery module 218 can provide charging current to the secondary battery module 216 when the voltage of the secondary battery module 216 drops below a threshold defined by the primary battery voltage plus the diode voltage drop. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional boost or buck converter, thus simplifying the circuitry.

[0058] The battery management module 220 monitors the charging status of the solar panel module 212, the primary battery module 218, and the secondary battery module 216, and controls the charging process of the secondary battery module 216 by the solar management module 214 and the primary battery module 218. The battery management module 220 can also select an active power source and supply power to the power bus 222. The battery management module 220 can report the current energy availability and protection status to the system controller 250.

[0059] In one embodiment, the secondary battery module 216 also has an operating temperature range of about -40°C to about +85°C, thereby enabling stable operation under harsh environmental conditions (although individual components may support a wider temperature range, the guaranteed operating temperature range for the device is limited by system-level specifications).

[0060] The battery management module 220 also includes an intelligent power management system that monitors the charging levels of the solar panel module 212, secondary battery module 216, and primary battery module 218, and dynamically adjusts power consumption based on energy availability. Under good irradiance conditions, the solar panel module 212 can not only provide sufficient energy to charge the secondary battery module 216, but also directly power selected subsystems (e.g., sub-components of sensor assembly 230 and communication assembly 270), thereby extending the overall operational life of the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200.

[0061] The sensor assembly 230 includes a vibration sensor module 232, a space occupancy detection module 234, and an optional environmental sensor 236.

[0062] The vibration sensor module 232 is a passive device that consumes almost no power in its idle state. When a sudden movement occurs that exceeds a predefined threshold, it outputs a wake-up trigger signal to the system controller 250. In response, the energy-saving management logic component 252 can restore communication or positioning functions; when no movement is detected within a specified time, the energy-saving management logic component 252 limits the number of data exchanges between the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 and the remote server, thereby saving energy and extending the device's lifespan, while also keeping the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 in a deep sleep state. This method is superior to continuously power-consuming gyroscopes (which consume several milliamps of current) and accelerometers (which consume hundreds of microamps of current).

[0063] The space occupancy detection module 234 can be implemented using a laser sensor, camera, ultrasonic sensor, or infrared sensor, and is used to output a space occupancy signal to the system controller 250. For example, when the space occupancy detection module 234 uses an ultrasonic sensor and detects no object within a predefined range, the energy-saving management logic component 252 can reduce or suspend data exchange with the remote server to save energy. In one embodiment, compared to approximately 25mA for GNSS scanning, approximately 70mA for Wi-Fi scanning, and approximately 10mA for BLE scanning, using the space occupancy detection module 234 as a condition for initiating positioning and tracking can significantly reduce overall current consumption.

[0064] Environmental sensor 236 may include temperature, humidity, pressure, or light sensors to provide status data to system controller 250 for cargo monitoring. For example, when environmental sensor 236 uses a temperature sensor and detects that the temperature inside a container exceeds a predetermined threshold, system controller 250 can generate an alarm signal and transmit the alarm status data to a remote server for further action.

[0065] System controller 250 receives energy from power bus 222 and coordinates the operation of various devices. Based on telemetry data from battery management module 220, system controller 250 selects the power usage mode and can manage charging priorities (e.g., setting solar power as the priority power source and switching to battery backup when solar power is insufficient) to schedule tasks. It can also execute energy-saving management logic component 252. System controller 250 can set time limits for GNSS receiver module 272 to calculate the positioning solution to avoid excessive energy consumption under conditions of obstructed sky view. After positioning is completed, the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 enters a minimum current idle state, where only the timer and vibration sensor module 232 remain operational, while GNSS receiver module 272 enters standby mode, and cellular communication module 278 operates in power-saving mode (PSM). In some embodiments, system controller 250 is implemented by a microcontroller integrated in communication component 270, or works in conjunction with it. In some embodiments, system controller 250 is implemented by a microcontroller integrated in communication component 270, or works in a tightly coupled manner.

[0066] The communication component 270 includes a GNSS receiver module 272, a Wi-Fi module 274, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module 276, a cellular communication module 278, and an NFC controller 280.

[0067] The GNSS receiver module 272 is used to receive satellite signals and navigation data from GPS, GLONASS, BDS and GALILEO, and with the support of assisted GPS, it can acquire cold start positioning in about 5.5 seconds and then acquire warm start positioning in about 2 seconds.

[0068] WiFi module 274 and BLE module 276 are used to detect WiFi access points and Bluetooth beacons for indoor positioning and can exchange data with system controller 250. Furthermore, WiFi module 274 can transmit location information (e.g., indoor positioning information) to cloud server 290.

[0069] Cellular communication module 278 provides NB-IoT / 4G / 5G wide area connectivity and uploads telemetry data to cloud server 290 via communication link to achieve synchronous settings and support wireless updates.

[0070] In some embodiments, the Wi-Fi module 274 and the cellular communication module 278 can operate selectively, allowing either module to be used independently or both modules to operate in parallel. For example, a user can select either the Wi-Fi network provided by the Wi-Fi module 274 or the cellular network provided by the cellular communication module 278 as the primary network / channel for data transmission, and optionally, configure the other as a backup network / channel when the primary network / channel is unavailable.

[0071] The NFC controller 280 can exchange data with the NFC reader and provide an activation signal to the system controller 250 to wake up the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 from deep sleep or factory mode, thereby initiating deployment.

[0072] In one embodiment, the communication component 270 can be implemented by an integrated chipset disposed on a printed circuit board, and the integrated chipset includes a BLE module 276 with microprocessor functionality, a Wi-Fi module 274, a GNSS receiver module 272, and a cellular communication module 278. The integrated chipset can receive indoor BLE, Wi-Fi, and cellular network signals, as well as outdoor GPS or BeiDou satellite signals, and transmit location information to a remote server via the cellular communication module 278. Positioning operation can be adaptive, where the GNSS receiver module 272 is preferentially used in outdoor environments, while the Wi-Fi module 274 and BLE module 276 are used for indoor positioning, and the cellular communication module 278 is used for fallback positioning when GNSS, Wi-Fi, and BLE signals are unavailable. In one embodiment, the cellular communication module 278 supports PSM to reduce power consumption in idle states. The NFC controller 280 also provides power-saving functions, preventing unnecessary battery consumption by enabling transport mode during transportation and storage, and by enabling specific control functions, such as starting or stopping location tracking in rental scenarios.

[0073] In one embodiment, a deep sleep mode can be configured in the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 to minimize energy consumption during storage and transportation after manufacturing. After manufacturing and testing, the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 automatically enters an inactive state with a standby current of approximately 50 μA, allowing the battery pack to retain over 95% of its capacity after one year of storage. When the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 is to be installed on an asset for tracking operations, the system controller 250 can activate the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 from deep sleep mode to normal operation mode upon receiving an activation command from the NFC controller 280. In an example use case, a user can input asset identifiers and cloud server information using a smartphone, then place the smartphone near the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200, allowing the NFC controller 280 to establish data transmission and complete the activation process.

[0074] During operation, the solar panel module 212 serves as the primary energy source, charging the secondary battery module 216 via the solar management module 214. The primary battery module 218 acts as a backup energy source, charging the secondary battery module 216 via a Schottky path when needed. The secondary battery module 216 powers the power bus 222, which in turn powers the system controller 250, sensor assembly 230, and communication assembly 270. The system controller 250 selects a positioning strategy based on the environment: using GNSS data outdoors; using Bluetooth iBeacon and Wi-Fi access point data indoors; and using cellular positioning when GNSS, iBeacon, and Wi-Fi signals are unavailable. Depending on the device status, the collected solar energy can simultaneously power the GNSS receiver module 272 and the BLE module 276, and charge the secondary battery module 216. Sensor component 230 can provide motion, space occupancy, and environmental information to system controller 250, which can then report this information and schedule operations. When no motion or space occupancy is detected, system controller 250 can restrict server switching and keep the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 in a deep sleep state. The data and status generated by system controller 250 can be transmitted to cloud server 290 via communication component 270.

[0075] In one aspect, the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 achieves a longer device lifespan through the coordinated operation of a primary battery module 218, a secondary battery module 216, and a Schottky diode coupling. The primary battery module 218 provides a long-term reference energy, and when the voltage of the secondary battery module 216 falls below a threshold, charging current is provided via the Schottky diode, thus eliminating the need for boost or buck converters. Simultaneously, the solar panel module 212 and the solar management module 214 charge the secondary battery module 216 when sunlight is available. The coordinated relationship between the primary battery module 218, the secondary battery module 216, and the solar collection path ensures that the secondary battery module 216 is always operational, enabling the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 to maintain both low-power idle states and high-current communication burst states over extended periods.

[0076] In another aspect, the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 can incorporate a power-saving strategy based on the coordinated function of the vibration sensor module 232 and the space occupancy detection module 234. The vibration sensor module 232 only outputs a wake-up trigger to the system controller 250 when it detects a sudden movement exceeding a threshold, while the space occupancy detection module 234 only outputs a space occupancy signal to the system controller 250 when an object appears within a predefined area. The energy-saving management logic component 252 coordinates these sensor signals to determine when to pause or resume data exchange operations with a remote server. This coordinated relationship enables the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 to eliminate unnecessary server communication operations during periods of no movement and no space occupancy, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional continuous sensing and reporting methods.

[0077] In other aspects, the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 improves energy efficiency and connectivity reliability through the coordinated operation of the solar management module 214, system controller 250, and cellular communication module 278. The solar management module 214 utilizes MPPT and low-voltage harvesting technology to maximize energy harvesting from the solar panel module 212, while the system controller 250, equipped with energy-saving management logic components 252, dynamically adjusts the duty cycle for positioning and communication based on sensor input. The cellular communication module 278 supports PSM, enabling long standby times with minimal current consumption. This coordinated interaction between the solar harvesting path, control logic, and communication components ensures that the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 can transmit necessary tracking information while conserving power in both indoor and outdoor environments.

[0078] Figure 7A schematic diagram illustrating the direction of current flow in a hybrid-powered asset tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, depending on the voltage level of the lithium-ion rechargeable battery. The operation shown is divided into three distinct phases, with smooth transitions between each phase, without requiring a sequential order. In one embodiment, the operation is performed by the hybrid-powered asset tracking device 200 and controlled and scheduled by a system controller 250.

[0079] In Phase 1, when the lithium-ion rechargeable battery voltage is higher than 3.47V and no solar energy is available (if solar energy is available, proceed to Phase 3), the lithium-ion rechargeable battery serves as the sole power source, providing operating current to the employed circuit. Figure 6 In the device architecture, this operation involves the collaborative function of the secondary battery module 216, which supplies power to the system controller 250, sensor assembly 230 and communication assembly 270 via power bus 222, thereby maintaining the operation of all active subsystems.

[0080] In stage 2, when the lithium-ion rechargeable battery voltage drops below 3.47V, the primary battery begins charging the rechargeable battery. The charging current can be determined by subtracting the forward voltage drop across the Schottky diode from the voltage difference between the primary battery and the lithium-ion battery. Figure 6 In the device architecture, this operation involves the primary battery module 218 working in conjunction with the secondary battery module 216 via a diode, and being monitored by the battery management module 220, so that the secondary battery module 216 can remain charged and continue to maintain the normal operation of the system controller 250 and the communication component 270.

[0081] In phase 3, when solar energy is available, it can be collected and converted into electrical energy by a solar management module 214 containing a boost converter (ultra-low power DC-DC boost converter) and protection circuitry. The collected energy can simultaneously charge a lithium-ion rechargeable battery and also power the application circuitry. Figure 6 In this device architecture, this operation involves the coordinated operation of the solar panel module 212, the solar management module 214, and the secondary battery module 216, where the battery management module 220 regulates the current flow. Solar energy can provide direct power to the power bus 222, allowing the system controller 250 and communication components 270 to continue operating while the secondary battery module 216 is being charged; for example, the GNSS receiver module 272 and the BLE module 276 can continue to operate.

[0082] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this disclosure, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should all be covered within the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

[0083] The foregoing briefly describes several embodiments of this disclosure and their detailed features. The embodiments described in this disclosure can readily serve as the basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to achieve the same or similar purposes and / or obtain the same or similar advantages as those described in the embodiments of this disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0084] The terms “approximately,” “substantially,” “essentially,” and “about” as used herein are used to describe and explain minute variations. When used in conjunction with an event or situation, the term can refer to a situation where the event or situation occurs precisely or approximately. The term “about” as used herein with respect to a given value or range generally refers to a range of ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the given value or range. This range can be expressed herein as from one endpoint to another, or between two endpoints. Unless otherwise stated, all ranges disclosed in this disclosure include endpoints. The term “essentially coplanar” can refer to two surfaces located within a few micrometers (μm) along the same plane, for example, within 10 μm, 5 μm, 1 μm, or 0.5 μm along the same plane. When referring to “essentially” identical numerical values ​​or characteristics, the term may refer to values ​​within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the average value.

[0085] The functional units and modules of the systems and methods according to the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using computing devices, computer processors, or electronic circuits, including but not limited to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontrollers, and other programmable logic devices configured or programmed according to the teachings of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art of software or electronics can readily write computer instructions or software code that execute in computing devices, computer processors, or programmable logic devices based on the teachings of this disclosure.

[0086] All or part of the methods according to the embodiments can be performed in one or more computing devices, including server computers, personal computers, laptops, and mobile computing devices (such as smartphones and tablets).

[0087] Embodiments may include computer storage media, transient and non-transient memory devices storing computer instructions or software code, which can be used to program or configure computing devices, computer processors, or electronic circuits to perform any of the processes of this invention. Storage media, transient and non-transient memory devices may include, but are not limited to, floppy disks, optical disks, Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, flash memory devices, or any type of medium or device suitable for storing instructions, code, and / or data.

[0088] Each functional unit and module according to the various embodiments can also be implemented in a distributed computing environment and / or cloud computing environment, wherein all or part of the machine instructions are executed in a distributed manner by one or more processing devices interconnected through communication networks, such as intranets, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), the Internet, and other forms of data transmission media.

Claims

1. A long-life, hybrid-powered asset tracking device with solar charging capability, capable of operating under both high and low solar irradiance conditions, characterized in that, include: The system controller includes energy-saving management logic components; A communication component, coupled to the system controller, is used to provide location determination and data exchange procedures for the asset tracking device in indoor and / or outdoor environments; A battery assembly, coupled to the system controller, includes a solar panel module, a primary battery module, a secondary battery module, and a battery management module, wherein the battery management module is used to charge the secondary battery module using energy from the solar panel module and the primary battery module; A vibration sensor module, coupled to the system controller, is used to detect the movement status of the asset tracking device. The energy-saving management logic component is used to cooperate with the vibration sensor module to limit the number of data exchanges between the asset tracking device and the cloud server when the vibration sensor module determines that the asset tracking device is not moving. as well as The space occupancy detection module, coupled to the system controller, is used to detect whether there is an object within a predetermined range, and when no object is detected, the energy-saving management logic component is used to limit the number of data exchanges between the asset tracking device and the cloud server.

2. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device according to claim 1, wherein the communication component includes a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver module, wherein satellite signals are acquired from the Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), or Galileo Satellite Navigation System (GALILEO).

3. The asset tracking device with hybrid power supply according to claim 2, wherein the GNSS receiver module supports assisted GPS (A-GPS), which is used to complete cold start positioning within 5.5 seconds and warm start positioning within 2 seconds.

4. The hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to claim 2, wherein the communication component includes a Wi-Fi module for detecting Wi-Fi access points, wherein the Wi-Fi access points are used for indoor positioning and data exchange.

5. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device of claim 4, wherein the communication component includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module for detecting Bluetooth beacons, wherein the Bluetooth beacons are used for indoor positioning and data exchange.

6. The hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to claim 5, wherein the communication component includes a cellular communication module for providing NB-IoT, 4G or 5G connectivity and for uploading telemetry data to the cloud server.

7. The asset tracking device with hybrid power supply according to claim 6, wherein the cellular communication module supports power-saving mode (PSM) to reduce current consumption in idle state.

8. The hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to claim 6, further comprising: An NFC controller, coupled to the system controller, is used to exchange data with an NFC reader and to activate the asset tracking device from deep sleep mode or factory reset mode.

9. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device of claim 8, wherein the communication component provides multiple communication options, including Wi-Fi, BLE, and cellular networks, thereby enabling reliable data exchange with the cloud server, synchronization of tracker settings parameters, and performance of wireless updates.

10. The hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to claim 1, wherein the battery management module comprises: Solar panel manager; Ultra-low power DC-DC boost converter; Programmable maximum power point tracking controller; Programmable undervoltage protection circuit; as well as Programmable overvoltage protection circuit.

11. The hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to claim 10, wherein the threshold configuration of the programmable overvoltage protection circuit is up to 4.3V and the threshold configuration of the programmable undervoltage protection circuit is down to 2.5V.

12. The hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to claim 1, wherein the space occupancy detection module is selected from one or more items in a cluster consisting of a laser sensor, a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, and an infrared sensor.

13. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration sensor module is a passive device that consumes almost no power, and is used to trigger the system controller to wake the hybrid-powered asset tracking device from sleep mode when a sudden movement exceeds a predetermined vibration threshold.

14. The hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to claim 1, further comprising: Front and rear shells; as well as One or more printed circuit boards are housed between the front housing and the rear housing, wherein the system controller, the communication components, and the battery management module are disposed on the one or more printed circuit boards.

15. The hybrid-powered asset tracking device of claim 14 further includes a protective rubber disposed between the front housing and the rear housing, which provides a seal to prevent water, gas and dust from entering the space between the front housing and the rear housing.

16. The hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to claim 15, wherein the primary battery module and the secondary battery module are disposed within a housing formed by the front housing and the rear housing, and are protected from environmental influences by the protective rubber.

17. The hybrid power supply asset tracking device according to claim 1, wherein the system controller is further configured to set the asset tracking device to a deep sleep mode after production testing.

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