Electronic seal

Abstract

Present invention relates to an electronic seal (100) comprising a lower insertion section (300) which includes an insertion hole (302) and a circuit. The insertion hole (302) is configured to receive a plug (202) protruding from an upper bolt (200) of the electronic seal (100). The circuit includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (304) having an in-built antenna (304A). Further, a RFID chip (306) and a socket connector (308) are operatively coupled with the PCB (304) such that the socket connector (308) fits in the plug (202) when received to complete the said circuit of the electronic seal (100).

Description

ELECTRONIC SEALFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Present disclosure relates to the field of electronics seals. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electronic seal that enables digital security to products and commodities.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] In general, an electronic seal, also known as an e-seal or e-lock, is a digital device used to secure cargo containers, trucks, and other types of transportation units. The electronic seal functions similarly to a traditional seal but uses electronic mechanisms for locking and unlocking. The said seals are equipped with sensors and communication modules that allow them to transmit data, such as location, temperature, and security status, to a central monitoring system in real-time. Electronic seals provide a higher level of security compared to traditional seals, as they can detect and report any tampering or unauthorized access immediately. The electronic seals are widely used in logistics and supply chain management to ensure the integrity and security of goods during transportation.

[0004] Existing applications of the electronic seal are susceptible to hacking and tampering. Since these seals rely on electronic components and wireless communication, an electronic seal can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks and signal interference. Hackers could potentially manipulate electronic seal's data or disable its tracking and security features, compromising the integrity of the seal and the security of the goods which is meant to be protected. Additionally, the electronic seals require batteries or power sources, which can fail or be depleted, rendering the seal ineffective. The reliance on power sources can be a limitation, especially for long-distance transportation or in remote areas where access to power may be limited.

[0005] Typically, an electronic lock includes a locking bar part and a sleeve portion, wherein the locking bar partially passes through locking position and is plugged in the sleeve portion. In such an arrangement, a circuit board is arranged in a locking bar part, and an antenna is arranged in sleeve portion such that when the locking bar of locking bar part isconnected with the lock body of sleeve portion, the circuit board and the antenna are connected to form loop, and resultantly form a complete RFID label tag. The said application operates on a fixed mechanism, until the locking bar part and a sleeve portion are locked in particular direction, the electronic lock cannot be activated.

[0006] There is, therefore, a need in the art to overcome the limitations discussed above and develop an electronic seal enabling digital security to products and commodities, which allows tamper detection of the sealed items.OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic seal enabling digital security to products and commodities, which creates a secure, tamper-evident seal.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic seal enabling digital security to products and commodities, which are equipped with unique identifiers and can transmit data wirelessly based on integration of the electronic seal.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic seal enabling digital security to products and commodities, which detects attempts for tampering, such as breaking or cutting.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic seal enabling digital security to products and commodities, which prevents tampering, theft, and counterfeiting, and enhances the overall security and safety of goods in transit.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic seal enabling digital security to products and commodities, which provides valuable data insights and analytics to improve supply chain efficiency and optimize logistics operations.SUMMARY

[0013] Present disclosure relates to the field of electronics seals. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electronic seal that enables digital security to products and commodities.

[0014] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic seal comprising a lower insertion section. The lower insertion section comprising an insertion hole to receive a plug therein, said plug protruding from an upper bolt of the electronic seal. Further, thelower insertion section circuit comprising a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) having an in-built antenna. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and a socket connector are operatively coupled with the PCB such that the socket connector fits in the plug when received to complete the said circuit of the electronic seal.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the lower insertion section further comprises a metal ring that receives and locks therein metal shaft that forms part of the upper bolt when the plug is inserted through the insertion hole.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the metal ring comprises of bush, a washer, and a lock ring such that groove is configured in the metal shaft get locked in the lock ring.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the lower insertion section further comprises an outer transparent cover and an inner body to cover the PCB.

[0018] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the lower insertion section further comprises a bottom cap to hold a base of the inner body.

[0019] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the upper bolt further comprises a cable operatively coupled with the plug.

[0020] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the upper bolt further comprises a coating (208) to cover the upper end of metal shaft.

[0021] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the upper bolt further comprises a metal cover to cover metal shaft from top end, and encase cable and the plug from the top.

[0022] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

[0023] Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Thedrawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram and an architecture of an electronic seal, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGs. 2A-2B illustrate exemplary representations of a non-limiting architecture of an electronic seal in a disengaged state and an engaged state, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of an electronic seal in a side view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIGs. 4A-4B illustrates an exemplary architecture of an electronic seal during assembly phase and post-assembly phase, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or specialpurpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and / or by human operators.

[0032] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining one or more machine-readable storage media containing the application according to the present invention with appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the application contained therein. Anapparatus for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more computers (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems containing or having network access to computer program(s) developed in accordance with various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be accomplished by modules, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product.

[0033] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0034] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0036] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views orprocesses illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and / or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.

[0037] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0038] All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0039] Further, all through the specification including the claims, the words “vibratory bed”, “vision inspection module”, “hopper”, “single board computer”, “apparatus”, “CCD array”, “illumination card“, “digital image analysis”, “application”, “GPIO (general purpose input / output)”, “control card”, “foreign matter”, “pneumatic valve” etc. are to be interpreted in the broadest sense of the respective terms and includes all similar items in the field known by other terms, as may be clear to persons skilled in the art. Restriction / limitation, if any, referred to in the specification, is solely by way of example and understanding the present invention.

[0040] The main features of the invention has already described above. A more detailed and non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment is given in the following description, with reference to the accompanied drawings.

[0041] In all the figures like reference numerals represent like features. Further, when in the following it is referred to “top”, “side”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “above” or “below” and similar terms, this is strictly referring to an orientation with reference to the apparatus, where the base of the apparatus is horizontal and is at the bottom portion of the figures. Further, the numbers of components shown are exemplary and not restrictive and it is within the scope of the invention to vary shape and size of the apparatus as well as the number of components, without departing from the principle of the present invention. For easy understanding, description of certain features in a particular figure may also be referred and shown in some other figures.

[0042] Various terms as used herein are shown above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0043] Present disclosure relates to the field of electronics seals. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electronic seal that enables digital security to products and commodities.

[0044] The present disclosure discloses an electronic seal comprising a lower insertion section which includes an insertion hole and a circuit. The insertion hole can be configured to receive a plug protruding from an upper bolt of the electronic seal. The circuit includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) having an in-built antenna. Further, a RFID chip and a socket connector are operatively coupled with the PCB such that the socket connector fits in the plug when received to complete the said circuit of the electronic seal.

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram and an architecture of an electronic seal, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] In an embodiment, FIG. 1 discloses an electronic seal 100 enabling digital security to products and commodities. In an exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the proposed electronic seal 100 can include an upper bolt 200 and a lower insertion section 300, which together contributes to the locking mechanism that is simple and effective. Further, the proposed locking mechanism can be implemented simply by pressing the upper bolt 200 against the lower insertion section 300.

[0047] In an exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the upper bolt 200 can include a plug 202 at least partially housed in a metal shaft 204. The metal shaft 204 can include grooves 204A on one or both sides of the metal shaft 204. The grooves 204A can be configured to improve the grip of the electronic seal 100 on the container or vehicle. Additionally, thegrooves 204A help in stabilizing the electronic seal 100 in order to prevent from slipping or becoming dislodged during transportation. The grooves 204A aid in aligning the electronic seal 100 according to the locking mechanism, ensuring that the electronic seal 100 is securely fastened. Overall, the inclusion of grooves 204A on the metal shaft 204 of the electronic seal 100 enhances effectiveness in securing goods and provides permanent lock of the lower insertion section securely during transportation.

[0048] Further, the upper bolt 200 can include a cable 206, a coating 208, and a metal cover 210. The cable 206 is connected to the designated port on the PCB 304 to complete the circuit, which can typically be connected to the components inside the electronic seal 100, allowing communication with external devices. Further, the coating 208 can serve as a protective layer for the upper bolt 200 of the electronic seal 100, particularly for the metal shaft 204. The coating 208 helps in preventing corrosion, wear, and damage, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the electronic seal 100.

[0049] In an exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the cable 206 can be configured to serve as a vital link between the electronic seal 100, internal components and external devices or systems. The cable 206 is typically connected to a socket connector 308 on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 304 inside the electronic seal 100 to facilitate communication and power transmission. The cable 206 enables the transmission of data to external devices like RFID readers or monitoring systems. The cable 206 can be designed to be durable and flexible, and built to withstand the demanding conditions of transportation and movement without compromising its functionality.

[0050] In an exemplary and non-limiting aspect, there are several types of cables that can be used in the electronic seal 100, depending on the specific requirements of the application. The types of cables can include, but not limited to: a coaxial cable, a twisted pair cable, a ribbon cable, shielded cable, and the like.

[0051] In an exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the lower insertion section 300 can include an insertion hole 302 that is configured to receive there through the plug 202, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 304, an antenna 304A built-in on the PCB 304, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip 306 positioned / configured on the PCB 304, and a socket connector 308 into which the plug 202 can be assembled. The lower insertion section 300 can further include an outer transparent cover 312, an inner body 314, and a bottom cap 316.

[0052] In an exemplary aspect, as mentioned above, the lower insertion section 300 can include an insertion hole 302 and a circuit, where the insertion hole 302 can beconfigured to receive therethrough a plug 202 that protrudes from upper bolt 200 of the electronic seal 100. The circuit can include the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 304 having an inbuilt antenna 304A. The in-built antenna 304A can be integrated directly onto the PCB 304 during the manufacturing process. The said integration saves space and simplifies the overall design of the electronic seal 100. The antenna 304A can be designed to operate at a predefined frequency ranges. The PCB 304 with the in-built antenna 304A allows the electronic seal 100 to transmit and receive data wirelessly.

[0053] In an exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the RFID chip 306 enables the electronic seal 100 to communicate wirelessly with external devices. The RFID chip 306 stores a unique identifier that can be read by RFID readers, allowing for the identification and tracking of the electronic seal 100. The different types of RFID chip 306 can include, but not limited to: a passive RFID Chips, an active RFID Chips, an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID chips operate in range of 860-960 MHz, a Low Frequency (LF) RFID chips operate in range of 125-134 kHz, and the like.

[0054] In an exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the RFID chip 306 and the socket connector 308 can be operatively coupled with the PCB 304 such that the socket connector 308 fits in the plug 202 when received to complete the said circuit of the electronic seal 100. Further, the PCB 304 with the in-built antenna 304A enables a wireless communication in the electronic seal 100. The integration of the antenna 304A onto the PCB 304 simplifies the design of the electronic seal 100 and reduces the need for external components, making it more compact and cost-effective. Further, the RFID chip 306 can be secured by placing one or more slots around the RFID chip 306, which enables fixing or tightly securing the RFID chip 306 when the container is in travel mode.

[0055] In an exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the socket connector 308 can be used to establish a connection between the electronic components inside the electronic seal 100 and external devices or systems. The socket connector 308 can be mounted on the PCB 304 inside the electronic seal 100 and provides a secure and reliable connection point for external cables or plugs. The socket connector 308 can be configured to allow the transmission of data between the seal and other devices, such as RFID readers.

[0056] In an exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the built-in antenna 304 A can be designed to operate in the frequency range of the RFID chip 306, which include, but not limited to: an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) range 860-960 MHz, a High Frequency (HF) range 13.56 MHz, a Low Frequency (LF) range (125-134 kHz), and the like. Further, the different types of antenna 304A can include, but not limited to: a Planar Inverted-F Antenna(PIFA), a loop antenna, a patch antenna, and the like. Furthermore, a polarization of the antenna 304A can be chosen based on the RFID chip 306 requirement and an orientation of the tag. The polarization of the antenna 304 A refers to the orientation of the electromagnetic field produced by the antenna, which includes, but not limited to: a linear polarization, a circular polarization and the like. The linear polarization is simpler to implement and often used in applications where the orientation of the antenna 304A is known and fixed. The circular polarization provides more consistent signal strength and often used in applications where the orientation of the antenna may vary.

[0057] In an exemplary aspect, the lower insertion section 300 can further include a metal ring 310 that receives and locks therein a metal shaft 204 that forms part of upper bolt 200. When the plug 202 is inserted through the insertion hole 302, the plug 202 typically engages with the locking mechanism inside the electronic seal 100. The said action is part of the process of securing the electronic seal 100 to the container or vehicle. Once the plug 202 is fully inserted and engaged, the electronic seal 100 is locked in place, and the electronic components inside the seal become active, monitoring the status and environment of the electronic seal 100. The insertion hole 302 can be designed to accommodate the plug 202 securely, ensuring that the electronic seal 100 remains in place and cannot be easily removed or tampered with. The type of plug 202 can depend on the specific design and requirements of the electronic seal 100. Further, the specific type of plug used will depend on factors such as the seal's design, the required functionality, and the compatibility with other devices or systems. The type of plug 202 include, but not limited to: a barrel plug, a D-subminiature connector, a circular connector, and the like.

[0058] In an exemplary aspect, the lower insertion section 300 can include the metal ring 310 can include a bush 310A, a washer 310B, and a lock ring 310C, such that groove(s) 204A that are present in the metal shaft 204 get locked in the lock ring 310C present on both sides of 310. The bush 310A can be a cylindrical component that is inserted into the center of the metal ring 310, which serves as a guide or support for the metal shaft 204 that is inserted through the center of the metal ring 310, helping to align and stabilize the assembly. The washer 310B can be a flat, disc-shaped component that is placed below the bush 310A and the lock ring 310C, which helps to distribute the load evenly across the surface, preventing damage and ensuring a secure fit. Further, the lock ring 310C can be a circular ring with a threaded inner surface that is screwed onto the metal shaft 204 to secure the assembly in place. Further, the lock ring 310C provides a tight grip and prevents the components from coming loose or separating during use.

[0059] In an embodiment, the lower insertion section 300 can further include an outer transparent cover 312, an inner body 314, a base of the inner body 314-1, and a bottom cap 316 to cover the PCB 304. The outer transparent cover 312 and an inner body 314 can help protect the PCB 304 and other internal components from environmental factors and physical damage. The outer transparent cover 312 is typically made of a clear and durable substance which includes, but not limited to: a polycarbonate, an acrylic, and the like. The outer transparent cover 312 allows for easy visual inspection of the electronic seal 100 and other components without the need to open or remove the electronic seal 100. The outer transparent cover 312 also protects the PCB 304 from dust, moisture, and physical impact, while still allowing signals to pass through for communication purposes.

[0060] Further, the inner body 314 can be configured to surround and encase the PCB 304 and other electronic components. The inner body 314 is often made of a sturdy material which includes, but not limited to: an ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, a metal, and the like, to provide structural support and protection against harsh environments. The inner body 314 also helps to shield the PCB 304 from an electromagnetic interference (EMI) and provides a secure mounting platform for the electronic components.

[0061] Furthermore, the lower insertion section 300 includes the bottom cap 316 to hold the base 314-1 of the inner body 314, which can be made of a durable material which includes, but not limited to: a plastic, a metal and the like. The bottom cap 316 can be designed to fit securely over the bottom of the electronic seal’s 100 housing. Additionally, the bottom cap 316 may also serve as a mounting point for the electronic seal 100, allowing a secured attachment to a container or vehicle.

[0062] In an embodiment, the lower insertion section 300 includes one or more Light Emitting Devices (LEDs) 318-1, 318-2. The LEDs 318-1, 318-2 serve as visual indicators, providing real-time information on the status of the seal 100. For instance, the LEDs 318-1, 318-2 can be configured to indicate a signal whether the seal 100 is securely locked or has been tampered with, offering an immediate and clear visual cue to users or security personnel. In industrial and logistical applications, where the electronic seal 100 are often used to secure containers, trucks, or equipment, the inclusion of LEDs 318-1, 318-2 can significantly improve operational efficiency by allowing quick and easy status checks. A red light in the LED 318-1, 318-2 can indicate an open state or a tampered state of the electronic seal 100. A green light in the LED 318-1, 318-2 can indicate a closed state of the electronic seal 100.

[0063] Further, the RFID chip 306 in the lower insertion section 300 can incorporate one or more switches (not shown in figure) which can perform at least one of a switch ON operation and a switch OFF operation through which the LEDs 318-1, 318-2 can be controlled. The switch ON operation can lead to indication of the green light, and the switch OFF operation can lead to indication of the red light in the said LEDs 318-1, 318-2. One or more cavities (shown in FIG. 2A) in the outer transparent cover 312 of the of the electronic seal 100 enables efficient display of the LED light, which can be easily operated by the scanner.

[0064] In an embodiment, the upper bolt 200 includes the cable 206 which is operatively coupled with the plug 202, which allows the cable 206 to transmit data between the electronic seal 100 and another device or system. The cable 206 can be actively connected and functioning in conjunction with the plug 202 of the electronic seal 100. The cable 206 can be used for various purposes, such as providing power to the electronic seal 100, transmitting data within the electronic seal 100.

[0065] In an embodiment, the upper bolt 200 can include coating 208 to cover the upper end of the metal shaft 204. Further, the upper bolt 200 can further include metal cover 210 to cover the metal shaft 204 from top end, and encase the cable 206 and the plug 202 from the top. The coating 208 can be designed to protect the metal shaft 204 from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and corrosion, which could compromise the electronic seal’s 100 integrity. Additionally, the coating 208 can provide insulation to prevent electrical conductivity and short circuits. The upper bolt 200 can be inserted into a corresponding slot on the container or vehicle, securing the seal in place. The coating 208 on the upper bolt 200 ensures that the electronic seal 100 remains durable and reliable, even in challenging conditions, providing peace of mind for shippers and carriers regarding the security of their goods.

[0066] FIGs. 2A-2B illustrates an exemplary representation of architecture of an electronic seal in a disengaged state and an engaged state, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 2A, the electronic seal 100 is represented in a disengaged state. The upper bolt 200 and the lower insertion section 300 of the electronic seal 100 are not in contact with each other, and the electronic seal 100 is not attached to a container or vehicle. The disengaged state occurs when the seal is not in use, such as during loading or unloading process. In this state, the electronic seal 100 is typically not transmitting data or monitoring the status of the container or vehicle.

[0068] Further, in contrast, referring to FIG. 2B, the upper bolt 200 and the lower insertion section 300 of the electronic seal 100 are in contact with each other, and the electronic seal 100 is attached to the container or the vehicle and is active. In this state, the electronic seal 100 is actively monitoring for any tampering, unauthorized access, or changes in its environment. The engaged state of the electronic seal 100 is critical for ensuring the security and integrity of the sealed goods during transportation.

[0069] In an exemplary aspect, during the engaged state the electronic seal 100 on the container can be configured to scan presence of the electronic seal 100 in a pre-defined radius by using the RFID chip 306. When the RFID reader scans the electronic seal 100 to detect a tag ID, , and a search for the RFID is performed in a cloud database to extract relevant data. Further, the data is displayed on the RFID reader, once validated by the authority of the container.

[0070] In an exemplary aspect, the electronic seal 100 detects the tag ID of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag in its vicinity. This tag ID uniquely identifies the tagged item or container. The RFID reader receives data, including the Tag ID, from the electronic seal 100 using radio frequency signals. The RFID reader receives data from the built-in RFID chip 306 of the electronic seal 100. Further, the electronic seal 100 forwards the received Tag ID to a cloud database. The cloud database is a centralized storage system that contains relevant data associated with the Tag ID, which includes, but not limited to: an item's origin, a destination, a content, other tracking information, and the like.

[0071] Further, the tag ID can be searched in the cloud database to retrieve the relevant data. The said data may include information which include, but not limited to: goods / commodities, handling instructions, and any other relevant details..

[0072] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of an electronic seal in a side view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] In an embodiment, FIG. 3 discloses a side view exploded architecture of the proposed electronic seal 100. The electronic seal 100 is integral to ensuring the security and integrity of goods during transportation. The electronic seal 100 is typically attached to a container or vehicle, with its locking mechanism engaged to prevent unauthorized access.

[0074] In an exemplary aspect, FIG. 3 discloses an exploded view of the electronic seal 100 can include the upper bolt 200 and a lower insertion section 300, which together contributes to the locking mechanism that is simple and effective. The upper bolt 200 can include the plug 202, the metal shaft 204, the groove 204A, the cable 206, the coating 208, and the metal cover 210. Further, the lower insertion section 300 can include the insertionhole 302, the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 304, the built-in antenna 304A, the RFID chip 306, the socket connector 308, the outer transparent cover 312, the inner body 314, and the bottom cap 316.

[0075] In an exemplary aspect, the plug 202 is inserted through the insertion hole 302, the plug 202 typically engages with the locking mechanism inside the electronic seal 100. The said action is part of the process of securing the electronic seal 100 to the container or vehicle. Once the plug 202 is fully inserted and engaged, the electronic seal 100 is locked in place, and the electronic components inside the seal become active, monitoring the status and environment of the electronic seal 100. The RFID chip 306 and the socket connector 308 can be operatively coupled with the PCB 304 such that the socket connector 308 fits in the plug 202 when received to complete the said circuit of the electronic seal 100. The said components work together to monitor the electronic seal’s 100 status and environment, including factors like tampering, location, and temperature. Data collected by the electronic seal 100 can be transmitted wirelessly through the cable 206 connected to the plug 202, providing real-time tamper detection information to a central system.

[0076] FIGs. 4A-4B illustrates an exemplary architecture of an electronic seal during assembly phase and post-assembly phase, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] In an embodiment, FIG. 4A represents the assembly phase of the electronic seal 100. The various components are brought together and integrated to form a functional unit. The assembly phase includes assembling the outer transparent cover 312, locking mechanism, the PCB 304, and other internal components. Each component is carefully assembled according to the electronic seal’s 100 design specifications, often using specialized tools and techniques.

[0078] Further, in contrast, FIG. 4B, represents the post-assembly phase. Once the assembly phase is completed, the electronic seal 100 enters the post-assembly phase. In the post-assembly phase, the electronic seal 100 undergoes testing and quality control checks to ensure that it functions correctly and meets the required specifications, which includes, but not limed to: testing the seal's locking mechanism, communication modules, and the like, to ensure the working of the electronic seal 100. Any issues or defects identified during testing are addressed and corrected before the electronic seal 100 is deployed for use.

[0079] Although this present invention has been described herein with respect to a number of specific illustrative embodiments, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate, rather than to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will realize that manymodifications of the illustrative embodiment could be made which would be operable. All such modifications, which are within the scope of the claims, are intended to be within the scope and of the present invention.ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0080] The present invention provides an electronic seal enabling digital security to products and commodities, which creates a secure, tamper-evident seal.

[0081] The present invention incorporates an unique identifier and transmits data wirelessly based on integration of the electronic seal.

[0082] The present invention detects attempts for tampering, such as breaking or cutting..

[0083] The present invention prevents tampering, theft, and counterfeiting, and enhances the overall security and safety of goods in transit.

[0084] The present invention provides valuable data insights and analytics to improve supply chain efficiency and optimize logistics operations.

Claims

I Claim:

1. An electronic seal (100) comprising a lower insertion section (300), said lower insertion section (300) comprising: an insertion hole (302) to receive a plug (202) therein, said plug (202) protruding from an upper bolt (200) of the electronic seal (100); and a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) (304) having an in-built antenna (304A), wherein a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip (306) and a socket connector (308) are operatively coupled with the PCB (304) such that the socket connector (308) fits in the plug (202) when received to complete the said circuit of the electronic seal (100).

2. The electronic seal (100) of claim 1, wherein the lower insertion section (300) further comprises a metal ring (310) that receives and locks therein metal shaft (204) that forms part of the upper bolt (200) when the plug (202) is inserted through the insertion hole (302).

3. The electronic seal (100) of claim 2, wherein the metal ring (310) comprises of bush (310A), a washer (310B), and a lock ring (310C) such that groove (204A) configured in the metal shaft (204) get locked in the lock ring (310C).

4. The electronic seal (100) of claim 1, wherein the lower insertion section (300) further comprises an outer transparent cover (312) and an inner body (314) to cover the PCB (304).

5. The electronic seal (100) of claim 1, wherein the lower insertion section (300) further comprises a bottom cap (316) to hold a base (314-1) of the inner body (314).

6. The electronic seal (100) of claim 1, wherein the upper bolt (200) further comprises a cable (206) operatively coupled with the plug (202).

7. The electronic seal (100) of claim 1, wherein the upper bolt (200) further comprises a coating (208) to cover the upper end of metal shaft (204).

8. The electronic seal (100) of claim 1, wherein the upper bolt (200) further comprises a metal cover (210) to cover metal shaft (204) from top end, and encase cable (206) and the plug (202) from the top.

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