Bolt seal assembly

Abstract

An electronic bolt seal assembly (1) for securing an intermodal container comprises a bolt member-and- locking cap arrangement, having a bolt member (2), with a primary head (3), a shank (4) and a secondary head (4A), the shank (4) extending between the primary head (3) and the secondary head (4A), a locking cap (6), correspondingly configured and dimensioned to receive and secure the secondary head (4A) thereto, and a severable bridge (9A), manually - separably attaching the bolt member (2) to the locking cap (6). The bolt member (2) and the locking cap (6) are arrangeable between an inoperative, manually-separable arrangement, wherein the bolt member (2) is separably attached to the locking cap (6) via the bridge (9A), and an operative, manually-inseparable arrangement, wherein the bridge (9A) is severed and the secondary head (4A) is received and secured to the locking cap (6).

Description

BOLT SEAL ASSEMBLYField of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a bolt seal assembly suitable for use with an intermodal container. More particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to a bolt seal assembly for an intermodal container with integrated location tracking capabilities.Backaround to the Invention

[0002] Cargo containers, including intermodal containers (also known as shipping, cargo, freight, or ISO containers), are essential for intermodal freight transport. These containers, relatively large in size and with conventional configurations and dimension, are designed to facilitate the transportation of goods with different modes of transport via land, sea and even air. The containers are typically provided with access doors that are equipped with one or more locking bars that extend partially or fully, vertically and / or horizontally across the doors. These bars are commonly designed to engage with locking cams and keepers at vertical or horizontal end or mid-door posts of the corresponding container walls to lock the doors in place. In addition to locking bars, the container doors are typically provided with robust locking mechanisms such as hasp-and-staple arrangements for locking the locking bars in place once they are rotated into a locked position.

[0003] Various sealing mechanisms are available to seal the relevant locking mechanisms such as the hasp-and-staple arrangement of intermodal containers, once the locking bars are locked and secured in the locked position. One such sealing mechanism is a so-called bolt seal, a tamper-evident, high- security seal that require specialized tools such as bolt cutters for removal. Another example is a conventional padlock, which offers a reusable solution, ranging from basic to high-security models with hardened shackles. A further example is a cable seal, providing adjustable, tamper-evident security and function similarly to bolt seals in that they also require specialised cutting tools for removal. Other examples include so-called barrier seals, comprising heavy-duty bars that lock across both doors, ensuring maximum security for high-value shipments. The above sealing mechanisms are aimed at enhancing the security of intermodal containers and their content during transit.

[0004] Bolt seals are one of the favoured options for sealing intermodal containers due to their ease of instalment and clear tamper indications. A typical bolt seal consists of a bolt member, comprising aprimary head and a shank, the shank extending from the primary head towards a free-end, with the free-end defining a secondary head that is irremovably lockable in a separate nut-like locking cap, providing permanent security once engaged. This tamper-evident design allows for easily detectable, visual evidence of any unauthorized tampering, as the primary or the secondary head or the locking cap must be severed from the shank in order for the shank to be removed from the hasp, enhancing the overall security of the container.

[0005] Intermodal containers are vulnerable to tampering and vandalism throughout the logistics process. Detecting tampering promptly is accordingly crucial to minimize or prevent theft of valuable cargo. Some of the prior art bolt seals have been assigned and linked to unique serial numbers, recorded along with the container number, carrier information and cargo location, to aid in the prevention process. Thees prior art bolt seals and their corresponding prevention processes, due to manual logging, hard copy records and disparate computer systems as well as the difference in time zones and / or locations between place of sealing and location of container in transit, have however various shortcomings.

[0006] Electronic bolt seals have accordingly been developed to overcome some of these shortcomings. Electronic bolt seals typically transmit information such as the location of the intermodal container at regular intervals, providing near real-time tracking throughout the logistics process. Additionally, some of the electronic bolt seals are configured to transmit information such as whether the seals have been tampered with, thereby offering higher levels of security. Other electronic bolt seals are configured to provide information such as the ambient temperature and the orientation of their containers, enhancing the monitoring and management of the containers’ conditions during transit, thereby improving the integrity and safety of their cargos.

[0007] The prior art electronic bolt seals are usually shipped with their power sources, typically batteries, with the batteries in an active or a semi-sleep mode, depleting the batteries’ lifespans and hence the lifespans of such bolt seals by the time they are installed significantly. This depletion is further exacerbated by the fact that international transport regulations and codes require many battery types to be shipped at a maximum pre-charged capacity of no more than approximately 20 to 40%.

[0008] Furthermore, many of the known electronic bolt seals usually require user activation in addition to the process of attaching and securing the seal to the hasp of an intermodal container. In some cases, additional equipment such as smartphones or specific magnets are required to activate these electronicbolt seals, further complicating activation and allowing for interference and unintended on and off switching.

[0009] The above requirements, shortcomings and / or characteristics have resulted in numerous electronic bolt seals being applied and containers being shipped without proper activation or sufficient charge for the duration of their journeys, or with the risk of interference.

[0010] The above requirements, shortcomings and / or characteristics are illustrated inter alia in prior art disclosures such as PCT / AU2019 / 051093 entitled: “Electronic bolt seal assembly for cargo containers”, PCT / AU2021 / 050609 entitled: “Improved electronic bolt for cargo containers", US Patent No. US 11 ,566,445 B2 entitled: “Electronic Bolt for Cargo Containers" and Chinese Patent No. CN210443130U entitled: “Electronic lead seal and container having the same” respectively.Object of the Invention

[0011] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a novel electronic bolt seal assembly with improved physical features to simplified activation properties, improved battery life and deter interference, or at least an alternative to the existing electronic bolt seals.Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to the invention there is provided an electronic bolt seal assembly for securing an intermodal container, the bolt seal assembly comprising: a bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement, having: a bolt member, with a primary head, a shank and a secondary head, the shank extending between the primary head and the secondary head; a locking cap, correspondingly configured and dimensioned to receive and secure the secondary head thereto; and a severable bridge, manually-separably attaching the bolt member to the locking cap; the bolt member and the locking cap being arrangeable between: an inoperative, manually-separable arrangement, wherein the bolt member is separably attached to the locking cap via the bridge; and an operative, manually-inseparable arrangement, wherein the bridge is severed and the secondary head is received and secured to the locking cap;an electronic module, operatively connected to the manually-separable, bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement and provided with at least one data communication sub-module, configured to receive and transmit preselected data in the operative arrangement; a power source, operatively connected to the electronic module and configured to power the data communication sub-module in the operative arrangement; and an activation mechanism, operatively connected to the manually-separable, bolt member-and- locking cap arrangement, the power source and the electronic module in the inoperative arrangement, and configured to: retain the power source in a deactivated, power-saving state with the bolt member separably attached to the locking cap via the severable bridge in the inoperative arrangement; and activate the power source from the deactivated state into an activated state automatically upon severance of the bridge and manual separation of the bolt member and the locking cap; enabling retention of the power source in the power-saving state with the bolt member and the locking cap in the inoperative, manually-separable arrangement, and automatic activation of the power source into an activated state upon severance of the bridge and separation of the bolt member from the locking cap.

[0013] The electronic bolt seal assembly may include a housing, operatively secured to the manually- separable, bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement for housing the electronic module therein. The housing may remain operatively integral with the bolt member upon severance of the bridge and separation of the bolt member from the locking cap. Alternatively, the housing may remain operatively integral with the locking cap upon severance of the bridge and separation of the bolt member from the locking cap. The housing may comprise a plastic material with improved mechanical properties selected from the group including impact resistance, heat resistance, ductility and water-resistance. More particularly the housing may comprise a blend of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polycarbonate.

[0014] The bridge may be provided with a frangible zone of weakness, located operatively between the bolt member and the locking cap, configured to enable severance of the bridge and separation of the bolt member from the locking cap upon application of a predetermined force.

[0015] The activation mechanism may comprise an insulated wire, operatively connected to and electronically communicating between the electronic module and the inoperative, manually-separable, bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement, wherein the separation of the bolt member and the locking cap compromises the insulation and activates the power source. More particularly, the activationmechanism may comprise an enamel-coated wire, operatively connected to and electronically communicating between the electronic module and the locking cap, wherein separation of the bolt member and the locking cap compromises the enamel coating and activates the power source. The enamel-coated wire may comprise a conductive and frangible material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, lead and alloys thereof, configured to rupture upon separation of the bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement.

[0016] The power source may comprise a battery selected from a group consisting of, Lithium-ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Solid-state, Flow, Zinc-Air and Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. More particularly, the power source may comprise a Lithium-ion battery.

[0017] The battery may have a capacity between 1000 mAh and 5000 mAh. More particularly, the battery may have a capacity of 3000 mAh.

[0018] The electronic module may be configured to receive and transmit location information related to the bolt seal assembly to an external device. More particularly, the electronic module may comprise at least one of: a GNSS receiver, configured to receive signals from at least one global navigation satellite and determine the geographic coordinates of the electronic module based on the received signals; an LBS receiver, configured to obtain location information from at least one cellular network or other location-based service; a processor, configured to: integrate location data received from the GNSS receiver and the LBS receiver; determine an accurate geographic location of the electronic module by processing the location data; and a communication interface, configured to transmit the determined geographic location of the electronic module to an external device; wherein the electronic module is capable of utilizing GNSS and LBS data concurrently or selectively to provide accurate location information in various environments, including areas with limited GNSS signal availability.

[0019] The processor may be configured to: monitor the time duration during which the GNSS receiver attempts to determine the geographic coordinates; andif the GNSS receiver does not successfully determine a position within a predetermined time, automatically switch to the LBS receiver to obtain location information from cellular networks or other location-based services. thereby conserving battery life by reducing power consumption associated with prolonged GNSS signal acquisition attempts.

[0020] The bolt seal assembly may be provided with at least one sensing arrangement for sensing the integrity of the shank in the operative, manually-inseparable arrangement whereby damage or disfigurement of the shank while the power source is activated is sensed by the sensing arrangement and information related to the tampering is transmitted to the external device.

[0021] The sensing arrangement may comprise an electrical connection between the electronic module and a conducting member extending along a length of the shank, whereby interference in electrical connectivity between the electronic module and the conducting member results in information related to the interference being transmitted to the external device.

[0022] The sensing arrangement may include one or more further sensors selected from the group including an accelerometer, a compass, a gyroscope and a thermometer.

[0023] The sensing arrangement may be configured to sense the orientation of the bolt seal assembly. More particularly, the sensing arrangement may be configured to sense the rotation of the bolt seal assembly when such rotation exceeds 90 degrees from the moment of activation and results in information related to the rotation of the bolt seal being transmitted to the external device.

[0024] The sensing arrangement may be configured to sense the movement of the bolt seal assembly. More particularly, the sensing arrangement may be configured to sense impacts or forces exerted on the bolt seal assembly from the moment of activation and results in information related to the impact or forces exerted on the bolt seal being transmitted to the external device.

[0025] The sensing arrangement may be configured to sense the ambient temperature around the bolt seal assembly. More particularly, the sensing arrangement may be configured to sense the ambient temperature around the bolt seal assembly from the moment of activation and results in information related to the ambient temperature around the bolt seal being transmitted to the external device.

[0026] The electronic module may be configured to stop transmitting information to the external device when ambient temperatures are below -45°C or above 90°C.

[0027] The electronic module may be configured to transmit information related to the battery to the external device, the information being selected from a group consisting of, battery voltage and battery charge percentage.

[0028] The electronic module may comprise at least one of: a Bluetooth sub-module, configured for short-range wireless communication; a cellular communication sub-module supporting both 4G and 2G networks for transmitting data over a cellular network; a local data storage system, capable of storing up to 1000 pieces of location data; and a processor, configured to: overwrite the oldest data when the storage capacity of the storage system is reached, ensuring continuous data logging; detect the return of cellular network connectivity; determine if there is any historical data stored in the local data storage system; transmit the historical data in batches of 50 data pieces, arranged in chronological order, to the external device via the cellular communication sub-module; and perform the data transmission in batches to conserve battery life by minimizing the time the cellular sub-module is active.Detailed Description of the Invention

[0029] A non-limiting embodiment of the invention shall now be described with referenced to the accompanying drawings wherein:Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bolt seal assembly in accordance with the invention;Figure 2 is a side view of the bolt seal assembly, as illustrated in Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is a top view of the bolt seal assembly, as illustrated in Figure 1 ;Figure 4 is a bottom view of the bolt seal assembly, as illustrated in Figure 1 ;Figure 5 is an exploded view of the bolt seal assembly, as illustrated in Figure 1 ; andFigure 6 is a side view of an upper part of the housing of the bolt seal assembly, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0030] An electronic bolt seal assembly 1 in accordance with the invention, configured to secure the hasp of an intermodal container (not shown) and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, comprises a bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement, the arrangement having a bolt member 2, with a primary head 3, a rigid, elongate shank 4 and a secondary head 4A, the shank extending axially between the primary head and the secondary head, and a locking cap 6, having a bore 6A and separably connected to the bolt member via a severable bridge 9A.

[0031] The bolt assembly 1 further comprises a housing 5. In this embodiment and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the housing 5 is operatively integral with the bolt member 2 and severably connected to the locking cap 6 via the bridge 9A.

[0032] The bore 6A is configured to permanently engage the secondary head 4A when the shank 4 is axially received within the bore 6A, thereby securing the bolt member 2 to the locking cap 6 in an operative, manually-inseparable arrangement. In use, the locking cap 6 would first be separated from the inoperative, manually-separable, bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement, whereafter the secondary head 4A would be inserted into the bore 6A such that the bolt member 2 and the locking cap provides an operative, manually-inseparable arrangement.

[0033] The housing 5 is configured to house and enclose an electronic module 7, the module having a tracking and communication device (not shown) that is configured to receive and transmit data. The housing 5 is further configured to house and enclose a power source 8, such as a battery, configured to power the data communication module with a lid 9.

[0034] bolt assembly 1 is further provided with an activation mechanism (not shown), in the form of an enamel-coated wire, operatively connected to the manually-separable, bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement, the power source 8 and the electronic module 7 in the inoperative arrangement. The enamel-coated wire (not shown) extends partially along the bridge 9A and comprises a conductive, yet easily frangible material selected from a group consisting of copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, lead and alloys thereof. The enamel-coated wire comprises a conductive and frangible material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, lead and alloys thereof, configured to rupture upon separation of the inoperative, manually-separable, bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement.

[0035] The activation mechanism (not shown) is configured to maintain the power source 8 in a deactivated state until activation, wherein upon activation, the power source transitions from adeactivated state to an activated state, thereby powering the electronic module 7. Activation via the activation mechanism (not shown) occurs when the locking cap 6 is separated from the bolt member 2.

[0036] The activation mechanism (not shown) is designed to keep the electronic module 7, including the power source 8, in a completely deactivated state until the locking cap 6 is removed from the housing 5. This feature conserves battery capacity, particularly in scenarios where a significant period elapses between the manufacture of the device and its eventual implementation with the hasp of a container during shipping (not shown). By ensuring that the power source 8 remains inactive until necessary, the activation mechanism (not shown) maximizes battery life and efficiency.

[0037] The activation process is seamlessly integrated into the procedure of severing the bridge 9A and separating the bolt member 2 and the locking cap 6 to attach the bolt seal assembly 1 to a suitable container (not shown), thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of user error or other issues that could result in the failure to activate a bolt seal (not shown). The bridge 9A is further provided with a frangible zone of weakness 9B, located operatively between the bolt member 2 and the locking cap 6, configured to enable severance of the bridge and separation of the bolt member from the locking cap upon application of a predetermined force. It is however envisaged that the housing 5 could be operatively integral with the locking cap 6, upon separation of the bolt member 2 and the locking cap.

[0038] The power source 8, comprises a suitable battery selected from a group consisting of, Lithium- ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Solid-state, Flow, Zinc-Air and Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. The capacity of the power source 8 is determined based on the required operational life period during which the tracker must transmit and receive data, with typical capacities ranging from 1000 mAh to 5000 mAh to accommodate varying durations and usage scenarios.

[0039] The data communication module (not shown) is configured to both receive and transmit location information pertinent to the bolt seal assembly 1 to an external device such as a remote server. Specifically, the module includes a GNSS receiver (not shown) that acquires signals from multiple global navigation satellites to determine the geographic coordinates of the module. Additionally, the module features an LBS receiver (not shown) that gathers location data from cellular networks or other locationbased services. A processor (not shown) within the module is responsible for integrating the location data from both the GNSS and LBS receivers, enabling the determination of the module's precise geographic location. The communication interface then transmits this determined location to an external device. The data communication module is capable of utilizing GNSS and LBS data either concurrentlyor selectively, ensuring accurate location information is provided even in environments where GNSS signals are limited.

[0040] The processor in the electronic module 7 is configured to efficiently manage location determination by monitoring the duration for which the GNSS receiver (not shown) attempts to establish geographic coordinates. If the GNSS receiver fails to acquire a position within a predetermined time frame, the processor automatically transitions to the LBS receiver (not shown), which obtains location information from cellular networks or other location-based services. This automatic switching mechanism conserves battery life by minimizing the power consumption associated with extended GNSS signal acquisition attempts, ensuring more efficient operation of the electronic module 7.

[0041] The bolt seal assembly 1 could also be provided with at least one sensing arrangement (not shown) that is designed to monitor a number of physical parameters pretraining to the assembly such as the integrity of the shank 4 while it is in the locked configuration. This sensing arrangement (not shown) could detect any damage or disfigurement of the shank during the period when the power source 8 is activated. If such tampering occurs, the sensing arrangement could transmit relevant information related to the tampering event to an external device. The sensing arrangement could include an electrical connection between the electronic module 7 and a conducting member (not shown) that extends along the length of the shank 4. Any changes or disruptions in electrical connectivity between the electronic module 7 and the conducting member could trigger the sensing arrangement to send information about the change or disruption to the external device.

[0042] Additionally, the sensing arrangement (not shown) could incorporate one or more sensors selected from a group consisting of an accelerometer, a compass, a gyroscope, and a thermometer. These sensors could enhance the capability of the sensing arrangement to monitor various conditions affecting the bolt seal assembly 1. For example, the sensing arrangement (not shown) could also be configured to detect the orientation of the bolt seal assembly. Specifically, it could sense rotation exceeding 90 degrees from the moment of activation and transmit information related to this rotation to the external device.

[0043] Furthermore, the sensing arrangement (not shown) could be designed to monitor the movement of the bolt seal assembly 1. It could detect impacts or forces exerted on the assembly from the moment of activation, with information about these impacts or forces being relayed to the external device. In addition, the sensing arrangement could be capable of sensing the ambient temperature around thebolt seal assembly such that it continuously monitors the temperature from the moment of activation and sends information about the ambient temperature to the external device. To optimize functionality and the longevity of the bolt seal assembly 1 , the electronic module 7 could be configured to cease transmitting information to the external device when ambient temperatures fall below -45°C or rise above 90°C, ensuring reliable operation within safe temperature ranges.

[0044] Additionally, the electronic module 7 is further to transmit critical information related to the battery status to the external device. This includes data such as battery voltage and battery charge percentage. By providing real-time battery information, the electronic module ensures that the external device is informed of the power status, enabling proactive management and maintenance of the tracking system.

[0045] The electronic module 7 includes several key components to enhance its functionality and data management capabilities. It features a Bluetooth module for short-range wireless communication, a cellular communication module that supports both 4G and 2G networks for data transmission, and a local data storage system capable of holding up to 1000 pieces of location data. The processor is programmed to manage the data effectively by overwriting the oldest entries when storage capacity is reached, ensuring continuous data logging. It also detects when cellular network connectivity is restored, checks for any historical data in the local storage, and transmits this data in chronological batches of 50 pieces to the external device via the cellular module. This batch transmission approach helps conserve battery life by reducing the active time of the cellular module, thus optimizing overall device efficiency.

[0046] The housing 5 further could comprise a plastic material with improved mechanical properties selected from the group including, impact resistance, heat resistance, ductility and water-resistance, such as a blend of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polycarbonate.

[0047] It will be appreciated that many variations in detail are possible without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the inventions as defined in the consistory statements and / or as described in the specific embodiments hereinabove.

Claims

Claims1 . An electronic bolt seal assembly for securing an intermodal container, the bolt seal assembly comprising: a bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement, having: a bolt member, with a primary head, a shank and a secondary head, the shank extending between the primary head and the secondary head; a locking cap, correspondingly configured and dimensioned to receive and secure the secondary head thereto; and a severable bridge, manually-separably attaching the bolt member to the locking cap; the bolt member and the locking cap being arrangeable between: an inoperative, manually-separable arrangement, wherein the bolt member is separably attached to the locking cap via the bridge; and an operative, manually-inseparable arrangement, wherein the bridge is severed and the secondary head is received and secured to the locking cap; an electronic module, operatively connected to the manually-separable, bolt member-and- locking cap arrangement and provided with at least one data communication sub-module, configured to receive and transmit preselected data in the operative arrangement; a power source, operatively connected to the electronic module and configured to power the data communication sub-module in the operative arrangement; and an activation mechanism, operatively connected to the manually-separable, bolt member-and- locking cap arrangement, the power source and the electronic module in the inoperative arrangement, and configured to: retain the power source in a deactivated, power-saving state with the bolt member separably attached to the locking cap via the severable bridge in the inoperative arrangement; and activate the power source from the deactivated state into an activated state automatically upon severance of the bridge and manual separation of the bolt member and the locking cap; enabling retention of the power source in the power-saving state with the bolt member and the locking cap in the inoperative, manually-separable arrangement, and automatic activation of the power source into an activated state upon severance of the bridge and separation of the bolt member from the locking cap.

2. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 1 having a housing, operatively secured to the manually-separable, bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement for housing the electronicmodule therein, the housing remaining operatively integral with one of the bolt member and the locking cap upon severance of the bridge and separation of the bolt member from the locking cap.

3. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the housing comprises a blend of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polycarbonate with improved mechanical properties selected from the group consisting of impact resistance, heat resistance, ductility and waterresistance, with the and More particularly the housing may comprise.

4. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bridge has a frangible zone of weakness, located operatively between the bolt member and the locking cap, configured to enable severance of the bridge and separation of the bolt member from the locking cap upon application of a predetermined force.

5. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the activation mechanism comprises an insulated wire, operatively connected to and electronically communicating between the electronic module and the inoperative, manually-separable, bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement, and wherein the separation of the bolt member and the locking cap compromises the insulation and activates the power source.

6. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the activation mechanism comprises an enamel-coated wire, operatively connected to and electronically communicating between the electronic module and the locking cap, and wherein separation of the bolt member and the locking cap compromises the enamel coating and activates the power source.

7. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the enamel-coated wire comprises a conductive and frangible material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, lead and alloys thereof, configured to rupture upon separation of the bolt member-and-locking cap arrangement.

8. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power source comprises a battery selected from a group consisting of, Lithium-ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Solid-state, Flow, Zinc-Air and Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries.

9. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the battery has a capacity between 1000 mAh and 5000 mAh.

10. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electronic module is configured to receive and transmit location information related to the bolt seal assembly to an external device, and wherein the electronic module comprises at least one of: a GNSS receiver, configured to receive signals from at least one global navigation satellite and determine the geographic coordinates of the electronic module based on the received signals; an LBS receiver, configured to obtain location information from at least one cellular network or other location-based service; and a processor, configured to: integrate location data received from the GNSS receiver and the LBS receiver; determine an accurate geographic location of the electronic module by processing the location data; and a communication interface, configured to transmit the determined geographic location of the electronic module to an external device; wherein the electronic module is capable of utilizing at least one of the GNSS and the LBS receivers and the related data to provide accurate location information in various environments, including areas with limited signal availability.

11. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the processor is configured to: monitor the time duration during which the GNSS receiver attempts to determine the geographic coordinates; and if the GNSS receiver does not successfully determine a position within a predetermined time, automatically switch to the LBS receiver to obtain location information from cellular networks or other location-based services; thereby conserving battery life by reducing power consumption associated with prolonged GNSS signal acquisition attempts.

12. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 1 having at least one sensing arrangement for sensing the integrity of the shank in the operative, manually-inseparable arrangement whereby damage or disfigurement of the shank while the power source is activated is sensed by the sensing arrangement and information related to the tampering is transmitted to the external device.

13. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the sensing arrangement comprises an electrical connection between the electronic module and a conducting memberextending along a length of the shank, whereby interference in electrical connectivity between the electronic module and the conducting member results in information related to the interference being transmitted to the external device.

14. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 12 or 13 having at least one of an accelerometer, a compass, a gyroscope and a thermometer, wherein the sensing arrangement is configured to sense at least one of: the orientation of the bolt seal assembly, when such orientation exceeds a predetermined degree from the moment of activation; the movement of the bolt seal assembly; impact forces exerted on the bolt seal assembly; the ambient temperature around the bolt seal assembly; the status of the battery, selected from a group consisting of battery voltage and battery charge percentage; from the moment of activation and to: transmit sensed information to the external device; and stop transmitting sensed information to the external device when ambient temperatures are below -45°C or above 90°C.

15. The electronic bolt seal assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electronic module comprises at least one of: a Bluetooth sub-module, configured for short-range wireless communication; a cellular communication sub-module supporting both 4G and 2G networks, configured for transmitting data over a cellular network; a local data storage system, capable of storing up to 1000 pieces of location data; and a processor, configured to: overwrite the oldest data when available storage capacity for continuous data logging; detect the return of cellular network connectivity; determine if there is any historical data stored in the local data storage system; transmit the historical data in preselected data batches, in chronological order, to the external device; and perform the data transmission in batches by minimizing the active time of the cellular submodule.

Images