Active Container Data Bridging With External Transit Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Active storage containers face challenges in providing reliable in-transit power and data connectivity due to the need for large batteries, which increase weight and cost, and limitations in sensor data usage, where information can only be used retroactively rather than in real-time to prevent issues during transit.

Innovation Solution

The system provides in-transit power through external power supplies integrated into storage points like shelves and racks, allowing active containers to connect wirelessly or via cables, reducing battery size and weight, and enables data bridging using short-range transmission capabilities to maintain connectivity even in areas where independent GPS or cellular data is unavailable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large batteries are used to provide adequate charge for regulating temperature during transit, then power reliability is improved, but weight increases and fuel usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower reliabilityVSAvoidbattery weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply function is segmented between the container's internal battery and external power sources at storage points. The battery provides power during transit, while external sources recharge at intermediate stops, dividing the power provision task to reduce battery size requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery is recharged at storage points before transit begins, ensuring adequate charge is prepared in advance. This preliminary charging action allows the container to have sufficient power for the journey without needing an excessively large battery to cover all possible transit scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If large batteries are used to provide adequate charge for active features, then power reliability is improved, but the volume of goods that can be shipped is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower reliabilityVSAvoidavailable cargo volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If sensors and communication systems are continuously operated to monitor transit conditions, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time monitoring capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, sensors and communication systems operate periodically or at key events (departure, arrival, temperature threshold crossings). This periodic action maintains real-time monitoring capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption during transit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Loss of information

If wireless communication features are enabled for real-time tracking, then data connectivity is improved, but interference with flight systems may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata connectivityVSAvoidinterference with flight systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the transit environment. During air transport, long-range wireless features are disabled to prevent interference, while short-range communication is used when available. The system adapts its communication mode to the specific transit context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multiple communication modes as intermediaries depending on the environment. When long-range wireless is prohibited (such as during flight), it uses alternative communication methods available at storage points or during ground transit to maintain data connectivity without causing interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11750008B2Active container with data bridging

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 DOUBLEDAY ACQUISITIONS LLC

AI summary

A container having a battery and one or more active systems for maintaining temperature or other characteristics of goods stored within the container relies on a battery to maintain those active systems during transit. The size of the battery required for such applications may be reduced by providing access to external power during a shipment cycle. For example, shelves within transit vehicles or warehouses can supply electricity to the active systems via a wireless or wired connection, or they may recharge the container's battery, or both. The container may also have data bridging capabilities that use short range wireless technology to communicate with nearby devices that have access to other data streams, such as GPS data and internet connectivity. When bridged with a provider, the container may have access to new data streams, or may be able to disable internal devices providing those same data streams to conserve power.