Active Container Power Bridging for Smaller Batteries and Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Active 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 the limitations of wireless communication availability during transit, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to goods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an external power supply system and data bridging capabilities that utilize external power sources at storage points and short-range data transmission to reduce battery reliance and enhance connectivity, allowing active containers to operate efficiently and effectively during transit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large batteries are used to provide adequate charge for regulating temperature during transit, then power reliability is improved, but battery weight increases fuel usage and shipping costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing data connections and receiving power updates before critical power depletion occurs. The container proactively monitors battery levels and seeks external power sources in advance, preventing power failure rather than reacting to it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary external power supply system that bridges the gap between battery limitations and power requirements. This intermediary system includes power sources at storage points and during transit, eliminating the need for oversized batteries while maintaining power reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If large batteries are used to support active features, then power availability is improved, but battery size reduces the volume of goods that can be shipped
Solution Approach 1:
The external power supply acts as an intermediary that provides energy without occupying container volume. By sourcing power from external infrastructure at storage points and during transit, the system eliminates the volume penalty of large batteries while maintaining power availability for active features.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution shifts the power provision from the container's internal dimension to an external dimension. Instead of carrying all power needs within the container, the system accesses power from the external environment, effectively adding a spatial dimension to power sourcing.
3Loss of information
If wireless communication features are used for tracking and data transmission, then monitoring capability is improved, but connectivity may be unavailable during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary connection actions by establishing data links with available infrastructure before transit begins and at each storage point. It proactively seeks out Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other communication opportunities in advance, ensuring data transmission continues without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functional communication capabilities that can operate across multiple protocols and environments. The container can switch between Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and other communication methods depending on availability, making the monitoring system universally adaptable to different transit conditions.
4Temperature
If active heating and cooling systems are used to meet temperature requirements, then temperature control is improved, but power consumption increases battery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The external power supply system serves as an intermediary energy source that supports active temperature control without requiring the container to carry all the necessary energy. The heating and cooling systems can operate at full capacity knowing that power will be replenished externally, enabling effective temperature control with reduced battery needs.
Data Source
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.