Active Shipping Container Remote Access for In-Transit Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of active shipping containers and the need for proper configuration before transit is often hindered by the lack of remote management capabilities, leading to potential misconfigurations and damage to valuable goods due to unpredictable transit events or human error.
Innovation Solution
A system for remote management of active shipping containers using a remote access device that communicates with the control system via wireless or hardwired connections, allowing bi-directional data exchange and configuration changes, including sensors for real-time monitoring and alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote management capabilities are added to active shipping containers, then the ability to monitor and configure containers remotely is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote access device as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the container's control system and external users. This device includes a processor, memory, and communication interface, allowing remote configuration and monitoring without requiring direct physical access to the container's internal systems. The intermediary handles authentication, data transmission, and control commands, simplifying the user interface while managing the underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote management system is segmented into distinct functional modules: authentication module, monitoring module, configuration module, and communication module. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the control system, allowing the complex functionality to be broken down into manageable components that can be developed, tested, and maintained separately.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring and remote configuration are implemented, then the ability to prevent damage to goods is improved, but the loss of time for system setup and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions before transit begins. The remote access device allows users to pre-configure temperature settings, humidity levels, and other environmental parameters before the container is sealed and shipped. This preliminary setup ensures that the container is ready for immediate operation, reducing the need for time-consuming adjustments during transit and allowing proactive response to potential issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system provides continuous feedback to users about container conditions, including temperature, humidity, location, and battery status. This real-time feedback loop allows users to detect potential problems early and make timely configuration adjustments remotely, preventing damage before it occurs rather than requiring time-consuming reactive interventions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bi-directional data exchange is enabled between remote access device and control system, then the adaptability to transit conditions is improved, but the use of energy for communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional data exchange operates periodically rather than continuously. The remote access device and control system exchange data at scheduled intervals, allowing the system to adapt to changing transit conditions while minimizing energy consumption. The periodic communication is triggered by specific events or time schedules, balancing the need for real-time adaptability with energy conservation during transit.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remote access to active shipping containers may gather information and analytics on containers during transit, and allow automated and manual configuration changes to be transmitted, from remote users, to the container during transit. A remote access device capable of long range communication over cellular or satellite networks may be coupled with a control system of the active shipping container, in order to send information from the control system to a remote server, and to receive and provide configuration changes to the control system. The remote access device may also include sensors, or may be coupled with a plurality of sensors that may be placed in an around the container to provide additional and more detailed sources of sensor data. Sensor and status data from containers may trigger automatic configuration changes or notifications, and may also be aggregated to provide high level analytics related to transit lanes.