Anchor-Slot ULD Pallet Tracking Node With Friction Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Incorrect handling of unit load devices (ULDs) at transportation facilities leads to costly delays and lost assets due to difficulties in attaching tracking devices to ULD pallets without damaging them, as the top surface is easily damaged by assets, while the underside is subjected to weight stress.

Innovation Solution

A tracking device is positioned within the anchor-slot of the ULD pallet, featuring a circuit board, stiffener, battery, and casing, designed to fit and retain within the anchor-slot, forming a mesh network with a gateway node for communication with a cloud-based server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tape node tracking device is positioned on the top flat surface of the ULD pallet, then the tracking device is easily accessible for installation and reading, but the tracking device is easily damaged by assets positioned on the pallet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidtracking device durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional placement location by positioning the tracking device on the bottom surface of the pallet instead of the top surface. This inversion protects the tracking device from damage by assets while maintaining installation feasibility through the anchor-slot interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking device is nested within the anchor-slot structure of the pallet, specifically utilizing the cavity formed by the slot. The device fits within the confined space defined by the slot walls and bottom, protecting it while integrating it into the pallet structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a tape node tracking device is positioned on the underside of the ULD pallet, then the tracking device is protected from damage by assets, but the tracking device is subjected to weight stress and soon damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking device protectionVSAvoidtracking device resistance to weight stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking device is nested within the anchor-slot cavity, which provides structural support from the pallet walls. The slot structure distributes the weight stress across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it on the device, enhancing its ability to withstand operational loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor-slot provides localized structural reinforcement around the tracking device position. The slot walls and bottom create a protected zone with enhanced load-bearing capacity compared to the rest of the pallet underside, specifically where the tracking device is positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If a tape node tracking device is attached using adhesive tape, then the installation is simple and quick, but the tracking device becomes detached under vibration and handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidtracking device retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the adhesive bonding mechanism with a mechanical retention system. The tracking device is retained by friction between its outer casing and the anchor-slot structure, providing secure attachment that withstands vibration and handling without requiring adhesive materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor-slot serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the pallet, defines a protected cavity for the tracking device, and creates friction-based retention through its walls and bottom. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively tracks ULD pallets without damage, reducing delays and asset loss by ensuring secure and reliable wireless communication through the anchor-slot tape node system.

Implementation Method 1

the anchor-slot tape node is shaped and sized to fit within the anchor-slot and to be retained within the anchor-slot by friction between the outer casing and internal structure of the anchor-slot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a low-power wireless communication interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260045965A1Wireless tracking device for air cargo containers and assets loaded onto aircraft

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 TRACKONOMY SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An anchor-slot tape node may include a circuit board configured with a processor, memory, sensors, and a low-power wireless communication interface. The anchor-slot tape node may include a stiffener positioned over the circuit board. The anchor-slot tape node may include a battery positioned beneath the circuit board. The anchor-slot tape node may include an outer casing enclosing the battery, the circuit board, and the stiffener, wherein the anchor-slot tape node is shaped and sized to fit within an anchor-slot of a ULD pallet and to be retained within the anchor-slot by friction between the outer casing and internal structure of the anchor-slot.