Antenna Switching for Asset Tracking Abnormal Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset tracking systems using GNSS tracking devices face challenges in maintaining accurate location and sensor data reporting due to antenna damage, malfunction, or tampering, especially when assets cross wireless carrier and network coverage boundaries during transit.
Innovation Solution
A mobile transceiver with internal and external antennas for a cellular transceiver and satellite receiver, capable of detecting abnormal antenna conditions and switching between them to ensure continuous tracking and reporting, even when the external antenna is damaged or tampered with.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system uses external antennas for tracking, then the tracking range and signal quality are improved, but the vulnerability to antenna damage, malfunction, or tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna types (external and internal) into a single tracking system, allowing the system to merge their capabilities. The external antennas provide long-range tracking while internal antennas provide backup and short-range coverage, creating a unified system that maintains tracking accuracy regardless of antenna status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between external and internal antennas based on operational conditions. When external antennas are detected as damaged, malfunctioning, or tampered with, the system automatically transitions to using internal antennas, making the antenna configuration adaptive rather than static.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the system switches to internal antennas when external antennas fail, then the tracking continuity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to detect antenna status (damage, malfunction, tampering) and automatically triggers switching to internal antennas when abnormalities are detected. This feedback-driven approach maintains tracking continuity while automating the complexity of the switching mechanism, reducing the need for manual intervention.
3Reliability
If the system monitors antenna conditions continuously, then the detection of abnormal conditions is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs antenna condition checks at periodic intervals or at specific trigger events (such as when switching between external and internal antennas). This periodic monitoring approach maintains reliable detection of abnormal conditions while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and mobile transceiver for asset tracking which detects an abnormal antenna condition (such as damage or tampering which detects damage or tampering suspected damage or tampering) is provided. The mobile transceiver of the present disclosure comprises a cellular transceiver and a satellite receiver, each having an internal antenna and external antenna. The mobile transceiver detects an abnormal antenna condition, and can switch from the external antenna to the internal antenna, or vice versa, when an abnormal antenna condition is detected.