Asset Tracker Tripwire Mode for Trailer Tractor Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telematics systems for asset tracking in engineless vehicles, such as trailers, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and determining whether a trailer is correctly associated with a tractor, leading to potential errors in location reporting and increased battery drain.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an asset tracker with a tripwire detection mode that switches to a location reporting mode only when crossing a predefined tripwire, utilizing a 3-axis accelerometer for motion detection and frequent location comparisons to conserve power and accurately report trailer-tractor associations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the asset tracker operates continuously in location reporting mode, then location accuracy and association determination are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The asset tracker dynamically switches between two operational modes: tripwire detection mode (low power) and location reporting mode (high power). The system adjusts its operational state based on whether it is crossing a tripwire, enabling accurate location determination only when necessary while conserving power during stationary periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of location reporting frequency based on the detected state. When crossing a tripwire, the asset tracker increases location reporting frequency to accurately determine tractor-trailer association. When not crossing, it reduces reporting to extend battery life, thus optimizing the parameter of power consumption versus measurement precision.
2Reliability
If the asset tracker frequently reports location data, then trailer-tractor association determination is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The asset tracker employs periodic location reporting triggered by tripwire crossing events rather than continuous reporting. This periodic action ensures reliable association determination at critical moments (when trailers may be disconnected and reconnected) while maintaining extended battery life by avoiding unnecessary continuous communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary tripwire detection to determine whether location reporting is necessary before actually reporting. By detecting the tripwire crossing event first, the system can then activate location reporting mode only when needed for association determination, preventing premature or unnecessary power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the asset tracker operates in tripwire detection mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect motion and determine associations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces continuous electronic location reporting with a mechanical sensor-based tripwire detection mechanism. The physical tripwire acts as a mechanical trigger that activates the asset tracker's electronics only when crossed, reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to detect motion events that indicate potential association changes.
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
This approach reduces power consumption by limiting unnecessary location reporting and ensures accurate determination of trailer-tractor associations, extending battery life and preventing errors in tracking.
Implementation Method 1
Detecting the travel motion of the asset tracker may comprise detecting a plurality of acceleration values from a 3-axis accelerometer thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
An asset tracker deployed in an engineless vehicle and a telematics device coupled to a vehicle both send location updates to a telematics server. The asset tracker sends location updates at a faster rate upon leaving a shipping yard, for example. The telematics server associates the vehicle and engineless vehicles, determines whether they are travelling together, and sends a notification when they are not supposed to be travelling together.