Cargo Tracking Gateway for Sensor-to-Unit Association

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cargo tracking systems face challenges in remotely identifying and associating individual tracking sensors with specific transport units, especially in large systems, leading to complexity and increased costs, and lack real-time monitoring capabilities essential for intelligent supply chain management.

Innovation Solution

A gateway device with position detection and short-range wireless communication means sends a beacon signal to associate tracking sensors with a cargo unit, detecting movement and geofence changes to determine which sensors are part of the same unit, using IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15.1, and satellite navigation, enabling real-time monitoring and data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If positioning means are integrated into tracking sensors, then individual sensor identification and association with transport units is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor identification accuracyVSAvoidtracking sensor complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the tracking functionality into two separate components: simple tracking sensors that only detect and transmit sensor data, and a gateway device that handles the complex positioning and association logic. This segmentation allows sensors to remain simple and cost-effective while the gateway device performs the computationally intensive tasks of determining transport unit associations based on position changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway device acts as an intermediary between the tracking sensors and the cargo monitoring system. It receives position information and sensor data, processes the association logic by detecting position changes and determining which sensors belong to which transport units, and then manages the overall tracking information without requiring complex functionality in the individual sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If positioning means are integrated into tracking sensors, then association with transport units is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport unit association accuracyVSAvoidtracking sensor manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the expensive positioning and processing functionality into a gateway device, while the tracking sensors themselves remain simple, low-cost components. This segmentation enables mass production of inexpensive sensors while concentrating the complex (and costly) functionality in a single gateway device that serves multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway device serves multiple functions: it acts as a positioning system, a data processing unit, an association manager, and a communication hub for multiple tracking sensors. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require expensive integrated components in each sensor into a single versatile device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If real-time monitoring is implemented, then supply chain management capability is improved, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupply chain monitoring efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors position changes and sensor data, providing real-time feedback about cargo conditions and transport unit associations. The gateway device processes incoming data streams, detects position changes, updates associations dynamically, and maintains current tracking information, enabling proactive supply chain management without overwhelming system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution simplifies sensor management, reduces complexity and cost, and enables real-time monitoring of cargo units during transit, allowing for timely action in case of changes or damage, enhancing supply chain management and scalability.

Implementation Method 1

the means to detect position or movement comprise satellite navigation means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSatellite navigation:

Implementation Method 2

short-range wireless communication means for sending out a beacon signal and connecting with nodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication:

Data Source

PatentUS11956694B2Tracking sensor arrangement for detection of a tracking unit, and device and method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 CONTROLMATIC

AI summary

A gateway device for associating the gateway device and tracking sensors as single a cargo unit: the gateway device being associable with a cargo unit, said gateway device comprising: means to detect position or movement, and short-range wireless communication means for sending out a beacon signal and connecting with nodes, characterized in that the gateway device is arranged to detect which nodes are still in short-range communications range when change of position or movement is detected and associating the nodes that are still in range with as being part of the same cargo unit as the gateway device. Corresponding arrangement and method are also presented.