Cellular Global Tracker for Freight Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

The freight transport industry faces challenges in tracking the location and temperature of freight during transport, leading to instances of loss, misplacement, and spoilage due to the lack of real-time data and temperature monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A cellular global tracker device is developed, featuring a housing with adhesive for attachment to freight, a cellular network transmitter/receiver, GPS processor for location data, temperature sensor, and a processor to transmit real-time location and temperature data via a cellular network, powered by a battery, providing accurate and economical tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional freight tracking methods are used, then equipment location can be monitored, but real-time freight location and temperature data are not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreight location and temperature informationVSAvoidtracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines GPS location tracking and temperature monitoring into a single integrated device that attaches directly to freight. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate tracking systems and provides comprehensive real-time data on both location and temperature conditions during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks geographic location via GPS, monitors temperature conditions, and transmits all data through cellular networks. This multi-functional approach resolves the information gap by providing comprehensive freight monitoring through a single universal device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If comprehensive tracking devices are deployed, then real-time data availability improves, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreight tracking reliabilityVSAvoiddevice manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable tracking devices that are inexpensive to manufacture and can be attached to each freight shipment. These low-cost devices provide reliable real-time tracking and temperature monitoring for the duration of transport, then are discarded or reused on the next shipment, making comprehensive monitoring economically viable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring is implemented, then freight safety improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreight safetyVSAvoidtracker energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking device transmits location and temperature data at periodic intervals rather than continuously. This periodic transmission approach maintains reliable monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous data transmission, allowing the battery-powered device to operate throughout the entire transport journey.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 reduces instances of freight loss and spoilage by providing real-time location and temperature data, enhancing tracking efficiency and reducing costs for merchants through a low-cost, disposable, and non-intrusive tracking system.

Implementation Method 1

a global positioning system (GPS) processor for collecting location data about the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS signal reception:

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor for collecting temperature data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal detection:

Implementation Method 3

a cellular network transmitter/receiver located within the housing... transmitting said location data and said temperature data via the cellular network transmitter/receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS11277712B2Cellular global tracker for freight

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 GUYDOUK TATIANA

AI summary

A device for tracking freight includes a housing configured for attachment to freight, adhesive disposed on one side of the housing, the adhesive configured for attachment to freight, a cellular network transmitter/receiver located within the housing, a global positioning system (GPS) processor for collecting location data about the device, the GPS processor located within the housing, a temperature sensor for collecting temperature data, the sensor located within the housing, a processor communicatively coupled with the cellular network transmitter/receiver, the GPS processor and the temperature sensor, the processor configured for reading said location data and said temperature data and transmitting said location data and said temperature data via the cellular network transmitter/receiver, and, a power source comprising a battery, the power source conductively coupled to the processor, the cellular network transmitter/receiver, the GPS processor and the temperature sensor.