Concealed Vehicle Positioning Mount for Low-Cost Real-Time Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning technologies for vehicles such as bicycles and electric bicycles lack efficient, practical, and discreet real-time tracking capabilities, leading to increased risk of loss and inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A positioning device with a striking component, sound component, solar panel, processor, and communication circuit that allows indirect localization via wireless signals, leveraging electronic devices of others for position determination, reducing the need for costly active positioning systems like GPS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If active positioning systems like GPS or Beidou are installed on vehicles, then real-time tracking capability is improved, but device cost and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time tracking capabilityVSAvoidpositioning system cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary positioning device that acts as a mediator between the vehicle and electronic devices. This device includes a communication circuit with an antenna that transmits positioning signals to nearby electronic devices (smartphones, tablets), which then relay the position information to a server. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for expensive active positioning systems like GPS/Beidou on the vehicle itself, while still achieving real-time tracking capability through passive signal transmission and leveraging existing electronic devices in the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device is designed to be universally applicable to various types of vehicles (bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, self-balancing vehicles) and can be integrated with existing electronic devices that users already carry. The device performs multiple functions: transmitting positioning signals, enabling indirect localization through nearby electronic devices, and providing cost-effective tracking without requiring specialized vehicle-mounted GPS hardware. This multi-functionality reduces overall system cost while maintaining tracking reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If positioning devices are mounted on vehicles, then vehicle location tracking is improved, but device security against theft and loss worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle location trackingVSAvoidtheft and loss risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is nested within or integrated with the vehicle's existing structure (handlebars, frame, or accessories). The communication circuit and antenna are embedded in a compact form factor that can be concealed within the vehicle assembly. This nesting approach makes the positioning device difficult to locate and remove, thereby reducing theft and loss risk while maintaining tracking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If conventional positioning systems are used, then positioning function is achieved, but ease of use and retrieval convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning functionVSAvoidvehicle retrieval convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously transmitting positioning information from the vehicle-mounted device to nearby electronic devices and relaying it to a server. Users can retrieve real-time location data through the server interface on their electronic devices, enabling convenient vehicle location queries and retrieval. This feedback loop provides users with immediate access to vehicle position information without requiring complex operations or specialized equipment.

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

Enables cost-effective, real-time tracking and retrieval of vehicles by utilizing existing electronic devices for position updates, enhancing user safety and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel at least partially exposed on an exterior of the body; a processor coupled to the solar panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260062081A1Positioning device

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 FU TIANYU

AI summary

A non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning device comprising: a head portion including a first cap body and a second cap body, the first cap body and the second cap body enclosing a mounting cavity; a shank portion fixedly connected to the head portion, the shank portion including a mounting portion configured to secure the positioning device to a carrier; a positioning apparatus mounted within the mounting cavity and configured to communicatively connect with an electronic device to enable the electronic device to locate the carrier. This positioning device is particularly suitable for discreet installation via the shank portion (e.g., through threaded connection) on vehicles such as bicycles. Notably, this embodiment of the positioning device, featuring a head portion and a shank portion, can be used on any equipment (referred to as an external carrier) beyond transportation vehicles, provided there is a need for positioning.