Conductive Contact Label Power Activation for Electronic Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic tags used for tracking cargo face challenges with high unit costs due to the need for rechargeable batteries and require complex and costly activation methods, such as mechanical switches or latching reed switches, which increase production costs and are prone to moisture issues.
Innovation Solution
A disposable electronic tag with a non-conductive housing and electrically-isolated pin contacts that activate power through a conductive adhesive label, eliminating the need for moving parts and specialized tools, and ensuring efficient and economical power activation upon affixation to a shipping container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If rechargeable batteries are used in electronic tags, then the tags can be reused for multiple journeys, but the unit cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable primary batteries instead of rechargeable batteries, accepting that each tag is used for a single journey. This dramatically reduces unit cost while meeting the operational requirements of cargo tracking for one-way transport routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the battery activation function from the tag assembly by using a separate adhesive label with conductive material. The battery remains isolated and inactive until the tag is affixed to the cargo, at which point the conductive label completes the circuit and activates power only when needed.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical switches are used for power activation, then the switch can be physically actuated, but the tag requires an opening in the housing which reduces moisture resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with an electrical conduction system. Instead of physically actuating a switch through an opening, the tag uses conductive material in the adhesive label to complete an electrical circuit, activating power without any mechanical moving parts or openings in the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive adhesive label serves as an intermediary between the operator's action of affixing the tag and the activation of the battery. The conductive material in the label completes the electrical circuit when the tag is applied to the cargo, providing automatic activation without mechanical components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If latching reed switches are used for power activation, then the switch can be sealed within the housing, but specialized magnetized tools are required which increase training costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service activation where the act of affixing the tag to the cargo automatically activates the battery through the conductive adhesive label. No specialized tools, magnets, or trained operations are required - the normal application process itself completes the electrical circuit and powers on the tag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based reed switch system with a direct electrical conduction system using conductive adhesive material. This eliminates the need for magnetized tools while maintaining sealed housing integrity.
4Productivity
If batteries are connected in circuit during inventory storage, then the tags are ready for immediate use, but power is lost through leakage current before use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the tag for immediate use by pre-assembly, but keeps the battery electrically isolated during storage. The circuit is completed and power activated only at the moment of affixing the tag to cargo, eliminating energy leakage during inventory storage while maintaining readiness for deployment.
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 provides automatic and reliable power activation of electronic tags without increasing costs or complexity, ensuring efficient workflow and reducing employee training needs, while maintaining reliability and moisture resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The pin contacts form an electrical circuit with the conductive substrate when pushed through the double-sided adhesive as the housing is adhered to the shipping container.
Data Source
AI summary
Various mechanisms for implementing power activation of electronic tags via conductive contact labels are provided herein. An electronic shipping tag includes a housing to enclose: a printed circuit board having: a battery; load circuitry; and a plurality of pins that project from the housing, such that when contacted with a conductive substrate, cause activation of the load circuitry.