Container Lot Integrity Tracking via Wireless Proximity and GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions fail to accurately track and monitor groups of shipping containers throughout the supply chain, leading to issues with incomplete shipments and increased risk of loss or theft due to the difficulty in distinguishing between similar containers and maintaining their group integrity during transit.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing short-range wireless communications and GPS technology to track containers as a single group, allowing them to self-monitor proximity or report location information back to a central station, thereby determining the integrity of container lots with minimal additional hardware costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If containers are tracked individually using traditional monitoring systems, then location tracking capability is provided, but the ability to monitor group integrity and detect separations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual container tracking with group integrity monitoring by having containers transmit both their individual locations and their relationship to the container lot. The system combines separate tracking functions into a unified approach where each container's status is evaluated in context of its lot members, enabling simultaneous individual and collective monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where container locations and movements are continuously monitored and compared against expected lot configurations. When separations or unauthorized movements are detected, the system generates alerts and feedback signals to authorities, enabling real-time response to integrity compromises.
2Productivity
If containers are stacked and moved multiple times during transit, then transportation efficiency is improved, but the probability of container separation from the lot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking and identification of container lot members before and during transit. By establishing and maintaining a digital record of expected container configurations and locations, the system can detect separations as they occur, enabling preventive actions to ensure complete shipment delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous monitoring of container positions provides feedback on lot integrity throughout the transit journey. The system compares actual container locations against expected configurations and generates alerts when separations are detected, allowing for real-time verification and correction of shipment completeness.
3Device complexity
If similar-looking containers are tracked without distinctive identification, then tracking simplicity is maintained, but the ability to distinguish and monitor specific containers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by assigning unique identification characteristics to each container within the lot, such as distinctive markers, RFID tags, or coded identifiers. These localized differentiation features enable precise identification of specific containers while maintaining overall lot integrity, allowing tracking systems to distinguish between similar-looking containers.
4Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring of all containers in a lot is implemented, then shipment integrity is improved, but the cost and complexity of the monitoring system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional monitoring devices that can track individual container locations, identify container characteristics, verify lot integrity, and communicate with authorities. By designing monitoring systems with universal capabilities that serve multiple functions, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring of shipment integrity.
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
Enhances the efficiency of tracking and reduces attrition by ensuring accurate monitoring of container lots, reducing the likelihood of loss or theft through precise location tracking and separation detection.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing short-range wireless communications and GPS technology to track containers as a single group
Implementation Method 2
the receiver range of a short range wireless communications device to allow containers to 'self-monitor' their proximity to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tracking a plurality of shipping containers which are designated as a specific group or lot is provided. The system may use the receiver range of a short range wireless communications device to track containers among themselves, or alternatively use a global positioning device in conjunction with a long range satellite or cellular communications device to report position back to a central monitoring station which utilizes a centralized method for tracking the container lots. An alarm condition is generated if any given container gets separated from the group or lot.