Container Tracking Device Using Virtual Geo-fences and Motion Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking systems for supply containers are inadequate in providing real-time, transparent tracking, especially within buildings and during extreme environmental conditions, and fail to prevent theft and shipping errors, leading to increased liability and costs.
Innovation Solution
A tracking device system utilizing AGPS/GPS/GSM/CDMA/LTE/EVDO/TDMA technology, combined with Wi-Fi and virtual Geo-fences, that can withstand extreme temperatures and activate motion sensors to alert for theft, with features like inductive charging and solar panels for power, ensuring continuous monitoring and precise location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags are used for tracking containers, then tracking capability is provided, but tracking fails in dark zones where interrogators cannot detect tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID tags with GPS receivers and cellular transceivers into an integrated tracking device. This merging allows the system to use multiple positioning methods (RFID for close proximity, GPS for outdoor location, cellular triangulation for broader area) to ensure continuous tracking coverage without dark zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating RFID tag, GPS receiver, cellular transceiver, motion sensor, and temperature sensor in a single unit. This universal device can operate in various environments and provide multiple tracking capabilities simultaneously, eliminating the limitations of single-function RFID systems.
2Measurement precision
If real-time tracking devices are continuously active, then location monitoring is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device employs periodic action by using motion sensors to detect container movement and activating GPS/cellular transmission only when motion is detected. During stationary periods, the device enters low-power mode, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining tracking precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on container status. When the container is stationary, the device minimizes power consumption by entering dormant mode. When motion is detected or location updates are required, the device activates transmission functions, creating a dynamic balance between tracking precision and energy usage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tracking devices power down during air shipping to comply with FAA regulations, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but continuous tracking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution by using the airplane's onboard Wi-Fi router (such as Gogo Inflight Internet) as a communication medium. The tracking device communicates container position and status through this intermediary wireless system, allowing continuous tracking during air shipping while complying with FAA regulations against independent signal transmission.
4Device complexity
If traditional shipping inventory management is used, then shipping processes are simple, but excessive shipping and resource waste occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by providing real-time location and status information of containers and their contents to inventory managers. This feedback enables Radial Replenishment inventory management, where only inventory closest to the order's final destination is used, optimizing shipping routes and reducing resource waste from excessive shipping.
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 real-time, accurate tracking of containers and their contents from origin to destination, reducing theft and shipping errors, optimizing inventory management, and minimizing environmental impact through efficient shipping practices.
Implementation Method 1
solar panels for power
Implementation Method 2
The tracking device can use the altimeter sensor or barometric pressure portion of the device to signal the unit to enter into a dormant mode
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking device and system for tracking containers, in particular, containers and their contents, is disclosed. The tracking device utilizes AGPS/GPS/GSM/CDMA/LTE/EVDO/WiFi/RFID/Bluetooth®/TDMA technology to enable an individual to locate and monitor the movement of a Container at any given time and for any desired period of time. The tracking system utilizes virtual geo-fences to identify buildings or specific addresses to assist in determining the specific location of the containers in relation to these buildings or specific addresses. The tracking devices can also be activated by motion sensors to alert the tracking system of a possible theft of the container or sudden movement. The tracking system incorporates software which enables an individual to determine the location of the containers, determine the contents of the containers, and schedule the use of the containers by specific persons and at specific locations. The tracking system also retains information regarding the persons, the supplier's representatives, the warehouses and sales of the containers and any contents that they may have.