Container Tracking Assembly With External Antenna Through Wall Vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shipping container tracking devices mounted outside the container are vulnerable to damage and tampering, as they are exposed and lack effective protection from the Faraday cage effect of the metal container.
Innovation Solution
The tracking assembly is integrated within the shipping container's enclosed space with an externally mounted antenna, utilizing ventilation passages for conductor routing and vent covers to ensure functional communication while protecting the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tracking device is mounted outside the shipping container, then the antenna can communicate effectively with base stations and satellites, but the tracking device is exposed to damage and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is divided into two separate components: the electronic components (housing, processor, battery, etc.) are mounted inside the container for protection, while the antenna is mounted outside for communication. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned optimally for its function while resolving the contradiction between protection and communication effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The container wall acts as an intermediary structure that enables both internal mounting of protected components and external mounting of the antenna. The wall provides a physical barrier for protection while allowing the antenna to extend outward for communication, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of security and communication reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tracking device is mounted inside the shipping container, then the device is protected from damage and tampering, but the metal container acts as a Faraday cage impeding antenna transmission and reception
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is extracted from the internal mounting location and positioned externally on the container surface. This extraction removes the communication component from the Faraday cage environment while keeping the electronic components protected inside, thereby eliminating the communication interference caused by the metal container.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimension approach (mounting the entire device either inside or outside) to a multi-dimensional approach where different components are positioned in different spatial locations. The electronic components remain in the internal dimension for protection, while the antenna extends to the external dimension for communication, effectively navigating around the Faraday cage problem.
3Reliability
If the tracking device is securely integrated within the container using ventilation passages for conductor routing, then the device is protected while maintaining communication functionality, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing ventilation passages in the container wall, originally designed solely for air flow, are repurposed to serve dual functions: maintaining ventilation and routing conductors for electrical connection. This multi-functional use of existing structures reduces the need for additional installation components and simplifies the overall installation process despite the integrated design.
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
This configuration protects the tracking device from damage and tampering while maintaining effective radio communication, ensuring reliable location tracking and reporting without interference.
Implementation Method 1
Antennas may operate through transmission and/or reception of radio waves at one or more frequencies
Implementation Method 2
An individual ventilation passage may provide for fluid communication between an interior side of a wall and an exterior side of a wall
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping container tracking assembly, system, and method of manufacture are described herein. A shipping container tracking system may comprise one or more of a shipping container, a tracking assembly, and/or other components. A shipping container may have a frame holding walls to enclose a contained space. A first wall may have a wall vent with a ventilation passage therethrough. The tracking assembly may comprise one or more of a housing disposed within the contained space, electronic component(s) at least partially housed within the housing, an antenna, a conductor, and/or other components. The antenna may be mounted on the exterior side of the first wall. The conductor may electronically couple the antenna to at least one of the one or more electronic components through a conductor path defined, at least in part, through the ventilation passage.