Container Wireless Access Point Activation to Reduce Battery Drain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing the computerized systems in intermodal shipping containers, particularly refrigerated ones, is challenging due to their stacked configuration and power consumption issues with embedded wireless cards, which quickly drain battery power when operating as access points.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a transceiver in the container receives an activation signal from a device, transmitting network credentialing data, and upon verification, transitions the wireless card from a low power state to a high power state to broadcast a wireless network, allowing access while minimizing power consumption by reverting to low power mode when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wireless card operates continuously as an access point to enable access to container systems, then accessibility is improved, but battery power is rapidly depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless card operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active and sleep states. It activates only when a wake-up signal is detected from a portable device, performs wireless communication temporarily, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic operation enables accessibility on-demand while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Productivity
If the container is stacked in tight quarters to maximize shipping capacity, then productivity is improved, but accessibility to the container computer is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically accessing the container computer (which requires proximity and manual connection) with a wireless communication system. The computer communicates wirelessly with portable devices, eliminating the need for physical access to the container stack. This substitution maintains productivity through tight stacking while restoring ease of operation through remote wireless access.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the wireless card is kept in low power state to conserve battery, then energy efficiency is improved, but accessibility and response time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a wake-up signal mechanism where the computer prepares to activate by monitoring for incoming signals even in low power state. When a wake-up signal is detected from a portable device, the computer rapidly transitions from sleep to active state. This preliminary monitoring capability minimizes activation delay while maintaining energy efficiency during idle periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for wireless switching are provided. Aspects include receiving, by a transceiver (310), a first activation signal from an activation device (306), responsive to receiving the first activation signal, transmitting, by the transceiver (310), network credentialing data to the activation device (306), receiving, by a first controller (304) of a first device (308), a second activation signal from the activation device (306), the second activation signal comprising an activation request and the network credentialing data, responsive to receiving the second activation signal, transitioning the first device (308) from a low power state to a high power state, and broadcasting, by the first device (308), a wireless network, wherein the first device comprises an access point for the wireless network.