Corrugated Pallet Pad Tracking for Disposable Cargo Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track and trace devices for cargo shipments are expensive, complex, and require cumbersome system requirements, making them unsuitable for disposable, single-use applications, particularly for palletized loads.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, single-use cargo tracking device integrated into a corrugated pad between the pallet and cargo, utilizing force sensors to detect loading and unloading events, and transmit geolocation signals via wireless networks, including a microcontroller, communication modules, and a geolocation module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional track and trace devices are used for cargo shipments, then tracking functionality is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable tracking device integrated into a corrugated pad that is discarded with the pallet after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex reusable devices while achieving reliable tracking functionality for the duration of the shipment. The device includes basic components (force sensor, microcontroller, communication module, geolocation module) sufficient for the intended purpose without unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential tracking components needed for cargo monitoring (force sensor for load detection, microcontroller for processing, communication module for data transmission, geolocation module for position tracking) and integrates them into a minimal form factor within the corrugated pad, removing unnecessary system requirements and complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional track and trace devices are used for cargo shipments, then tracking functionality is achieved, but system requirements become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable nature of the device eliminates complex system requirements for device recovery, authentication, and reuse management. The device is activated, used for tracking during shipment, and then discarded with the pallet, simplifying the overall system operation to basic tracking functions without cumbersome administrative overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically detects loading/unloading events through force sensors, determines geolocation via satellite signals, and transmits data wirelessly without requiring manual operation or complex system configuration. This self-service capability reduces system requirements to minimal infrastructure for receiving tracking data.
3Ease of operation
If disposable tracking devices are used for palletized cargo, then cost is reduced and ease of use is improved, but tracking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with electronic sensors and wireless communication. Force sensors electronically detect loading events, microcontrollers process data, and communication modules transmit information wirelessly, providing reliable tracking functionality in a simple, disposable package without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions (force sensing, geolocation, wireless communication, data processing) into a single universal tracking unit that reliably performs all necessary tracking operations despite being disposable, ensuring comprehensive monitoring capability without requiring multiple separate components.
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 tracking of palletized cargo, reducing costs and complexity while ensuring efficient supply chain management, enhancing security, and improving accountability.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing force sensors to detect loading and unloading events
Implementation Method 2
transmit geolocation signals via wireless networks
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for tracking palletized cargo using a pressure-sensitive tracking device. The tracking device may be situated at a cargo transportation surface. The cargo transportation surface may be a corrugated pad configured to be placed between a pallet and cargo supported by the pallet. The tracking device may reside within the flutes of the corrugated pad. The tracking device may detect loading and unloading events and, in response, transmit a message with tracking information. The tracking information may include the geographic location of the tracking device at a current time.