Crescent PCB Tracking Device Power and Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems for objects, pets, and individuals are inadequate for finding small items within a room or at a distance, as they require high maintenance, are not cost-effective, and lack features like audible or visual alerts, pairing with location, and remote control functionality.
Innovation Solution
A Bluetooth wireless tracking device with sensors and control mechanisms that emit alerts, conserve power and space, and can be configured for various applications, including remote control of other devices, using a crescent-shaped printed circuit board and ceramic antenna, with options for inductive or solar charging, and a control program for managing alerts and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS systems are used for tracking, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracking technologies (GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular triangulation, RFID) into a single hybrid system that automatically selects the most energy-efficient method based on availability and accuracy requirements, resolving the contradiction between location precision and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its tracking methodology based on environmental conditions, object mobility, and power availability - using GPS only when necessary and switching to lower-power methods like Wi-Fi positioning or RFID for stationary or low-mobility targets, thereby optimizing the balance between accuracy and energy usage
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and transceivers are integrated into small tracking devices, then tracking capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional integrated circuits that serve multiple purposes - the same processor handles sensor data acquisition, transceiver communication, GPS processing, and local decision-making, while shared memory and power management circuits serve all subsystems, thereby achieving comprehensive tracking capability without proportionally increasing device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests smaller functional modules within each other - sensors are integrated into the housing structure, the antenna is incorporated into the circuit board layout, and the battery is positioned to maximize space utilization, creating a compact hierarchical arrangement that accommodates multiple functions in minimal volume
3Loss of information
If RFID tags are used for tracking, then identification is improved, but proximity requirement limits tracking range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RFID technology with longer-range alternatives (GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, cellular triangulation) into a layered tracking system where RFID provides accurate identification at close range while other technologies extend the effective tracking distance, creating a seamless transition across different proximity zones
4Reliability
If monitoring systems provide alerts, then safety is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-diagnostics and automated fault detection that allow the tracking device to identify and report its own issues, enabling remote troubleshooting and reducing the need for physical maintenance interventions while maintaining reliable alert functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops that monitor system health, battery status, and sensor functionality, automatically adjusting operation to maintain safety monitoring while predicting maintenance needs before failures occur, thereby balancing reliability with reduced maintenance burden
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 efficient location and monitoring of small items, pets, and individuals, providing audible and visual alerts, reducing maintenance, and allowing remote control and data sharing across networks, while conserving power and space.
Implementation Method 1
a Bluetooth transceiver for emitting signals with tracking device data
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that detects motion of the object being tracked
Implementation Method 3
the temperature sensed by the object
Implementation Method 4
The tracking device has a speaker and a light emitting diode
Implementation Method 5
The tracking device has a speaker and a light emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
In a tracking device 10, a crescent-shaped PCB 12 partially encircles a battery 15 to minimize thickness of the device 10. A speaker 23 and an LED 24 emit alerts upon command of a control apparatus 37 or in response to motion or temperature sensed by sensor 25. A local network 40 has one hub 41 to tracking devices 33 and a wider area network 45 has multiple hubs for more detailed tracking of devices 33. A wide area network 50 tracks devices anywhere and stores data of each tracking device including its last known position and its sensor data. An apparatus and methods for finding and tracking a plurality of radiotag/objects designated as a group 303 by a user.