Data Logger Shipping Container Real-Time Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in effectively monitoring and controlling the shipment of temperature-stabilized commodities, such as pharmaceuticals and research specimens, which are prone to exposure risks, uncertainties, and high costs, especially during international shipping.
Innovation Solution
The system involves a data logger attached to the shipping container that sends status messages to third-party shipping entities, allowing for real-time tracking and monitoring of the shipment's location, condition, and thermal source life, enabling proactive interventions such as replenishing the thermal source if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If offline dataloggers are used to monitor shipment conditions, then data can be recorded during transit, but the data cannot be transmitted or acted upon until the shipment reaches its destination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by transmitting sensor data from the datalogger to remote recipients during transit. This allows shippers to receive immediate notifications about temperature deviations, thermal source status, and other critical parameters, enabling timely corrective actions before the shipment arrives at its destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary communication layer between the datalogger and the shipper. Data is transmitted via email or other communication channels during transit, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap between the monitoring device and the decision-maker, enabling remote monitoring and intervention without requiring physical presence at the destination.
2Reliability
If thermal source charge is insufficient for the expected shipment duration, then the Commodities may be exposed to excessive temperatures, but there is no way to know this before the Thermal Source is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors thermal source charge levels and provides real-time feedback to shippers. When the thermal source charge falls below predetermined thresholds or is projected to be insufficient for the remaining shipment duration, the system automatically notifies the shipper, enabling proactive replenishment or intervention before temperature stability is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of thermal source sufficiency by comparing current charge levels against the remaining shipment duration and historical consumption rates. This preliminary action allows the system to predict potential thermal source depletion and trigger alerts in advance, enabling corrective actions to be taken before the thermal source is actually depleted.
3Ease of operation
If shippers cannot determine the location and status of shipments in real-time, then corrective actions cannot be applied while the shipment is in process, but continuous monitoring increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal communication protocols and standardized data formats that allow the monitoring system to interface with multiple shipping carriers and platforms. The email-based notification system serves multiple functions: tracking location, monitoring temperature, assessing thermal source status, and alerting shippers, thereby reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service monitoring where the datalogger automatically transmits its own status data without requiring manual intervention. The automated email notifications and threshold-based alerting systems enable the monitoring infrastructure to serve itself, reducing the operational complexity of managing the monitoring system while maintaining comprehensive tracking capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for tracking a shipping container. Information from a third-party shipping entity is combined with information retrieved from a data logger attached to the shipping container while the shipping container is in transit. The third-party portal provides updates through Email or the like, transmitted to an address that is uniquely associated with the shipping container and its current itinerary.