Deformable Logger Device for Unit-Level Supply Chain Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logger devices struggle to provide real-time, unit-level tracking of assets in a supply chain, especially during transport legs where containers are split into pallets and packages, leading to potential damage of sensitive products due to lack of visibility and reliance on estimation.
Innovation Solution
A logger device with a deformable housing and integrated components, including a communication module and sensors, is manufactured to enable real-time location and environmental monitoring at the package level, allowing insertion into packaging materials and ensuring seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If tracking is performed at shipment level (container or pallet level), then tracking coverage is achieved, but tracking visibility is lost when containers are split into pallets and packages
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented from shipment-level tracking to package-level tracking. Each package contains an individual logger device, enabling independent tracking of each unit even when separated during transport. This segmentation resolves the information loss problem by ensuring each package maintains its own tracking identity throughout the supply chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The logger device is nested within the package structure, with the tracking device physically contained inside the package. This nesting allows the tracking system to operate at multiple levels - individual packages can be tracked independently while also being part of larger shipment groups, maintaining visibility through all organizational levels of the supply chain.
2Ease of operation
If logger devices are made thin and flexible for package insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but structural protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The logger device employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) as its structural foundation, allowing the device to be bent and conform to the package contours. This flexibility enables easy insertion into packages while the FPCB's inherent durability provides structural protection. The flexible nature also allows the device to withstand compression and deformation during transport without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The logger device combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the FPCB provides flexibility and structural integrity, while additional protective layers or coatings may be applied to enhance durability. This composite construction maintains both ease of insertion and structural protection simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to method of manufacturing a logger device (100), and a logger device configured to track the location of an asset (510) contained within a package (512, 513) while the asset is transported from a beginning location to a destination location, the manufacturing process comprises: • providing a rectangular housing (102, 205) of an elastically deformable material having a thickness being insignificant relative to a length of the housing, • arranging electrically connected components (202) including a communication module, a power source, and a processor for controlling the communication module and the power source such that it is carried by the housing, • wrapping the housing and the electrically connected components with an outer layer of a sheet material (310, 301) to enclose outer surfaces of the housing, wherein the wrapping includes wrapping the sheet material at least partly longitudinally or transversally around the housing such that the sheet material forms at least one rounded edge (101) extending along one of the longitudinal sides or along one of the transversal sides.