Dynamic Asset Tracking Pairing via RF Phase and GNSS

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing asset tracking systems for tractors, trailers, and containers face installation and reliability challenges due to the use of physical wires for power, which limits the visibility and accuracy of asset location tracking.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamic pairing between asset tracking devices using GNSS data, short-range radio frequency phase measurement, and round-trip timing, combined with Inverse Fast Fourier Transform, to establish wireless connections and determine estimated distances, enabling accurate tracking without physical wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical wires are used to power asset tracking devices, then reliable power supply is achieved, but installation complexity and reliability challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The asset tracking device receives power wirelessly through an antenna, eliminating the need for physical wire connections between the tracker and the asset, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining power supply reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the power transmission function from the physical wire connection and implements it through wireless electromagnetic field communication. This separates the power supply function from the mechanical connection, allowing the asset tracking device to operate independently without wired connections to the asset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If physical wires are used for power connection, then stable power transmission is achieved, but asset visibility and location tracking accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission stabilityVSAvoidlocation tracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wire connections with wireless electromagnetic communication, which does not physically constrain the asset. This allows the asset to move freely while being tracked, improving location tracking accuracy and visibility without compromising power transmission stability through the wireless power transfer mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If wireless connection is established for dynamic pairing, then installation complexity is reduced, but connection reliability and pairing accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the asset tracking device actively polls for responses from paired devices and verifies connection status. The system continuously monitors the wireless connection and can re-establish pairing if needed, ensuring connection reliability while maintaining the benefits of wireless installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary pairing actions by pre-configuring device identifiers and pairing credentials before actual use. This preliminary setup ensures that when wireless connections are needed, the pairing process is quick and reliable, reducing the risk of connection failures while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances the visibility and reliability of asset tracking by providing precise location data and reducing installation complexities, allowing for efficient pairing and unpairing of devices based on geographical and sensor data.

Implementation Method 1

obtain geographical location data from a satellite signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGNSS satellite signal reception:

Implementation Method 2

short-range radio frequency phase measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency phase measurement:

Implementation Method 3

round-trip timing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRound-trip timing: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 4

combined with Inverse Fast Fourier Transform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInverse Fast Fourier Transform:

Data Source

PatentUS20250208279A1System and method for dynamic pairing between devices

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 BLACKBERRY LTD

AI summary

A method for dynamic pairing between asset tracking devices, such as a chassis module and a chassis sensor module mounted on a chassis and a container module mounted on a container. The method includes detecting presence of the container using the chassis sensor module and in response, broadcasting a short-range polling signal; establishing a wireless connection with the container module in response to the short-range polling signal; obtaining GNSS data; determining an estimated distance between the chassis module and the container module; and transmitting the GNSS data and the estimated distance to a remote server.