Electronic Ear Tag with GPS and LoRaWAN for Remote Livestock Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current animal tracking systems lack efficient and reliable methods for monitoring the position and health of herd animals, particularly in remote areas with limited cellular or internet access, and do not effectively prevent theft of tracking devices.
Innovation Solution
An electronic ear tag equipped with a GPS positioning chip, rechargeable battery, solar panel, and LoRaWAN radio module for satellite-based tracking and communication, along with a non-contact temperature sensor and theft-prevention features, which transmits data via a network of LoRaWAN gateways and provides local access for users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based GPS tracking is implemented, then animal position monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS satellite-based positioning with LoRaWAN long-range communication in a single integrated ear tag device. This merging of multiple functions (tracking, communication, temperature sensing) into one compact unit improves position monitoring capability while managing device complexity through integrated design rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear tag device performs multiple functions simultaneously: GPS positioning, LoRaWAN data transmission, temperature monitoring, and solar charging. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to provide comprehensive animal monitoring (improving measurement precision) while using a single unified platform rather than multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LoRaWAN radio system is added for data transmission, then communication capability in remote areas is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges LoRaWAN long-range communication capability with the GPS tracking system in a single integrated module. This combination allows the device to transmit position and sensor data over long distances in remote areas without requiring separate communication hardware, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity through integration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panel is integrated for charging, then energy autonomy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a solar panel directly into the ear tag housing, merging energy generation capability with the tracking device structure. This allows the device to charge its battery autonomously using solar power, improving energy independence while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the integrated design.
4Reliability
If theft-prevention wire is implemented, then anti-theft capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a theft-prevention wire that breaks an electrical circuit when the tag is removed from the animal's ear. This preliminary anti-action mechanism proactively prevents theft by making the device inoperable upon removal, thereby improving reliability (anti-theft capability) through a simple circuit-breaker design rather than complex active monitoring systems.
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 precise tracking and monitoring of herd animals, including temperature measurement, while preventing theft, and ensures continuous operation even in areas without cellular signals, through a robust and efficient satellite-based communication system.
Implementation Method 1
The solar panel converts solar energy into electrical energy. This converted electrical energy is used to charge the rechargeable battery 12.
Implementation Method 2
The GPS module 19 allows the present invention to communicate with a GPS satellite in order to determine the precise geographical location of the present invention.
Implementation Method 3
relays the data via a built-in Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) LoRaWAN radio system to any nearby LoRaWAN gateway and is thereby transmitted over the internet to servers for processing and display
Implementation Method 4
The non-contact temperature sensor 32 continuously measures the temperature of the herd animal without physically contacting the herd animal. The non-contact temperature sensor 32 is preferably an infrared temperature sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic ear tag allows an individual to track a herd animal. Further, the electronic ear tag is an ultra-low power, and lightweight tag that runs only when needed. The electronic ear tag includes a substrate, a microcontroller, a rechargeable battery, a wireless communication module, a global positioning system (GPS) module, and a solar panel. The substrate is a circuit board used to support the electronic components of the present invention. The microcontroller is used to manage and control the electronic components of the electronic ear tag. The rechargeable battery is the main power source of the electronic ear tag. The wireless communication module allows the electronic ear tag to communicate with a central network. The GPS module allows the electronic ear tag to communicate with a GPS satellite. The solar panel converts solar energy into electrical energy used to charge the rechargeable battery.