Electronic Bolt Seal for Cargo Container Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt seal assemblies for cargo containers lack effective tracking and monitoring capabilities, making it difficult to detect tampering and theft during transportation, and require extensive training for implementation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic bolt seal assembly with a locking body and an integrated electronic module that includes tracking and communication devices, such as GPS and cellular communication, to monitor the location and sealing status of cargo containers, and detect tampering, featuring a frangible attachment mechanism and sensors for real-time data transmission to a remote communication center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional bolt seal assemblies are used for cargo containers, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but tracking and monitoring capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional mechanical bolt seal functionality with electronic tracking and monitoring components into a single integrated assembly. The electronic module including GPS receiver, cellular modem, and sensors is merged with the bolt seal structure, allowing simultaneous mechanical locking and electronic monitoring without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt seal assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical locking of cargo containers, real-time location tracking via GPS, communication through cellular modem, tamper detection using sensors, and data transmission to remote centers. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate tracking devices and simplifies deployment.
2Reliability
If manual recording methods are used for seal information, then implementation is simple, but real-time monitoring and tampering detection are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt seal assembly autonomously performs monitoring and detection functions without requiring manual intervention. Sensors automatically detect tampering attempts, GPS continuously tracks location, and the cellular modem automatically transmits data to remote centers, enabling reliable real-time monitoring while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor the sealing status, GPS provides location information, and the cellular modem transmits this data to remote communication centers. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of tampering and automatic notification to authorities, significantly improving reliability without increasing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If extensive training is required for workers to use the bolt assembly, then operation control is precise, but productivity and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module is designed as a disposable component integrated with the bolt seal. After use, the entire electronic module with bolt is discarded and replaced with a new one, eliminating the need for complex maintenance, calibration, or specialized training. This approach significantly improves ease of operation and productivity while maintaining reliable functionality throughout the service life of each unit.
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 real-time tracking and monitoring of cargo containers, immediate detection of tampering, and simplified usage without requiring extensive training, enhancing security and logistics efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator comprises a reed switch switchable by a magnetic field. The locking body comprises a magnetic member to provide said magnetic field wherein detachment of the locking body from the housing change in the magnetic field surrounding said reed switch.
Implementation Method 2
a global positioning system (GPS) receiving unit coupled to an electronic circuit of the electronic module for receiving and processing electronic bolt positioning signals from GPS satellites
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic bolt seal assembly for locking a hasp of a cargo container, the assembly comprising: a bolt member comprising a head and an elongate shank extending therefrom; a locking body with a housing comprising a cavity for engaging the shank of the bolt member such that during use in a locking configuration the locking body is operable to lock the shank to the locking body in response to axial displacement of the shank within the housing; an electronic module arranged at or adjacent the head in a housing, the electronic module having one or more tracking and communication devices and an electronic circuit to communicate the electronic bolt seal assembly's location to a remote communication center wherein the one or more sensors further comprise an accelerometer for sensing movement and orientation of the bolt member.