Electronic Tag Device with Sensor-Based Mode Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current airline tags are prone to damage and misreading due to their paper-based design, and electronic tags face challenges in switching off communication modules during flight to comply with safety regulations and conserve battery life, while also being vulnerable to environmental factors during transit.
Innovation Solution
An electronic tag device with a housing, microcontroller, memory, wireless communications module, positioning module, and sensor module, including an accelerometer and air pressure sensor, that automatically switches off communication when in transit based on sensor data and itinerary information, using multiple communication capabilities and sensor redundancy to ensure reliable operation and compliance with safety regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication module is manually switched off during flight, then compliance with safety regulations is achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The tag device autonomously determines when to switch off the communication module by monitoring sensor data (accelerometer, air pressure) and comparing it with stored itinerary information, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and ensuring reliable compliance with safety regulations
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor data and compares it with expected transit conditions from the itinerary, using this feedback to automatically control the communication module's on/off state, ensuring compliance without manual operation
2Ease of operation
If the communication module remains on during flight, then ease of operation is maintained, but battery life is depleted and safety regulations are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The tag automatically manages its own communication module based on sensor data and itinerary comparison, maintaining ease of operation while conserving battery power by disabling transmission during identified flight periods
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module operates periodically (on during ground periods, off during flight periods) rather than continuously, with the microcontroller switching it based on sensor-monitored conditions matching the itinerary schedule
3Ease of manufacture
If paper-based tags are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but damage and misreading occur during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical paper tag with an electronic tag that stores the same visual code data digitally, eliminating physical damage while maintaining the same manufacturing simplicity through electronic programming of the microcontroller
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical paper-based system is replaced with an electronic system using a microcontroller and memory to store and display code, eliminating the fragility of paper while maintaining ease of manufacture through electronic fabrication
4Reliability
If electronic tags are made robust against damage, then reliability during handling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a protective housing that encloses the electronic components, providing mechanical protection against damage during handling while maintaining a compact, integrated form factor that does not significantly increase overall device complexity
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
The electronic tag device effectively prevents damage, ensures accurate tracking, and conserves battery life by automatically disabling communication during flight, while providing reliable operation and compliance with safety regulations through sensor-based mode switching and redundant communication methods.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor module including at least an accelerometor
Implementation Method 2
an air pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic tag device for cargo or baggage comprising a housing, a microcontroller, a memory, a wireless communications module, and a sensor module. The microcontroller is configured to receive itinerary data via the wireless communications module while the microcontroller is operating in a first mode and store the itinerary data in memory. The itinerary data may include at least a place of departure, a departure time, a place of arrival, and an arrival time. The microcontroller is further configured to enter a second mode based on at least one of the departure time in the itinerary and sensor data received from the sensor module, wherein the wireless communications module is disabled in the second mode, and return to the first mode based on at least one of the arrival time in the itinerary and sensor data received from the sensor module. The microcontroller will communicate with a remote system using the communications module while in the first mode and turn off all communication while in the second mode.