Flexible Load Sensor for Real-Time Cargo Securement Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer-level load securing during transportation lacks real-time feedback and adaptable solutions, leading to potential hazards due to shifting loads and improper securing methods, which are not cost-effectively addressable by adapting commercial-grade sensors.
Innovation Solution
A load-sensing detector with a force-sensing resistor embedded in a flexible, water-resistant housing, connected to a mobile app for real-time data communication, providing feedback on load presence and movement, adaptable for various load sizes and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If commercial-grade sensors are adapted into consumer vehicles, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive force sensing resistors instead of costly commercial-grade sensors. These resistors are integrated into a simple flexible printed circuit board that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, providing an economical solution for consumer vehicles while maintaining adequate measurement precision for load detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with electrical resistance-based detection. The force sensing resistors convert mechanical force from the load into electrical signals that can be processed by simple electronic circuits, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, or commercial-grade mechanical sensors.
2Reliability
If integrated strap systems with tension monitors are used, then load securing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the load detection function directly into the existing strap system by integrating force sensing resistors onto the strap's flexible printed circuit board. This merging approach allows the strap to simultaneously serve its mechanical securing function and its sensing function, eliminating the need for separate tension monitors or additional sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the strap, acts as a flexible mounting substrate for the force sensing resistors, and serves as the signal transmission medium. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability.
3Loss of information
If real-time feedback systems are implemented, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic sampling of the force sensing resistor signals rather than continuous monitoring. The microcontroller reads the sensor data at predetermined time intervals, which provides sufficient information about load status changes while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous analog-to-digital conversion and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing power and communication infrastructure. The force sensing resistors are powered from the vehicle's electrical system, and the detected load status information is transmitted through existing vehicle networks or stored for later retrieval, eliminating the need for separate power sources or dedicated communication hardware.
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 monitoring and active feedback on load stability, preventing accidents and damage by ensuring secure load transport, even in consumer-grade vehicles, without the high costs associated with commercial-grade systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force-sensing resistor provided on the body; and an electronics module provided on the body
Data Source
AI summary
A load-sensing detector based on a force-sensing resistor embedded within a flexible water-resistant housing. The detector utilizes a small electronics module to provide data communications with an associated mobile app or other remote device. The load-sensing detector may be utilized in conjunction with one or more securement members, such as a tie-down device, ratcheting strap, or the like and may be movable or adaptable for use with varying size, type and location of the load being secured. Further, the load-sensing detector may provide real-time feedback to an operator via a smart device to enable active operation and monitoring of the load's status. The monitoring includes updates to a user to indicate whether or not the load is still present and, if so, if the load remains at a same relative level as compared to an initial point of loading.