Flexible Sensor Tracking Labels for Short- and Long-Range Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracking systems lack integrated sensors with multiple communication interfaces, automatic switching between short-range and long-range tracking, and efficient power management, leading to limited functionality and errors in complex logistical networks.

Innovation Solution

The system employs electronic tracking labels with flexible circuits, sensors, and a centralized database, featuring activation mechanisms, multiple communication interfaces, and energy harvesting, enabling hierarchical aggregation and efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RFID tags and Bluetooth tags are used for tracking, then item identification and simple information retrieval are enabled, but the tags require compatible readers to be located very close to the tags and can only locate an item by alerting when a tag is within or out of range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation tracking accuracyVSAvoidtracking range flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking tag is designed to support multiple communication protocols (RFID, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite) within a single device, enabling it to function across different range requirements and reader types. This multi-functionality allows the tag to be universally compatible with various reading systems while maintaining both close-range and long-range tracking capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different communication protocols based on the operational context and available infrastructure. The tag can transition from RFID for close-range identification to cellular or satellite for long-range tracking, optimizing performance based on real-time conditions rather than being limited to a fixed protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If electronic tracking tags use batteries to power electronic components, then sensors and wireless communication interfaces can be operated, but bulky rigid structures such as battery holders or metal tabs add considerable thickness to the label and may prohibit feeding the label through a printer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidlabel thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery holder is constructed from flexible materials that can be bent and conform to the thin profile of the label. This flexible construction eliminates the need for bulky rigid structures, allowing the battery to be securely mounted while maintaining a thin overall label thickness that can be fed through standard printers without damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The battery and holder design transitions from a rigid three-dimensional structure to a flexible, conformal arrangement that adapts to the two-dimensional plane of the label. This dimensional adaptation allows the power supply components to be integrated into the thin label profile rather than adding significant thickness in the perpendicular direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If tracking tags consume battery power continuously, then real-time monitoring can be performed, but the tags have limited lifespans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring continuityVSAvoidtag lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking tag employs periodic monitoring instead of continuous operation, activating sensors and communication interfaces at scheduled intervals. This periodic action maintains adequate monitoring coverage while dramatically reducing average power consumption, thereby extending battery lifespan without completely sacrificing real-time monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to adjust monitoring frequency based on detected conditions. When no significant events are detected, the tag reduces monitoring frequency to conserve power. When sensors detect anomalies or critical conditions, the tag increases monitoring intensity, optimizing the balance between monitoring reliability and power consumption over the tag's operational life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12450554B2Item tracking system with electronic tracking labels containing sensors

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 FERRET SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A tracking and monitoring system that uses “smart” tracking labels with printed label information on the top and electronics and sensors embedded in thin, flexible layers underneath. Labels may be used to track the location of items, and to monitor item parameters such as temperature, shock, weight, or tampering. Tracking labels may have communications interfaces to transmit label location and sensor data to a centralized server for monitoring and analysis; interfaces may include for example Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, or Amazon Sidewalk. Label location may be determined from an integrated GPS, by triangulation using received signals from cellular or other networks, or from the location of nearby connected devices. Labels may be battery powered and may use energy harvesting to obtain power from the environment. To conserve battery life, manufactured labels may be put into a hibernation state, and activated when they are placed on an item.