Flexible Tracking Belt with Dual-Region Electronics for Pallets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking devices for assets are often vulnerable to physical damage and are not well-suited for environments with high risk of physical trauma, and retrofitting existing equipment with new tracking technology is costly and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tracking belt with a dual-region design, featuring sensitive electronic components in a protected interior region and durable components in an exposed exterior region, connected by hook-and-loop fasteners to securely attach to assets like pallets, ensuring connectivity during transportation and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tracking devices are used in high-risk environments, then asset tracking capability is provided, but the devices are vulnerable to physical damage and trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is segmented into two distinct regions: a protected interior region containing sensitive electronic components and an exposed exterior region containing durable components. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, with the interior region shielded from physical damage while the exterior region can withstand harsh conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The protected interior region is nested within the flexible belt body, which itself is looped around the asset. The interior region containing sensitive components is essentially nested inside the protective structure of the belt, providing physical protection while maintaining tracking functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If retrofits are implemented on existing equipment, then tracking capability is added, but it requires manpower and time that interrupt operations
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible belt tracking device is designed for easy self-installation around assets without requiring complex retrofitting procedures. The hook-and-loop fasteners enable quick attachment and detachment, allowing assets to be tracked without interrupting normal operations or requiring extensive manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible belt design is universally applicable to various asset types and can be quickly deployed without custom installation procedures. The same basic design works for different assets, eliminating the need for asset-specific retrofitting and reducing operational disruption
3Adaptability or versatility
If new equipment is purchased instead of retrofitted, then tracking capability is achieved, but it is prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible belt tracking device is designed as a cost-effective, disposable or easily replaceable component rather than a permanent installation. This approach eliminates the high costs associated with purchasing and installing new equipment while providing sufficient tracking capability for the asset's lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking functionality is extracted from expensive permanent equipment installations and implemented through a separate, inexpensive flexible belt device. This extraction allows tracking capability to be added without the high costs of new equipment procurement
4Reliability
If the flexible belt connection is made secure to withstand transport stresses, then connectivity is maintained, but the fastening mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible belt itself serves as the connection mechanism, using its flexibility and elasticity to maintain secure attachment during transport. The thin film structure of the belt allows it to conform to the asset while maintaining connection integrity without requiring complex rigid fastening mechanisms
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 tracking belt effectively withstands the stresses of transportation and use, maintaining connectivity and protecting sensitive components while allowing durable components to benefit from exposure, thus enhancing asset tracking efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second physical connectors may be respective fabric strips of hook-and-loop fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking device comprises a flexible belt body configured to loop around a portion of a pallet, e.g., around a center stringer of a pallet. The flexible belt body has a first portion and a second portion configured to be connected. The tracking device further comprises a first region having one or more sensitive electronic components and a second region having one or more durable electronic components and/or electronic components that benefit from exposure during transportation. The tracking device is positioned on the portion of the pallet such that the first region is oriented towards an interior of the pallet and the second region is oriented towards an exterior of the pallet.