Flexible Electronic Tracking Labels With Multi-Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic tracking systems lack a comprehensive solution that integrates multiple sensors and communication interfaces, including short-range and long-range options, within a single label, limiting their functionality in tracking items across supply chains and monitoring conditions.
Innovation Solution
An item tracking system with electronic tracking labels that incorporate a flexible electronic circuit with sensors, a controller, power source, and multiple communication interfaces (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks) along with a unique identifier, enabling location tracking and data collection, and featuring an activation mechanism to switch between hibernation and active states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and communication interfaces are integrated into a single tracking label, then the functionality and tracking capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensors (temperature, humidity, light, motion, pressure, shock, peeling/bending, container opening/seal breaking) and multiple communication interfaces (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular network, sub-Gigahertz wireless) into a single tracking label device. This merging of previously separate components into one unified device provides comprehensive tracking and monitoring functionality while managing the inherent complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking label is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: location tracking via GPS receiver and cellular triangulation, environmental monitoring via various sensors, and data transmission through multiple communication protocols. This multi-functional design allows a single device to adapt to diverse tracking and monitoring needs across different supply chain scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tracking label includes multiple sensors and communication interfaces, then the tracking capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking label is constructed with distinct functional layers including a liner layer, adhesive layer, label bottom layer, conductive traces layer, electronic components layer, and label top layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured and quality-tested separately before assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the device's multiple functions. The layered structure enables modular production of sensors, circuitry, and protective elements.
3Ease of operation
If the tracking label is made thin for easy application, then the ease of operation is improved, but the space for components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking label employs a flexible multi-layer construction with thin film structures that maintain mechanical flexibility and adhesive properties while accommodating electronic components. The label can be applied to curved surfaces and various item shapes despite its thin profile, achieving ease of application while providing sufficient space for integrated sensors, circuitry, and power sources through efficient spatial arrangement.
Data Source
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.