Flexible Asset Tracking Tag for Automated Supply Chain Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lot and serial number systems for tracking products are limited by space constraints on small products and require human personnel for scanning, increasing costs and decreasing accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A flexible asset tracking tag with a self-powered, wireless communication system on a flexible substrate that can be scaled to fit various products, using a microcircuit with sensors and a battery to transmit data autonomously, conserving power and eliminating the need for human interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional lot and serial number systems are used for tracking, then product tracking is enabled, but space constraints on small products are exceeded and human personnel are required for scanning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of trackingVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking tag autonomously transmits data without requiring human personnel to scan it. The tag contains a microcircuit that automatically senses conditions and wirelessly communicates tracking information, eliminating the need for manual scanning operations while maintaining automated tracking functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning operations with wireless electronic communication. Instead of requiring human personnel to physically scan serial numbers, the system uses a microcircuit to automatically transmit tracking data wirelessly to receiving devices, substituting mechanical human operation with automated electronic communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If continuous data transmission is implemented, then real-time tracking is achieved, but battery power is depleted quickly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The microcircuit is programmed to transmit tracking data at specific intervals rather than continuously. This periodic transmission approach maintains reliable tracking information while significantly reducing battery power consumption compared to continuous transmission modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensed conditions to trigger data transmission events. The microcircuit monitors environmental parameters and only transmits data when specific conditions are met or at programmed intervals, creating a feedback-based transmission strategy that balances tracking reliability with energy conservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11126901B2System and method for flexible asset tracking tag

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 COREKINECT LLC

AI summary

A flexible asset tracking tag according to various aspects of the present technology include a self-powered tracking device on a flexible substrate. The flexible asset tracking tag may be configured to transmit data in response to sensed conditions. The flexible asset tracking tag may also be configured to conserve battery power in response to programmed intervals or sensed conditions.