Flexible Wireless Tape for Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object tracking systems lack a seamless connection between users' devices and objects, often requiring expensive hardware, are cumbersome in form factor, and fail to provide effective reminders and alerts based on object characteristics and user context.
Innovation Solution
A wireless tape with a polyester substrate, integrated Bluetooth processor, energy harvesting circuit, and battery, capable of broadcasting beacons and modulating frequency based on light or voltage changes, which connects to smart devices for tracking and alerting purposes, allowing easy attachment to various objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional trackers are used for object tracking, then tracking functionality is achieved, but the form factor is cumbersome and limits application to many objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) as the substrate for the tracking device. The FPC allows the device to be bent, folded, and conform to various shapes and surfaces, enabling attachment to diverse objects such as tools, equipment, and personal items without being limited by rigid form factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the tracking device into modular components including the FPC substrate, Bluetooth module, battery, and various sensors. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the device to be configured in different arrangements to suit different application requirements and object types.
2Ease of manufacture
If passive RFID labels are used for tracking, then cost is reduced, but human intervention is required to bring labels within reader range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by equipping the tracking device with an active Bluetooth transmitter and battery power source. The device automatically broadcasts its presence and location data without requiring external RFID readers or human intervention to initiate tracking, enabling continuous autonomous monitoring of the tagged object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical RFID system (requiring physical proximity to a reader) with an active electronic Bluetooth communication system. This substitution enables wireless, line-of-sight-independent communication that operates automatically over longer ranges without requiring human action.
3Ease of operation
If active RFID labels are used for tracking, then automatic tracking is achieved, but the battery and components increase bulk and form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible printed circuit board that can be made extremely thin and lightweight, replacing traditional rigid circuit boards and battery compartments. This reduces the overall volume and mass of the tracking device while maintaining all necessary electronic components for automatic Bluetooth tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact device including Bluetooth communication, ambient light sensing, voltage monitoring, and tracking capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices or components, reducing overall bulk while achieving automatic tracking.
4Reliability
If conventional object tracking systems are used, then tracking functionality is provided, but expensive specialized hardware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, mass-producible components such as standard Bluetooth low energy modules, common lithium polymer batteries, and off-the-shelf sensors mounted on flexible circuit boards. These components are significantly cheaper than specialized tracking hardware while providing sufficient reliability for most tracking applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal, multi-functional components that can be applied across different tracking scenarios. The Bluetooth module serves both as a communication interface and a positioning tool, the ambient light sensor provides both presence detection and wake-up functionality, reducing the need for specialized expensive hardware for each function.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and context-aware object tracking with reminders and alerts, improving the reliability of tracking important items and reducing the need for specialized hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic layer coupled to the energy harvesting circuit, wherein the photovoltaic layer and the energy harvesting circuit are configured to generate an electrical signal from converting light to the electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a battery comprising a cathode and anode layer and a battery pouch disposed on the interconnect layer
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication tape, dispenser of the same and methods of usage of the wireless tape and the dispenser in asset tracking applications are disclosed. The wireless communication tape can be manufactured in an ultrathin form factor by laminating a stack of layers to impart functionality to the wireless communication tape. Methods of use and operation of the wireless communication tape are disclosed to save battery resources of the communication tape.