FN Tunneling Sensor Data Loggers for Supply-Chain Tampering Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in reliably and securely monitoring environmental conditions in supply-chain management, particularly in ensuring products are stored and transported under the right conditions, and preventing data tampering.

Innovation Solution

A sensor blockchain system utilizing Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling in sensor-data-loggers with floating-gate transistors to detect and record environmental changes, maintaining synchronization under similar conditions and desynchronizing under different conditions, providing a dynamic signature for authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sensor systems are used for supply-chain monitoring, then basic environmental detection is possible, but data tampering and lack of security remain unresolved challenges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines quantum tunneling effects with blockchain technology in a single integrated system. The FN tunneling sensor data logger is merged with blockchain verification to create a system where physical sensor data is automatically secured and verified through cryptographic hashing and distributed ledger technology, eliminating data tampering while maintaining system integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces quantum tunneling as an intermediary physical phenomenon that enables secure data logging. The FN tunneling effect serves as a physical mediator that creates unforgeable data signatures, which are then transmitted to the blockchain as verifiable records, bridging the gap between physical sensing and digital verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If existing sensor technologies are deployed, then environmental monitoring can be performed, but verification of product storage and transport conditions remains unsolved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental condition detectionVSAvoidcondition verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data is constantly monitored, hashed, and verified on the blockchain. The system provides real-time feedback on environmental conditions and automatically verifies compliance with storage and transport requirements, enabling continuous authentication rather than periodic checking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring sensor data loggers with blockchain verification capabilities and pre-establishing cryptographic hashes of expected environmental conditions. This allows for proactive verification of product conditions before any tampering or degradation occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If sensor data is stored traditionally, then basic recording is possible, but prevention of data tampering and manipulation cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidimplementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical data storage systems with quantum-based cryptographic verification. Instead of relying on physical security of data centers or database access controls, the system uses quantum tunneling effects to create physically uncloneable data signatures that are verified through blockchain cryptography, making data tampering impossible regardless of system access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable, secure, and self-powered monitoring of environmental conditions, allowing for event detection and timestamping, with the ability to authenticate products and detect tampering in supply chains.

Implementation Method 1

a memory device which utilizes FN tunneling. An input to the sensing interface alters the geometry of the energy barrier to change the electron leakage rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFowler-Nordheim tunneling:

Data Source

PatentUS12386917B2Multi-modal sensing blockchains using Fowler-Nordheim sensor data logger

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 WASHINGTON UNIV IN SAINT LOUIS

AI summary

A sensor blockchain system is provided. The sensor blockchain system includes a plurality of sensor-data-loggers, wherein each sensor-data-logger includes a memory device which utilizes FN tunneling. An input to the sensing interface alters the geometry of the energy barrier to change the electron leakage rate and the current state of the sensor-data logger is determined by an initial state of the sensor-data-logger, the predetermined electron leakage rate, and any inputs to the sensing interface. The sensor-data-loggers may be synchronized to an initial state. The synchronization will be maintained when they are all subjected to similar changes in environmental conditions in a supply chain. Desynchronization will occur due to changes in environment, including changes in temperature.