Freight Tracking Device Seal Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing GPS systems for tracking freight in the transportation industry face issues with durability, accuracy, and security, as they often fail to withstand adverse conditions and are not securely attached to the cargo containers, leading to incorrect location tracking and vulnerability to tampering.

Innovation Solution

A removable tracking device is securely attached to a seal and container, featuring a rigid member, accelerometer, GPS tracker, GSM and satellite communication, and sensors to monitor seal breakage and environmental conditions, ensuring accurate location tracking and secure communication of cargo data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing GPS systems are hard-wired to freight hauling tractors or linked to driver's cell phones, then the tracking system is easier to implement, but the location tracking accuracy deteriorates because the system does not track the actual container housing the cargo

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implementationVSAvoidlocation tracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A seal is introduced as an intermediary component that physically connects the tracking device to the container. The seal acts as a mediator that ensures the tracking device moves with the container rather than the tractor, providing accurate cargo location tracking while maintaining ease of implementation through a simple physical connection mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If existing tracking systems are not securely attached to containers, then the system is easier to install and remove, but the security deteriorates as the system becomes vulnerable to tampering and unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidsecurity against tampering

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is pre-configured with integrated locking mechanisms and attachment features that automatically secure the tracking device to the container upon application. This preliminary preparation of the seal structure enables both easy installation (as a single pre-assembled unit) and immediate security (through built-in locking features that prevent tampering)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The seal incorporates composite construction combining rigid structural elements for security with flexible sealing materials. This composite design provides both the strength needed to resist tampering and the adaptability for easy installation on various container types, simultaneously addressing security and ease of installation requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If existing tracking systems do not include durable housings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the durability deteriorates under adverse conditions such as swaying, bumps, wind, and weather

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing structure complexityVSAvoiddurability under adverse conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal incorporates flexible sealing elements and shock-absorbing features that allow the tracking device housing to withstand adverse conditions. The flexible components absorb impacts from bumps and swaying while maintaining the structural integrity of the housing, providing durability without requiring overly complex rigid structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides enhanced durability, accuracy, and security for tracking freight by ensuring the tracking device remains attached to the container and securely communicates cargo data, even under adverse conditions, while preventing unauthorized access.

Implementation Method 1

a GPS tracker configured to track the location of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS satellite signal reception:

Implementation Method 2

an accelerometer configured to measure the acceleration of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration measurement: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

The tracking device may include a sensor that detects seal breakage and sends out a signal alert notifying of the breakage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeal breakage detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11406708B2Methods, apparatuses, and systems for tracking freight

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 CRC R&D LLC

AI summary

Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for tracking freight. Embodiments include a tracking device for a trailer containing a load. The tracking device may include a housing including a connector, a main body, and a GPS tracker located within the main body and configured to track the location of the load. Tracking device may include a support member linking the connector and main body. Connector may securely attach to a container on the trailer and attach to a seal such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. Support member may stabilize the housing and protect the tracking device during transit of the load. A tracking system may implement to monitor, gather information and report on the tracking device and the load.