GPS Tracking for Metal Waste Containers With Signal-Amplifying Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset tracking systems for metal waste and recycling containers face challenges due to interference from metal surfaces, leading to lost visibility and inefficient use of containers, and existing solutions are costly and inefficient in battery life.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost GPS location asset tracker with a housing, primary control board, accelerometer, battery packs, and a tracking system comprising a GPS receiver, cellular transceiver, and cellular antenna, which utilizes metal walls to amplify signals and employs motion detection to optimize battery life and reduce data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antennas are placed on the exterior of the device as close to the exterior as reasonably possible, then the effectiveness of the device is maximized, but the metal surfaces cause interference with radio waves and electronic signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful interference effect of metal surfaces into a beneficial signal amplification effect. By positioning the antenna in close proximity to the metal container surface, the metal reflects and amplifies the radio waves, thereby enhancing signal strength and reliability for tracking containers in challenging environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional external antenna placement to an integrated antenna design embedded within the container structure. This dimensional repositioning allows the antenna to operate in a new spatial relationship with the metal surface, utilizing the container's geometry to optimize signal propagation and reduce interference.
2Loss of information
If continuous tracking is implemented, then location visibility is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic tracking intervals instead of continuous monitoring. The system transmits location data at predetermined time intervals, maintaining adequate visibility of container locations while significantly reducing power consumption and extending battery operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses motion sensors and GPS data to detect when containers are moved or relocated. When movement is detected, the system triggers immediate location updates and increases tracking frequency, whereas stationary containers operate on reduced intervals, optimizing battery usage based on actual operational needs.
3Productivity
If multiple transportation partners handle intermodal containers, then container utilization increases, but visibility to location is lost during transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is designed with universal compatibility across multiple transportation modes and handlers. It integrates GPS, cellular, and radio frequency identification capabilities to maintain continuous tracking visibility regardless of which transportation partner or mode handles the container, ensuring uninterrupted location information throughout the supply chain.
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 asset tracker effectively tracks the location of metal waste containers with extended battery life and reduced communication, minimizing interference and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver, a GPS antenna
Implementation Method 2
a cellular transceiver, and a cellular antenna
Implementation Method 3
an accelerometer configured to detect whether a motion event for the asset tracking device has occurred
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for asset tracking for metal waste and recycling containers. A low-cost GPS location asset tracker can be provided for tracking the whereabouts of metal waste and recycling containers. The asset tracker can include a housing attachable to the metal waste container, a primary control board, an accelerometer, one or more battery packs, and a tracking system consisting of a GPS receiver, a GPS antenna, a cellular transceiver, and a cellular antenna traced directly onto the primary control board.