Hardened Global Tracking Device for Harsh Environment Cargo Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking systems for cargo in exploration and production operations, such as oil and gas, lack full visibility and are often susceptible to damage from harsh environments, limiting their effectiveness in tracking valuable and hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A global tracking device with a hardened case and control unit, designed to withstand extreme conditions, which includes a data access element that allows remote tracking and reporting via satellite communication, enabling real-time monitoring and data access through an interactive display application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tracking systems are used in harsh environments, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is divided into separate functional modules including a control unit, sensor array, communication module, and power management system. Each module is independently housed in protective compartments within the hardened case, allowing for targeted replacement and maintenance without affecting the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardened case is constructed using composite materials including corrosion-resistant metal alloys, impact-absorbing polymers, and sealant compounds. This multi-material construction provides protection against harsh environmental conditions while maintaining structural integrity and durability.
2Loss of information
If full visibility into supply chain is implemented, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional tracking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device integrates multiple functions into a single unit including location tracking via GPS, environmental monitoring through sensors, wireless communication capabilities, and data storage. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, reducing overall system complexity while achieving full supply chain visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized cloud-based platform serves as an intermediary between multiple tracking devices and users. The platform aggregates data from various sources, processes information, and presents it through a unified interface, reducing the complexity at the device level while maintaining comprehensive visibility.
3Productivity
If remote data access is enabled, then productivity is improved through real-time monitoring, but loss of information increases due to potential data access issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms where tracking data is continuously transmitted to the central platform and confirmed receipt is sent back to the device. This ensures data integrity through verification protocols and allows for immediate detection and correction of any data transmission issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Data is pre-validated and formatted at the source device before transmission, and the system proactively monitors data quality metrics. Potential data integrity issues are detected and addressed before they can affect the overall system, ensuring reliable information availability for productivity improvements.
Data Source
AI summary
A global tracking device includes a hardened case configured to be removably coupled to an object. The hardened case includes a barcode associated with information regarding the object. The data access element is configured to cause an external device to populate an interactive display application containing at least a portion of the information regarding to the object. The global tracking device can communicate with a central facility via a satellite communication.