Keyhole Communication Device for Shipping Container Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current container tracking and monitoring systems lack granularity, failing to track or monitor assets within ISO shipping containers, which is a security and national security concern, especially with the potential for smuggling of weapons of mass destruction.
Innovation Solution
A keyhole communication device is integrated into the shipping container, comprising a first housing component exterior to the container and a second housing component interior to it, forming an integrated structure that extends through a small opening, enabling wireless communication with both internal and external networks, and facilitating communication with wireless tags and sensors within the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a communication device is installed inside the shipping container, then it can communicate with internal wireless tags and sensors, but it cannot communicate with external networks when containers are stacked
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is divided into two separate housing components: a first housing component positioned exterior to the container wall and a second housing component positioned interior to the container wall. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions - the exterior component handles external network communication while the interior component handles internal wireless communication, resolving the contradiction between internal communication capability and external network accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The container wall itself serves as an intermediary medium through which the communication device operates. The device uses the wall as a transmission medium for wireless signals, allowing communication to pass through the wall structure. This enables the device to maintain both internal and external communication capabilities simultaneously by utilizing the wall as a signal transmission pathway.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a communication device is installed outside the shipping container, then it can communicate with external networks, but it cannot communicate with internal wireless tags and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is divided into two separate housing components: a first housing component positioned exterior to the container wall and a second housing component positioned interior to the container wall. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions - the exterior component handles external network communication while the interior component handles internal wireless communication, resolving the contradiction between internal communication capability and external network accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The container wall itself serves as an intermediary medium through which the communication device operates. The device uses the wall as a transmission medium for wireless signals, allowing communication to pass through the wall structure. This enables the device to maintain both internal and external communication capabilities simultaneously by utilizing the wall as a signal transmission pathway.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the communication device extends through the container wall, then it can communicate both internally and externally, but it creates a potential security vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is divided into two separate housing components: a first housing component positioned exterior to the container wall and a second housing component positioned interior to the container wall. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions - the exterior component handles external network communication while the interior component handles internal wireless communication, resolving the contradiction between internal communication capability and external network accessibility.
4Measurement precision
If conventional tracking systems are used, then container-level tracking is provided, but asset-level tracking within the container is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple tracking purposes simultaneously. It can communicate with both internal wireless tags (for asset-level tracking) and external networks (for container-level tracking), providing universal tracking capability across different levels. This multi-functional design enables precise asset-level tracking without requiring separate independent systems.
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
This solution provides enhanced visibility and tracking of both the shipping container and its contents, improving communication efficiency and security by enabling wireless communication through the container walls, even when stacked, and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna, adapted for wireless communication with the network external to the shipping container
Implementation Method 2
a GPS receiver, disposed within the second housing component
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping container that facilitates communications between wireless communication devices within the shipping container and an external network container includes a keyhole communication device that is adapted for wireless communications with the external network and that includes first and second housing components. The first and second housing components together form an integrated housing structure that extends through a small opening in a wall of the shipping container, with the first housing component being disposed exterior to the shipping container and the second housing component being disposed interior to the shipping container. A first antenna is disposed within the first housing component for communications via a first communications protocol, such as a Bluetooth protocol. A second antenna also may be disposed within the first housing component for communications via a second communications protocol, such as a cellular communications protocol. The communications are controlled by electronic circuitry within the second housing component.