LED Taillight GPS Integration for Covert Trailer Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial trailers in the US are difficult to track due to their high volume and lack of permanent association with vehicles, making them susceptible to theft, as existing security and monitoring systems are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A covert GPS tracking system integrated into an LED taillight, which includes a semitransparent red lamp cover, LED PCBA, GPS tracker PCBA, recharging circuit, and rechargeable battery, allowing for RF signal transmission and cellular communication without external visible equipment, powered by the vehicle's electrical system and charging during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a GPS tracking system is integrated into the LED taillight, then the tracking capability is improved and the system becomes covert, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GPS tracking system with the LED taillight assembly by integrating the GPS receiver, battery, and control circuitry into the same housing as the LED elements. This merging allows the tracking function to be concealed within the existing taillight structure, making it covert while providing reliable location tracking for the trailer.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the GPS tracking system is hidden within the LED taillight, then the covert capability is improved, but the space available for GPS components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the GPS receiver, battery, and control circuitry within the housing of the LED taillight assembly. The GPS components are placed in the internal cavity of the taillight housing, utilizing the existing space efficiently. This nesting approach conceals the tracking system within the taillight structure, making it difficult to detect while providing sufficient space for the necessary GPS components.
3Ease of operation
If the LED taillight is used to power the GPS system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy consumption of the taillight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power system where the LED taillight charges an integrated rechargeable battery during operation. The battery then powers the GPS receiver and control circuitry independently, allowing the tracking system to operate autonomously without drawing continuous power from the vehicle's electrical system or requiring external battery replacement.
4Measurement precision
If the GPS antenna reception area is separated from the LED PCBA, then the GPS performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LED PCBA and GPS antenna reception area into separate zones within the taillight housing. The LED elements are mounted on one circuit board while the GPS antenna is positioned in a separate area optimized for signal reception. This segmentation prevents interference between the LED lighting function and GPS signal reception, ensuring accurate location tracking while maintaining a compact integrated design.
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 system effectively tracks commercial trailers without being noticeable to thieves, ensuring continuous operation and self-disguising as a standard taillight, providing real-time location updates and enhancing security by integrating with the vehicle's lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
rechargeable battery connected to the three pin connector via a recharging circuit
Implementation Method 2
LED PCBA with LEDs disposed immediately adjacent to the lamp cover so that light from the LEDs is transmitted through the lamp cover
Implementation Method 3
semitransparent red lamp cover sized and configured to fit a rubber grommet or a metallic or rigid mounting ring
Data Source
AI summary
An LED taillight with an integrated GPS tracking system is disclosed therein. The GPS tracking system is hidden behind the LED portion of the LED taillight so that the GPS tracking system is not noticeable by someone inspecting a trailer on which the LED taillight is installed. Additionally, power sent to the LED taillight to power the LEDs also recharge a battery associated with the GPS tracking system and power the GPS tracking system during use.