LoRaWAN Hunting Arrow Tracker for Long-Range Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hunting tracking systems using GPS and cellular technologies are hindered by weight, transmission range limitations, and short battery life, making it difficult to track wounded animals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system employing a LoRaWAN protocol with a lightweight tracking device that includes a GPS antenna, rechargeable battery, and attachment prongs, allowing for long-range communication and energy-efficient operation, with adjustable transmission frequency based on the target's status, using an accelerometer and temperature sensor to determine if the target is alive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS and cellular technologies are used for tracking, then tracking capability is provided, but weight increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking functionality from dependency on cellular and satellite networks, implementing a standalone LoRaWAN-based system that operates independently of external network infrastructure, thereby reducing weight while maintaining tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from cellular/satellite frequencies to LoRaWAN long-range low-power wide-area network frequencies, enabling lighter hardware design while preserving tracking functionality
2Reliability
If GPS and cellular technologies are used for tracking, then tracking capability is provided, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the system from dependency on power-hungry cellular and satellite communications, using LoRaWAN technology that consumes significantly less power while maintaining tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic position signal transmissions at variable intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or 30 minutes) rather than continuous transmission, thereby extending battery life while maintaining effective tracking
3Measurement precision
If transmission frequency is increased to improve tracking accuracy, then tracking accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission frequency adjustment based on the target animal's status (alive or deceased) and movement patterns, increasing accuracy when needed while conserving energy during stable periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variable periodic transmission intervals that adapt to tracking conditions, providing high accuracy through frequent updates when the animal is active or wounded, and reducing frequency when the animal is stationary or deceased
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 provides extended battery life, reduced weight, and improved tracking accuracy over long distances, enabling efficient tracking of wounded animals without the need for cellular or satellite networks, with location updates tailored to the target's condition.
Implementation Method 1
determining a position of a tracking device using GPS satellites
Implementation Method 2
sending the position of the tracking device to a receiver via a LoRaWAN protocol
Implementation Method 3
determining if a target is alive using an acceleration profile
Implementation Method 4
determining if a target is alive using an acceleration profile or a temperature profile
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a tracking system and method for a hunting arrow that implements a long range wide area network (LoRaWAN) protocol. The tracking device may include a LoRaWAN antenna, a global positioning system (GPS) antenna, and a projectile configured and adapted to support the tracking device.