Monitoring system for container systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems for refrigerated containers lack real-time monitoring capabilities and rely on battery-powered sensors, which have limited lifespan and performance at low temperatures, and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a power transmitter and sensor tag that uses RF power to enable real-time monitoring of cargo conditions within the container, eliminating the need for batteries by using a power receiver, antenna, and energy storage device, with a controller managing power and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery-powered sensors are used for monitoring cargo conditions, then monitoring functionality is provided, but the sensors have limited lifespan and reduced performance at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component from the sensor tag, extracting the power source that causes limited lifespan and temperature-related performance issues. The sensor tag is powered wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling between the power transmitter and power receiver, eliminating the need for replaceable batteries while maintaining monitoring functionality in refrigerated environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power receiver as an intermediary component that captures electromagnetic energy from the power transmitter and converts it to electrical power for the sensor. This intermediary enables wireless power transfer, allowing the sensor to operate without a battery while maintaining reliable performance at low temperatures through continuous external power supply.
2Ease of operation
If battery-powered sensors are used, then monitoring is enabled, but the system becomes costly due to battery replacement and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the battery component from the sensor tag, removing the source of ongoing maintenance costs associated with battery replacement. This extraction of the power source transforms the sensor from a disposable or maintenance-requiring device to a permanent, low-cost installation that only requires external power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive battery-powered sensors with a simpler, battery-less sensor tag design. The sensor tag becomes a low-cost, disposable or permanent installation depending on application requirements, eliminating the need for expensive battery replacements and reducing overall system cost while maintaining ease of operation.
3Loss of information
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then cargo condition data is available continuously, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of cargo conditions rather than continuous monitoring, with the controller programmed to take measurements at predetermined time intervals. This periodic action reduces power consumption compared to continuous monitoring while still providing timely cargo condition data, and the sensor can be powered by the accumulated energy from the power receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The power receiver acts as an energy intermediary that accumulates electromagnetic energy from the power transmitter and stores it in an energy storage device. This accumulated energy buffer enables the sensor to operate during periodic measurement cycles without requiring high instantaneous power consumption, reconciling real-time data needs with power conservation.
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
Enables robust, real-time monitoring of cargo and environment conditions within refrigerated containers, providing reliable and cost-effective data access without battery limitations, even at low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The power receiver is arranged to receive power from the power transmitter through the antenna
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage device arranged to store power that is received from the power transmitter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A monitoring system for a container system that includes a sensor tag disposed on cargo received within an interior space of a container. The sensor tag includes an antenna, a power receiver, and a sensor. The power receiver is arranged to receive power from a power transmitter through the antenna. The sensor in communication with at least one of the antenna and the power receiver. The sensor is arranged to provide a signal indicative of a condition of at least one of the cargo and interior space, responsive to receiving power from the power receiver.