Motion-Activated Position Reporting Device for Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Position reporting devices are costly, power-intensive, and require frequent maintenance, limiting their use to high-value assets, and often necessitate a dedicated device for each asset, which is not feasible for rental fleets.
Innovation Solution
A portable motion-activated position reporting device that uses a controller, interrogator, and RFID tag to automatically identify and track assets, reducing power consumption by activating only when movement is detected, and allowing a single device to be used across multiple assets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a position reporting device is continuously activated to accurately track and report asset position, then position reporting accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses motion sensors to detect asset movement and activates the GPS and communication modules only when motion is detected, transitioning between sleep and active states periodically based on actual tracking needs, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining position reporting accuracy when required
2Reliability
If a dedicated position reporting device is assigned to each asset for continuous monitoring, then tracking reliability is improved, but device cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a system where a single position reporting device can be moved between multiple assets (vehicles, equipment) while maintaining reliable tracking. The device universally interfaces with different assets through standard mounting and power connections, eliminating the need for dedicated devices for each asset while preserving tracking reliability through consistent performance across different platforms
3Ease of operation
If the device is made portable and concealable for easy deployment, then ease of installation is improved, but power source capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device incorporates motion-activated periodic operation where the high-power GPS receiver and communication transceiver are activated only during detected motion events, allowing the use of smaller battery capacities in portable units while extending effective operational duration between battery replacements
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 solution reduces the need for dedicated devices, extends battery life, and simplifies maintenance by minimizing power usage when stationary, enabling cost-effective tracking of multiple assets with minimal user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an initiating component for detecting motion of the position reporting device and generating a signal to the controller in response to the motion
Implementation Method 2
the data storage device conveys the identity of the asset being tracked to the position reporting device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a portable motion-activated position reporting device. In one embodiment, a controller is coupled with an interrogator component, a position determining component, a wireless communications component, and an initiating component. In one embodiment, the initiating component detects motion of the position reporting device and generates a signal to the controller indicating the motion. The controller, in response to the signal, activates the interrogator component and the position reporting device.