Node Energy Relaying for Shielded Asset Tracking Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asset visibility systems face reliability issues due to embedded nodes in heavily dampened or shielded zones, such as the center of a pallet, which remain in perpetual low power states and fail to communicate effectively, leading to asset loss and system inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to relay energy to device nodes in these zones by transmitting energy waves and capturing reflected energy streams to actuate nodes into a higher power state, using neighboring nodes to store and relay energy to ensure all nodes operate at optimal levels, preventing perpetual low power states and device failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If nodes are placed in heavily dampened or shielded zones (e.g., center of pallet), then asset visibility coverage is improved, but nodes remain in perpetual low power states and fail to communicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary nodes (nodes in non-shielded zones) that receive energy from external sources and relay this energy to nodes in heavily dampened or shielded zones. These intermediary nodes act as mediators to overcome the energy barrier preventing nodes in shielded zones from operating reliably, thus enabling both broad coverage and reliable communication.
2Reliability
If nodes operate in higher power states to ensure communication, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic energy transmission where external energy sources transmit energy waves to nodes in a periodic manner. Nodes transition to higher power states only when receiving these energy waves, rather than maintaining continuous high power operation. This periodic activation ensures communication reliability when needed while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables nodes to self-regulate their power states based on received energy waves and communication needs. Nodes autonomously transition between low and high power states without requiring continuous external control, optimizing their energy consumption while maintaining communication reliability when required.
3Reliability
If all nodes are kept operational to prevent asset loss, then system reliability is improved, but energy resources are depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static operational state of nodes into a dynamic system where nodes can transition between low power and high power states. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain reliability by activating nodes only when needed while conserving energy resources during periods when nodes can remain in low power states, thus preventing both asset loss and energy depletion.
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 enhances the effectiveness and reliability of asset visibility systems by ensuring all device nodes are operational, reducing asset loss and maintaining system performance over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting energy waves to the device node, wherein the energy waves are for storage by the device node
Implementation Method 2
capturing reflected energy streams to indicate the device node actuated into the higher power state
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a method of relaying energy to device nodes is disclosed. The method includes transmitting energy waves into an aggregated node group with multiple device nodes. The transmitted energy waves are to actuate the device nodes into a higher power state and in part for storage by the device nodes. Energy streams reflected by the aggregated node group may be captured to indicate actuated and non-actuated device nodes. The method determines a target low power state device node from the non-actuated low power state device nodes and determine neighboring higher power state device nodes proximate to the target low power state device node. A communication signal may be transmitted to the neighboring higher power state device nodes directing them to relay the stored energy to the target low power state device node to actuate the target low power state device node into a higher power state.