Piezoelectric Pallet Structure for Self-Powered IoT Shipment Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT sensors with GPS capabilities on shipments often experience power depletion during extended transit due to shock, vibration, and environmental changes, leading to missing data on shipment position and status.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a piezoelectric generator structure into a pallet, comprising upper and lower piezoelectric pads connected by a shaft, which generates electrical power from compression and rebound movements caused by applied forces during transit, charging an electrically coupled power storage unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IoT sensors are used for continuous monitoring during extended transit, then shipment position and status data collection is improved, but power consumption increases leading to power depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful vibrations and shocks during transit into beneficial electrical energy through piezoelectric materials. The mechanical stress from transit disturbances compresses the piezoelectric elements, generating electrical charge that powers the IoT sensors, thereby transforming energy-wasting disturbances into power sources that extend operational duration
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates its own power through the piezoelectric energy harvesting mechanism integrated into the pallet structure. The sensors monitor shipment conditions and the vibrations they detect during transit are converted into electrical energy by the piezoelectric elements, allowing the system to self-power and extend operation beyond traditional battery limits
2Power
If piezoelectric generator structure is integrated into pallet, then power generation from transit forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the shipment, acts as a platform for mounting sensors, and functions as an energy harvesting device through integrated piezoelectric elements. The connecting shafts serve both mechanical linkage and electrical conduction purposes, reducing the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pallet structure with the energy harvesting system by integrating piezoelectric pads directly into the pallet platforms and using connecting shafts that serve both mechanical and electrical functions. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture
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 piezoelectric generator structure effectively harvests energy from transit-related forces to charge IoT devices, ensuring continuous data collection and monitoring of shipment status by providing supplementary power to the devices.
Implementation Method 1
the lower piezoelectric pad produces a first voltage due to the compression movement... the upper piezoelectric pad produces a second voltage due to the rebound movement
Data Source
AI summary
A piezoelectric generator structure disposed between an upper platform and a lower platform that includes a lower piezoelectric pad, an upper piezoelectric pad, and a connecting shaft. The lower piezoelectric pad coupled to the upper piezoelectric pad via the connecting shaft, where the lower piezoelectric pad is configured to compress under a downward motion of the upper platform during a compression movement due to an additional load being applied to an existing load on a top surface of the upper platform, where the lower piezoelectric pad produces a first voltage due to the compression movement. The upper piezoelectric pad configured to compress under an upward motion of the upper platform during a rebound movement of the upper platform, where the upper piezoelectric pad produces a second voltage due to the rebound movement. The generator structure configured to provide the first and the second voltage to a coupled power storage unit.