Portable Data Storage Module Wireless ZigBee Battery Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data storage and transfer methods for the trucking industry, such as physical interfaces, are prone to errors and inconvenience due to the need for direct connections, which can be dirty and unreliable, and lack efficient battery management for wireless communication.

Innovation Solution

A portable data storage module that communicates wirelessly using a ZigBee standard, initiating all communications to conserve battery power, with a single button for data transfer, and includes an alert feature for emergency assistance, actively managing memory to prevent erroneous transfers and ensuring reliable data exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical interfaces are used for data transfer, then direct connection is established, but errors occur due to dirty and unreliable connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidconnection contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical interface connection with a wireless communication system using electromagnetic fields. The portable data storage module communicates with the driver communication module via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical plugging and unplugging of connectors, thereby avoiding contamination and connection errors associated with mechanical interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is implemented, then convenience is improved, but battery power is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer convenienceVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The portable data storage module employs periodic wake-sleep cycles where it remains in a low-power sleep state and periodically wakes to check for communication requests or to initiate data transfers. This periodic operation allows the device to maintain wireless communication capability while minimizing battery power consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automatic connection management where the portable data storage module autonomously initiates communications and manages its own power state transitions. The device automatically wakes when data transfer is needed and returns to sleep mode after completion, eliminating the need for manual power management by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If the portable data storage module initiates all communications, then battery power is conserved, but communication complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power conservationVSAvoidcommunication initiation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a standardized wireless communication protocol as an intermediary that simplifies the initiation process. The portable data storage module sends standardized communication requests following established protocols, which the receiving device interprets and responds to automatically. This protocol-based approach reduces the complexity of initiating communications while maintaining power-efficient unidirectional initiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If memory is actively managed, then erroneous transfers are prevented, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation of data integrity before initiating transfers by checking data checksums and verifying file completeness. The portable data storage module pre-processes data to ensure it meets transfer requirements, preventing erroneous transfers from occurring in the first place. This preliminary action reduces the need for post-transfer error handling and minimizes overall processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7802729B2Portable data storage module

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 XRS CORP

AI summary

A portable data storage module comprises a control module, a wireless communication module, a rewriteable memory and a data transfer button. When the data transfer button is actuated, the portable data storage module wakes from a sleep mode and the control module initiates a data transfer via the wireless communication module with a device. After the data transfer, the portable data storage module reenters the sleep mode. The portable data storage module may be configured to transfer data, such as a trip plan, between a network host and an in-cab driver communication module. The portable data storage module may also store and maintain additional data, such as a driver log.