RF Beacon Cargo Restraint Panel Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo restraint components do not provide monitoring or tracking capabilities, limiting the ability to monitor cargo conditions and location during transport.

Innovation Solution

Integration of RF beacons with sensors into cargo restraint panels and load restraint strip systems, which transmit identification codes and environmental data, enabling real-time monitoring and tracking of cargo units within shipping containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cargo restraint components are used to secure cargo, then cargo shifting is prevented, but monitoring and tracking capabilities are absent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo securityVSAvoidcargo location and condition data

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cargo restraint components with RF beacons and sensors into an integrated system. The restraint component provides mechanical security while the attached beacon provides monitoring and tracking, merging two previously separate functions into one unified device that simultaneously secures and monitors cargo.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cargo restraint component is transformed into a multi-functional device that not only restrains cargo but also tracks location, monitors environmental conditions, and provides security information. This universal approach allows a single component to serve multiple purposes: mechanical restraint, location tracking, temperature monitoring, and shock detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If RF beacons with sensors are integrated into cargo restraint components, then real-time monitoring and tracking are enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo location and condition dataVSAvoidcargo restraint system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the RF beacon and sensors directly into the existing cargo restraint component structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate tracking devices. The beacon assembly becomes part of the restraint mechanism itself, reducing overall system complexity despite adding monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The restraint component is redesigned to serve multiple functions simultaneously - mechanical restraint, location tracking, and environmental monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed, as one device replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20180334079A1Cargo Restraint With RF Beacon

Publication Date: 2018.11.22 MBULL HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A cargo restraint component such as a cargo restraint panel or a component of a load restraint strip system (e.g., a connecting strip or a load restraint strip) may comprise an attached RF beacon. That beacon can be configured to transmit identifying data. An RF beacon attached to a cargo restraint panel or to a component of a load restraint strip system may include one or more sensors that can measure one or more environmental parameters.