RFID Reader for Tractor Identification in Towed Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems, such as the Orbcomm GT-1100, fail to detect the RFID tag of a tractor unit towing a chassis or trailer equipped with a GT-1100, which is crucial for verifying the correct tractor unit and preventing misuse or theft of shipments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an RFID reader on a towed transport platform to periodically scan for and identify the RFID tag of the tractor platform it is coupled to, using signal strength analysis to distinguish the correct tractor platform among multiple tags, and transmitting this information via various wireless modems for monitoring purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an RFID reader is added to the towed transport platform to detect tractor RFID tags, then the ability to identify and verify the correct tractor unit is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID reader functionality is merged with the existing monitoring system (GT-1100) on the towed transport platform. The reader is integrated into the same housing and power system, combining multiple functions (GPS tracking, RFID detection, cellular communication) into a single unified device rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues to provide GPS tracking and location monitoring while simultaneously detecting RFID tags from tractor units. This multi-functional approach allows one device to serve both traditional monitoring purposes and new RFID identification purposes without requiring entirely separate systems.
2Reliability
If signal strength analysis is implemented to distinguish the correct tractor platform among multiple tags, then the reliability of identification is improved, but the processing complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously scanning for RFID tags, the system performs periodic scans at predetermined intervals. This approach balances the need for reliable identification with energy conservation, as the reader remains inactive most of the time and only activates periodically to check for nearby tractor RFID tags.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses signal strength (a physical parameter) as an additional criterion for identifying the correct tractor tag. By analyzing the strength of the RFID signal in addition to the tag identifier itself, the system can distinguish between multiple tags and determine which tractor is actually coupled to the towed platform, with stronger signals indicating closer proximity.
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
Enables accurate detection and reporting of the RFID identifier of the tractor platform, ensuring correct towing and alerting misuse or theft, while allowing interested parties to monitor shipments through RFID identifier and geolocation data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID reader on a towed transport platform to periodically scan for and identify the RFID tag of the tractor platform it is coupled to
Data Source
AI summary
Interested parties would like to know the identity o the semi-truck to which a semi-trailer is coupled. They would like to know when and where the semi-truck was coupled to and uncoupled from the semi-trailer. The embodiments all detect the semi-truck's identity. Some embodiments compute the identity of the semi-truck in environments where multiple semi-trucks are nearby. Some embodiments report the semi-truck's identity by wireless modem to said interested parties. Some embodiments detect and report the geolocation of the semi-trailer.