RuBee Tag System for Firearm Tracking Through Metal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking and identification technologies for firearms face challenges in harsh environments, such as near metal and water, and are not effective in providing real-time tracking and pre-emptive warnings for damage or deteriorating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A low-frequency RuBee radio tag system that includes a transceiver, data storage, and a processor, capable of transmitting identification signals and providing warnings, is integrated into firearms to enable real-time tracking and monitoring, even in harsh conditions, using a network protocol that allows for thousands of tags to operate below 450 KHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current tracking and identification technologies are used for firearms, then basic identification is possible, but they fail to provide reliable tracking in harsh environments such as near metal and water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter to low frequency (below 450 kHz), which allows radio signals to penetrate through water and metal environments that block higher frequency signals, thereby resolving the reliability issue in harsh environments
2Loss of information
If traditional RFID or tracking tags are used, then identification can be achieved, but they cannot provide pre-emptive warnings for damage or deteriorating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The tag system is designed to perform multiple functions: identification, location tracking, and condition monitoring (detecting shock, heat, water exposure). By integrating these functions into a single universal device, the system prevents information loss without proportionally increasing complexity
3Speed
If high frequency radio tags are used for tracking, then data transmission speed is faster, but they cannot transmit through water and near steel
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the frequency parameter from high frequency to low frequency (below 450 kHz). Lower frequency radio waves have longer wavelengths that can diffract around obstacles and penetrate through water and metal, resolving the signal blockage problem while maintaining acceptable transmission speeds
4Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring and warning systems are implemented, then pre-emptive damage detection is possible, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The tag system autonomously monitors its own operational conditions (shock, heat, water exposure) and automatically generates warnings when threshold limits are exceeded. This self-service capability provides reliable safety monitoring without requiring complex external monitoring infrastructure
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 RuBee tag system provides reliable, long-lasting (up to 10 years) and cost-effective tracking and monitoring of firearms, with the ability to transmit through water and near steel, and offers pre-emptive warnings for damage or maintenance needs, ensuring compliance with security and regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 450 kilohertz
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identifying, monitoring, and tracking a firearm includes: a low frequency radio tag affixed to the firearm, the radio tag configured to receive and send data signals, the radio tag including: a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 450 kilohertz, a transceiver operatively connected to the tag antenna, the transceiver configured to transmit and receive data signals at the low radio frequency; a data storage device configured to store data including identification data for identifying the firearm, and a data processor configured to process data received from the transceiver and the data storage device and to transmit data to cause the transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon the identification data stored in the data storage device.