Sensor Device Event Recording for Autonomous Supply Chain Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no convenient way to monitor supply chain events for sensor devices, which are increasingly used in various applications due to their reduced size and enhanced capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device equipped with proximity sensors, a processor, memory, and wireless communication capabilities that can receive user input signals to track events, particularly in logistics scenarios, and transmit records once connectivity is available, using light signals or knock patterns to control its functional states and enclose all components within a durable housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If sensor devices are made smaller and more integrated, then device size and portability are improved, but the ability to monitor supply chain events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (proximity sensing, event detection, data storage, and wireless communication) into a single integrated sensor device. The sensor device includes a proximity sensor, processor, memory, and wireless communication module all housed together, enabling it to autonomously detect, record, and transmit supply chain events without requiring external monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed to autonomously perform all monitoring functions without external intervention. It automatically detects events using its proximity sensor, processes the event data locally, stores records in its memory, and transmits data when connectivity is available. This self-service capability ensures continuous monitoring even when isolated in the supply chain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor devices operate autonomously without external connectivity, then device independence is improved, but the ability to transmit data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs preliminary data collection and storage autonomously when disconnected, maintaining readiness to transmit. The memory component pre-stores event records, and the device maintains operational readiness with powered components (battery, processor) so that data transmission can occur immediately when connectivity becomes available, without loss of monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication module acts as an intermediary between the autonomous sensor device and external systems. It enables the device to operate independently for extended periods while periodically establishing communication channels to transmit accumulated data, bridging the gap between autonomous operation and data connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into a single device, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: proximity detection, event detection, data processing, storage, and wireless communication. The proximity sensor serves multiple purposes (detecting presence, determining distance, triggering events), and the processor handles various tasks (sensing, recording, transmitting), reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the proximity sensor, processor, memory, and wireless communication module are integrated within a single housing. The sensor device itself can be nested within larger systems (attached to packages, containers, or products), creating a compact hierarchical arrangement that manages complexity through organized integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is provided a sensor device comprising: a proximity sensor; a processor; a wireless communication module; and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the sensor device to: receive a user input signal; determine when the received user input signal matches a signal template being associated with an event; store in the memory a record indicating an occurrence of the event associated with the user input signal; and transmit, once the wireless communication module is active, any stored records.