Sensor Tracking Labels With Multi-Interface, Low-Power Logistics Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracking systems lack integrated sensors with multiple communication interfaces, automatic switching between short-range and long-range tracking, and efficient power management, leading to limited functionality and increased errors in complex logistical networks.

Innovation Solution

The system employs electronic tracking labels with flexible circuits, sensors, and a centralized database, featuring activation mechanisms, multiple communication interfaces, and energy harvesting, enabling hierarchical aggregation and efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID tags and Bluetooth tags are used for tracking, then item identification and basic tracking are enabled, but the tags require compatible readers to be located very close to the tags and can only locate an item by alerting when a tag is within or out of range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking reliabilityVSAvoidreader proximity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple communication interfaces (short-range Bluetooth and long-range cellular/GPS) into a single tracking label, eliminating the need for proximity-based readers by integrating both near-field and far-field communication capabilities within one device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking label is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a short-range Bluetooth tag and a long-range cellular/GPS tracker, allowing it to operate independently without requiring external readers at specific distances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If electronic tracking tags use continuous battery power to power electronic components such as sensors and wireless communication interfaces, then the tags can continuously track and monitor items, but the tags consume battery power continuously and have limited lifespans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking continuityVSAvoidtag lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking tag employs periodic action by switching between active tracking mode and low-power hibernation state, activating continuously only when needed for data collection or communication, thereby extending battery lifespan while maintaining tracking functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting power consumption levels based on whether the tag is actively tracking or in hibernation state, optimizing the balance between tracking continuity and battery duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If existing systems use simple tags and scanners to manually construct containment relationships, then hierarchical aggregation tracking is achieved, but the systems require manual construction and are prone to errors in complex logistical networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidmanual construction requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking tags automatically construct and maintain containment relationships through sensor data collection and wireless communication, eliminating manual scanning and data entry while reducing errors in hierarchical aggregation tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data from tracking tags continuously updates containment relationships in real-time, automatically correcting and maintaining accurate hierarchical aggregation information without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If tracking labels include multiple sensors and communication interfaces, then comprehensive tracking functionality is provided, but the labels increase in thickness and may prohibit feeding the label through a printer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking functionalityVSAvoidlabel thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using flexible circuit boards and thin-film battery technology to create a compact, flexible label structure that accommodates multiple sensors and communication interfaces while maintaining sufficient flexibility to be fed through printers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20260044813A1Item tracking system with electronic tracking labels containing sensors

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 FERRET SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A tracking and monitoring system that uses “smart” tracking labels with printed label information on the top and electronics and sensors embedded in thin, flexible layers underneath. Labels may be used to track the location of items, and to monitor item parameters such as temperature, shock, weight, or tampering. Tracking labels may have communications interfaces to transmit label location and sensor data to a centralized server for monitoring and analysis; interfaces may include for example Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, or Amazon Sidewalk. Label location may be determined from an integrated GPS, by triangulation using received signals from cellular or other networks, or from the location of nearby connected devices. Labels may be battery powered and may use energy harvesting to obtain power from the environment. To conserve battery life, manufactured labels may be put into a hibernation state, and activated when they are placed on an item.