Autonomous Shipment Sensor for Continuous Environmental Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics systems lack the ability to continuously monitor and verify the environmental conditions within shipping containers, potentially leading to products being rendered unfit for use due to exposure to unsuitable conditions during transport, without informing the carrier or customer.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous environmental sensor device that continuously logs environmental data using a circular buffer, wirelessly transmits data, and integrates with existing carrier systems to provide real-time monitoring and reporting, eliminating the need for user configuration and specialized hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional logistics tracking systems are used, then basic shipment tracking is achieved, but environmental condition monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an autonomous environmental sensor device as an intermediary between the shipped product and the logistics system. This device continuously monitors temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions, then wirelessly transmits data to carrier systems, enabling comprehensive environmental tracking without requiring direct integration between existing logistics infrastructure and environmental monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The environmental sensor device operates autonomously without requiring user configuration or intervention. It automatically logs environmental data in a circular buffer, manages its own power consumption, and wirelessly transmits data to carrier systems, eliminating the need for specialized hardware setup or manual operation by users
2Reliability
If continuous environmental monitoring is implemented, then product integrity is ensured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The environmental sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single compact unit: it monitors multiple environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, shock), stores data in a circular buffer, wirelessly communicates with carrier systems, and operates autonomously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices and simplifies the overall monitoring system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed as an inexpensive, single-use component that is attached to shipments for their duration and then discarded. This approach eliminates the need for expensive, reusable specialized monitoring equipment and complex calibration/maintenance systems, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable environmental verification
3Measurement precision
If specialized hardware is required for environmental sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device automatically configures itself upon activation, selecting appropriate measurement parameters and thresholds based on the specific product being shipped. It autonomously manages data logging intervals, power consumption, and wireless transmission timing without requiring user input, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while eliminating configuration complexity for users
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic system for an environmental sensor device is configured to continually collect environmental data (e.g., temperature data, humidity data, or the like). The environmental sensor device is configured to be transported within a container and collect environmental data throughout the shipment.