Smart Shipping Package Tracking with Mesh Networking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional package tracking systems are limited in real-time data transmission, tamper detection, and peer-to-peer networking capabilities, leading to issues such as package loss, theft, and inefficient logistics, especially for small packages, as they rely on predefined scanning points and lack continuous monitoring and verification.

Innovation Solution

A shipping package tracking system comprising an enclosure with a network module, sensor module, and battery module that transmits real-time shipping status messages, including environmental and security data, using wireless communication to enable continuous monitoring and verification, and can form a mesh network with other packages for enhanced tracking and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional barcode scanning technology is used for package tracking, then package identification and basic location tracking are achieved, but real-time monitoring capability is lost and tamper detection is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage tracking reliabilityVSAvoidreal-time package data

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The package itself performs tracking and monitoring functions through embedded sensors and processors, eliminating the need for external scanning infrastructure. The package autonomously collects location, temperature, humidity, and tamper data, then transmits it directly to stakeholders, enabling continuous real-time monitoring without manual intervention at scanning points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical barcode scanning systems with electronic sensor-based monitoring. Instead of physically scanning barcodes at fixed points, the system uses GPS receivers, accelerometers, temperature sensors, and other electronic components embedded in the package to continuously gather and transmit data wirelessly, substituting mechanical infrastructure with intelligent electronic monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If packages are only scanned at predefined points, then basic tracking is maintained, but continuous monitoring and tamper detection capabilities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking efficiencyVSAvoidpackage security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking and monitoring system operates continuously throughout the package's journey rather than intermittently at predefined points. Sensors continuously collect location, environmental, and security data, and the processor continuously transmits this information to stakeholders, ensuring uninterrupted real-time visibility and immediate detection of any anomalies or tampering events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If large shipping containers use active tracking modules, then tamper detection capability is achieved, but device size and cost become prohibitive for small packages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper detection capabilityVSAvoidtracking device size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking system is segmented into miniaturized functional components that can be integrated into small packages. The system divides the monitoring function into separate sensor modules (GPS, accelerometer, temperature, humidity, light, contact sensors) and a compact processor unit, allowing the entire system to fit within small packages while maintaining comprehensive tamper detection and environmental monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If barcode scanning requires multiple scans during journey, then package verification is achieved, but time and human resources are excessively consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage verification accuracyVSAvoidscanning and processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The package continuously collects and pre-processes verification data during transit, including location, environmental conditions, and security status. By the time the package reaches its destination or a checkpoint, all verification information is already gathered and transmitted, eliminating the need for multiple manual scanning operations and allowing rapid verification with a single query to the package's stored data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12118501B2Shipping package tracking or monitoring system and method

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 PACKAGE INC

AI summary

A shipping package (1) comprises an enclosure for receiving content within, a closure (14) for sealing the enclosure, a label comprising shipping information, a network module (380), a sensor module (382), and a battery module (384). The battery module provides power to the network module and the sensor module. The sensor module (382) providing location information to the network module, the network module transmits a shipping status message to an external device.