Solar-Powered GPS Ear Tag for Animal Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic ear tags for animal tracking lack advanced features and reliable power sources, limiting their effectiveness in monitoring animal health and location over extended periods.

Innovation Solution

The development of an ultra-low power, lightweight electronic ear tag equipped with a GNSS module, wireless communication, and solar charging capabilities, along with a user-friendly app interface for data transmission and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a rechargeable battery is used as the main power source, then the device can operate for extended periods, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a rechargeable battery with a solar panel in a single device, merging two power sources that work together. The solar panel captures solar energy to charge the rechargeable battery, creating a hybrid power system that extends operational duration without requiring a excessively large battery alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The solar panel enables the device to recharge itself using solar energy from the environment. This self-service mechanism allows the device to maintain operation over extended periods by continuously capturing and storing energy from sunlight, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of moving object

If a solar panel is added for continuous power charging, then the operational duration is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational durationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solar panel serves multiple functions: it generates electrical energy to charge the battery, and can potentially power the device directly when sunlight is available. This multi-functionality approach extends operational duration while adding minimal complexity compared to implementing multiple separate power systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If advanced monitoring features are integrated into the ear tag, then the monitoring capability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs periodic action by transmitting location and monitoring data at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The microcontroller and GNSS module activate only when needed to capture and transmit data, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining effective monitoring capability over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The solar panel provides continuous power replenishment throughout the day, ensuring the battery remains charged even as the device periodically activates its monitoring and communication features. This continuous energy input offsets the periodic energy consumption of advanced monitoring functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 electronic ear tag provides reliable, real-time tracking and monitoring of animal health and location, with extended battery life and robust communication options, enhancing animal husbandry practices.

Implementation Method 1

The solar panel is responsible for converting solar energy into electrical energy used to charge the rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12336501B2Solar-powered GPS SIM card device for tracking and monitoring animals and assets
Publication Date: 2025.06.24 JONES ANDY DOYLE
  • US12336501B2 patent drawing
  • US12336501B2 patent drawing
  • US12336501B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a solar-powered GPS Sim card tracking and monitoring features device for animals and assets.