Solar Powered Vehicle Locator With Motion Sensor Wake Logic

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locating devices for moving objects, particularly railway wagons, are dependent on external power supplies, have high power consumption, and require frequent maintenance, limiting their operational lifespan and effectiveness, especially when batteries drain or GPS signals fail.

Innovation Solution

A self-sufficient locating device with a solar panel-powered energy buffer, motion sensor-controlled wake-up logic, and dual-mode operation (standstill and movement) to minimize power usage, allowing for autonomous operation without external power and robust positioning even in GPS failures, using cell information for alternative localization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If battery-powered locating devices are used, then location tracking is enabled, but the device requires frequent maintenance and has limited operational lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational lifespanVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locating device generates its own power through a solar panel, eliminating the need for external battery replacement. The system serves itself by converting solar energy directly into electrical energy to power the locating and communication functions, making it maintenance-free for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrochemical battery system with a photovoltaic power generation system. Instead of storing energy chemically in batteries that degrade over time, the device uses a solar panel to continuously generate electrical energy, substituting a renewable energy source for a depleting energy storage system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If satellite locating modules operate continuously, then location accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locating module operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the satellite locating module at predetermined time intervals to determine location coordinates, then enters a low-power state between measurements. This periodic operation maintains location tracking functionality while significantly reducing average power consumption to match the limited power available from the solar panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If location data is transmitted at fixed intervals, then tracking continuity is maintained, but unnecessary power is consumed when wagon is stationary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking continuityVSAvoidunnecessary power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission interval is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit monitors the time between location determinations and adjusts the transmission timing accordingly. When the wagon is stationary for extended periods, the system extends the interval between transmissions and location determinations, reducing power consumption during idle periods while maintaining tracking continuity when the wagon is in motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Duration of action of moving object

If battery capacity is increased to extend operational life, then device lifespan increases, but device weight and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational lifespanVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the heavy battery system with a lightweight photovoltaic power generation system. Instead of increasing battery capacity to extend operational life, the device uses a solar panel to continuously generate power, eliminating the need for large energy storage components and significantly reducing device weight and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device operates independently for over 10 years with minimal maintenance, providing continuous location tracking with reduced power consumption and ensuring functionality even without GPS, using cell-based positioning for enhanced reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel (2) for generating electrical energy from solar energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a capacitor arrangement (12) for storing electrical energy delivered by the solar panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP1922236B1Locating device

Publication Date: 2014.10.01 TARTER PHILIPP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a locating device for moving objects, in particular vehicles, and to methods for locating the latter, wherein the device comprises at least one solar panel (2), a capacitor-based energy store (12), a satellite locating module for determining the locating coordinates (9), a mobile radio module for transmitting the locating coordinates using short messages (8) and, if appropriate, for determining the cell information from the mobile radio network, a motion sensor (15), as well as an electrical control device (7) which is driven by the motion sensor (15) and by the operating voltage and is intended to switch between the sleep mode and operating mode of the locating device.