Tamper-Evident Seal With Geolocation Tracking for Container Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tamper-evident sealing devices lack the ability to provide real-time tracking and tracing capabilities, making it difficult to determine when and where unauthorized access or tampering occurs, especially in supply chains involving various transportation methods.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident sealing device with a conductive element embedded in the strap, connected to a computer processor, that detects breaks and transmits a message with a unique identifier, current geolocation, and date/time via wireless communication, using either a GPS or a mobile relay device, ensuring single-use and low-cost tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional tamper-evident sealing devices are used, then the sealing function is provided, but real-time tracking and tracing capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single sealing device: the strap provides both mechanical sealing and houses conductive elements for tamper detection, while the housing contains electronics for GPS tracking and wireless communication. This integration enables real-time tracking and tracing without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the container, detects tampering through conductive element breaks, tracks location via GPS, stores data in memory, and transmits information wirelessly. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive tracking capabilities within the sealing device itself.
2Reliability
If a conductive element is embedded in the strap to detect breaks, then tamper detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tamper detection mechanisms with a simple conductive element embedded in the strap. When the strap is cut or tampered with, the conductive element breaks, causing a detectable change in electrical continuity. This electrical detection method is simpler and more reliable than mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects tampering by monitoring changes in electrical conductivity parameters. The conductive element in the normal state provides continuous electrical flow, but when broken due to tampering, the conductivity parameter changes, triggering the processor to detect and record the tamper event.
3Loss of information
If GPS and wireless transmitter are integrated in the sealing device, then real-time location tracking is achieved, but the cost and size of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless signals as an intermediary to transmit location data and tamper information from the sealing device to remote systems. The GPS receiver obtains location coordinates, and the wireless transmitter sends this data through air interfaces to external receivers, enabling real-time tracking without requiring direct physical connections or complex wiring.
4Reliability
If the sealing device is configured for single-use with irreversible engagement, then security is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sealing device as a disposable, single-use product with irreversible engagement mechanisms. The attachment ends are configured to engage permanently, and the conductive element is embedded such that any removal or tampering breaks the circuit. This ensures security by preventing reuse while keeping the device simple and cost-effective for one-time application.
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
Provides real-time tracking and tracing of sealed containers, enhancing security and compliance with regulatory requirements by immutably logging events in a distributed ledger, facilitating efficient supply chain management and product recalls.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive element is embedded in the strap and electrically connected to a computer processor. The computer processor is configured to detect a break in the conductive element
Implementation Method 2
The computer processor may obtain from the GPS the current geolocation of the sealing device
Implementation Method 3
The sealing device also includes a wireless transmitter and wirelessly transmits, via the wireless transmitter, a message with the sealing device ID, current geolocation, and current date and time
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to sealing devices, methods, and systems. A sealing device may be configured to seal a container. The sealing device may send or trigger a message indicating the current geographic location of the sealing device based on the sealing device being removed from the container. In some examples, free ends of a strap of the sealing device may be configured to irreversibly attach to each other. In some examples, a free end of a strap of the sealing device may be configured to irreversibly attach with a one-way slot at a housing of the sealing device.