Tracking Device Enclosure with Shape-Securing Flaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

During shipping, goods often arrive damaged, making it difficult to determine when and where the damage occurred, as existing tracking solutions do not securely attach to shipping containers, leading to inconsistent motion data.

Innovation Solution

A tracking device enclosure with flaps that securely hold motion tracking devices based on their shape, using attaching tabs to attach to shipping containers, ensuring the device experiences the same motion as the container, and includes features for activation and tamper-resistant seals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing tracking solutions are used, then tracking functionality is provided, but the tracking device does not securely attach to shipping containers, leading to inconsistent motion data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmotion data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking system is divided into separate functional components: a removable tracking device and a permanent enclosure attached to the shipping container. The enclosure acts as an intermediary that securely attaches to the container while holding the tracking device, ensuring consistent motion transmission without requiring the tracking device itself to be permanently mounted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure serves as an intermediary between the shipping container and the tracking device. It is permanently attached to the container via attaching tabs that extend outward, while the tracking device is securely held within the enclosure through flaps and tabs. This intermediary structure ensures that the tracking device experiences the same motion as the container without direct attachment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the tracking device is securely held in the enclosure, then motion data accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple flaps and securing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion data accuracyVSAvoidenclosure structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure employs self-securing mechanisms where flaps with tabs automatically engage with corresponding openings in the enclosure walls when the tracking device is inserted. The flaps fold over and lock into place without requiring additional fasteners, tools, or complex assembly procedures, thereby securing the device while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure utilizes flexible flaps made of thin material that can fold and conform to secure the tracking device. These flexible elements provide effective securing through simple folding and tab engagement, avoiding the need for rigid, complex mechanical fastening systems while ensuring the tracking device is firmly held in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the enclosure includes attaching tabs to secure to the shipping container, then attachment reliability improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidenclosure manufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attaching tabs serve multiple functions: they provide secure attachment to the shipping container, define the enclosure's position relative to the container, and serve as reference points for aligning and securing the enclosure during assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment features or additional attachment components, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added attachment capability.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10737827B2Tracking device enclosure
Publication Date: 2020.08.11 DOORDASH INC
  • US10737827B2 patent drawing
  • US10737827B2 patent drawing
  • US10737827B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for a tracking device enclosure is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes an enclosure that holds a motion tracking device to a shipping container. Further, the enclosure includes one or more first flaps that secure a first motion tracking device within the enclosure such that the first motion tracking device does not move in relation to the enclosure. The one or more first flaps secure the first motion tracking device based on a shape of the first motion tracking device. Also, the enclosure includes one or more second flaps that secure a second motion tracking device within the enclosure such that the second motion tracking device does not move in relation to the enclosure. The one or more second flaps secure the second motion tracking device based on a shape of the second motion tracking device.