Trailer Tracking Power Harvesting From Airflow and Wheel Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar-powered monitoring systems for trailers face challenges in generating adequate power due to obstructed sunlight and unreliable auxiliary power sources from trailers, leading to inadequate monitoring capabilities and increased risk of misuse or theft.
Innovation Solution
Harnessing kinetic energy from airflow and wheel rotation using turbines and generators to convert mechanical energy into electrical power, with energy storage devices like capacitors to ensure continuous operation and power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a solar-powered monitoring system is mounted on a chassis to track shipping containers, then the monitoring system can be deployed on moving trailers, but the solar panel cannot generate sufficient power due to obstructed sunlight when containers are loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (solar panel, auxiliary power port, and kinetic energy harvesting device) into a unified power system that can draw from any available source. The monitoring system merges these disparate power sources through a power management architecture that automatically selects and combines power inputs, ensuring continuous operation regardless of sunlight availability or auxiliary power reliability.
2Reliability
If the monitoring system is mounted in non-obvious locations within the frame to prevent theft, then security is improved, but the solar panel receives even less sunlight and cannot generate adequate power
Solution Approach 1:
The kinetic energy harvesting device enables the monitoring system to generate its own power from the motion of the chassis itself, without relying on external sunlight or auxiliary power sources. The device harvests energy from the natural movement and vibration of the chassis during transport, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for optimized solar panel positioning.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the system relies on auxiliary power from the trailer, then power can be obtained when available, but the power source is unreliable and leads to inadequate monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different power sourcing strategies for different operational contexts: the solar panel serves as the primary power source when mounted on dry-van trailers with adequate sunlight exposure, the auxiliary power port is utilized when connected to reliable external power sources, and the kinetic energy harvesting device provides power when the chassis is in motion. This localized adaptation of power sourcing ensures reliable monitoring capabilities across diverse operating conditions.
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
This solution provides reliable and continuous power for monitoring systems on moving trailers, enhancing tracking capabilities and reducing the risk of misuse or theft by utilizing kinetic energy harvesting and energy storage to overcome intermittent power sources.
Implementation Method 1
Harnessing kinetic energy from airflow and wheel rotation using turbines and generators to convert mechanical energy into electrical power
Implementation Method 2
using turbines and generators to convert mechanical energy into electrical power
Implementation Method 3
with energy storage devices like capacitors to ensure continuous operation and power transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Interested parties would like to track the location of one or more s continuously when they are in motion. Existing s are powered by a combination of solar power, batteries, and intermittent power for. All of these power sources have limitations in providing power when a is in motion. Solar power is not available at night. Batteries run out of energy and must be recharged. Tractor platform power is not always available to a. The embodiments of the invention convert the kinetic energy of a moving into, providing continuous power for a to operate.