Transport Label Bracket With RFID and Placard Association
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation asset tracking systems face challenges in managing and tracing assets through dynamic transportation networks, where destination points and routes frequently change, leading to complexities in real-time monitoring and asset management.
Innovation Solution
A transport equipment bracket with a main body featuring zones for permanent and temporary identifiers, including a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip, and a placard mount for displaying additional information, securely attaches to transportation assets, enhancing tracking and location services by simplifying the positioning and protection of tracking devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple identifiers (permanent and temporary) are integrated into a single bracket structure, then asset tracking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple identifiers (permanent RFID tag, permanent barcode, and temporary placard) into a single integrated bracket structure. This merging allows all identifiers to be managed together, improving tracking reliability while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves multiple functions: it holds permanent identifiers for asset identification, accommodates temporary placards for route/destination information, and provides a unified mounting structure. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating several tracking needs into one device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a placard mount with spring clips is used to temporarily display identifiers, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The placard mount uses spring clips that can dynamically adjust to hold different placard sizes and types. The springs provide flexible retention force, allowing the same structure to adapt to various temporary identifier needs without requiring multiple specialized mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The placard mount is designed as a separate, removable component from the main bracket body. This segmentation allows the adaptable placard-holding feature to be added or removed as needed, providing adaptability when required while keeping the base bracket simple for applications that don't need temporary placards.
3Measurement precision
If the bracket permanently displays identifiers in designated zones, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket has specifically designed zones with particular properties: raised platforms for permanent identifiers to ensure proper positioning and scanning angles, and smooth flat surfaces for temporary placards. This local differentiation achieves precise identifier positioning while the zones are designed to be easily populated during manufacturing and use.
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 solution enables efficient real-time tracking and location identification of transportation assets, improving asset management, reducing costs, and providing enhanced customer service by maintaining accurate location information, even in dynamic transportation environments.
Implementation Method 1
a second identifier including a radio-frequency identification chip
Data Source
AI summary
A transport equipment label bracket that can be used during tracking and/or locating of delivery item(s) (e.g. mail) positioned on or in delivery-item transport equipment such as a delivery-item transport cart. The bracket can have positioned thereon a permanent first identifier and a permanent second identifier, which may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip. The bracket can further include a placard mount for temporarily positioning a placard such as a delivery-item transport equipment label, which can represent the delivery item(s) that are in or on the delivery-item transport equipment. The placard and either/both of the first identifier and the second identifier can be scanned to associate or conjoin the placard with the RFID chip as represented in a computerized delivery-item-tracking system. Thereafter, the RFID chip can be scanned to identify a location of the placard and thus the location of the delivery-item transport cart.