Wireless Door Status Sensing Device for Transport Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door status sensing systems in transport containers rely on complex and prone-to-failure wire-based mechanical systems, which are costly, power-intensive, and can damage refrigeration systems, leading to reliability issues and potential spoilage or theft of goods.
Innovation Solution
A wireless door status sensing device using an emitter, reflector, and receiver to transmit and detect signals indicative of door positions, with a controller generating alarms for open or closed conditions, eliminating the need for long wires and mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire-based mechanical systems are used to monitor door positions, then door status can be detected, but the system becomes complex, power-intensive, and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based sensing system with a wireless optical sensing system. The emitter transmits optical signals through air space rather than using physical wires, eliminating mechanical complexity and improving reliability while maintaining door status detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the wire-based mechanical components from the door status sensing system. By taking out the wires and mechanical linkages, the system achieves simpler structure and higher reliability while still being able to detect door positions through the wireless optical signal transmission
2Reliability
If long wires are used to extend sensing systems throughout the container, then door status can be monitored, but the wires become susceptible to damage and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical wire transmission system with an optical wireless transmission system. The emitter and receiver communicate through air space using optical signals, eliminating the wires that are susceptible to damage and interference, thereby removing the harmful factors while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air space as an intermediary medium for signal transmission instead of using wires. The optical signals travel through the air between the emitter and receiver, serving as a damage-free transmission path that eliminates the harmful effects of wire-based transmission
3Reliability
If mechanical door position sensors are used repeatedly, then door status can be detected, but the sensors wear out and fail over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensors with a wireless optical sensing system that has no moving parts or mechanical wear components. The emitter and receiver use optical signal transmission that does not deteriorate over time, thereby extending the operational lifespan and maintaining reliability throughout the container's service life
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 wireless system enhances reliability, reduces costs, and minimizes the risk of damage to refrigeration systems, ensuring accurate door monitoring and improved security and temperature control for transported goods.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector receives the first wireless signal and generates a second wireless signal in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A door status sensing device for a transport container including a door. The door status sensing device includes an emitter attached to the container that transmits a first wireless signal in a first direction toward the door. A reflector attaches to the door and is aligned with the emitter to receive the first wireless signal, and generates a second wireless signal in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to the first wireless signal. The sensing device further includes a receiver attached to the container adjacent the emitter and opposite the reflector. The receiver is substantially aligned with the reflector, receives the second wireless signal, and generates a third signal indicative of the condition of the door condition in response to receipt of the second wireless signal. A controller selectively generates an alarm in response to the third signal indicative of the condition of the door.