Wireless Tag Antenna Assembly for Secure Item Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in locating personal property or electronic devices without GPS or electronic components, as traditional GPS systems are ineffective for non-electronic items and devices lacking GPS functionality.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly locatable tag is designed to transmit a wireless signal, featuring an antenna assembly, a battery cavity, and an audio system, allowing electronic devices to determine its location using various wireless protocols and encryption keys, enabling secure and accurate tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used to locate electronic devices, then location accuracy is improved, but GPS cannot be used for non-electronic items or devices without GPS functionality
Solution Approach 1:
An electronic device with GPS functionality serves as an intermediary between non-electronic items and the localization system. The tag attached to non-electronic items communicates with the electronic device, which then uses its GPS capability to determine and report the location, thereby enabling indirect GPS-based localization of items without electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct GPS hardware in all items with a wireless communication-based system. Instead of embedding GPS receivers in every item (mechanical/electronic approach), the system uses wireless tags and electronic device intermediaries to achieve localization through software and communication protocols.
2Reliability
If traditional GPS systems are used, then location tracking is achieved, but the systems are ineffective for personal property without electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The localization system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional architecture that can track both electronic devices with GPS and non-electronic items without GPS. The system adapts its operation mode based on the target object type, using direct GPS for electronic devices and wireless tag intermediaries for non-electronic items, thereby providing reliable tracking across diverse object types.
3Ease of operation
If wireless signals are transmitted for localization, then location determination is enabled, but secure tracking requires encryption protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service security by automatically establishing encrypted communication channels between tags and electronic devices without requiring manual configuration. The encryption protocols are integrated into the wireless communication stack, enabling secure tracking to occur automatically as part of the localization process.
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 precise and secure localization of personal property or electronic devices, even without GPS, by utilizing multiple wireless protocols and encryption for secure tracking, enhancing the ability to find lost or misplaced items.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna positioned along the peripheral side surface and configured to transmit the wireless signal
Implementation Method 2
an audio system configured to move the top wall of the first housing member to produce an audible output
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A wirelessly locatable tag may be configured to transmit a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate localization of the wirelessly locatable tag by the electronic device. The wirelessly locatable tag may include an antenna assembly comprising an antenna frame defining a top surface and a peripheral side surface and an antenna positioned along the peripheral side surface and configured to transmit the wireless signal. The wirelessly locatable tag may further include a frame member coupled to the antenna assembly and defining a battery cavity configured to receive a button cell battery and an enclosure enclosing the antenna assembly and the frame member. The enclosure may include a first housing member formed from a unitary polymer structure and defining a top wall defining an entirety of a top exterior surface of the wirelessly locatable tag.