Cargo Tie-Down Monitoring Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cargo tie-down monitoring device for transportation vehicles. More specifically, the cargo tie-down monitoring device allows transportation vehicle operators to monitor the status of the straps, chains, cables and other cargo securing equipment in real time; thereby preventing or minimizing cargo from shifting on/or falling from a transportation vehicle. The device includes a base, fasteners, tension pressure sensors, display screen, audio and visual alarms, and a transceiver. By pairing the cargo tie-down monitoring device with an electronic device such as a cell phone, transportation vehicle operators can monitor the status of the tie-down equipment and be notified if tension or pressure changes on any of the tie-down equipment.

Claims

1. A cargo tie-down monitoring device comprising: a base having a pair of opposite ends; an internal battery; a touch screen display; a wireless transceiver; an audio alarm; a plurality of strobe lights; at least one fastener attached to each of the pair of opposite ends; a plurality of tension and pressure sensors configured to measure a tension and a pressure of a tie-down device; and a controller, wherein the plurality of tension and pressure sensors signal the controller when the tension or the pressure falls outside of a threshold limit, and further wherein the controller is configured to display the measured tension and pressure on the touch screen display and instruct the wireless transceiver to perform at least one of the following: (a) transmit a notification to a paired electronic device; (b) activate the audio alarm; and (c) activate the plurality of strobe lights.

2. The cargo tie-down monitoring device of claim 1 further comprised of a USB port as a means of charging the internal battery.

3. The cargo tie-down monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is a mechanical fastener or a magnetic fastener.

4. The cargo tie-down monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the cargo tie-down monitoring device is waterproof.

5. A cargo tie-down monitoring system comprising: a plurality of cargo tie-down monitoring devices each comprising a tension monitoring sensor configured to measure a tension force on a load restraining component used to secure a cargo; a plurality of fasteners configured to attach the tension monitoring sensors to the load restraining component; a controller; a wireless transceiver; and a software application on an electronic device that is in wireless communication to the plurality of cargo tie-down monitoring devices through a wireless communication channel and configured to receive a continuous signal from each of the tension monitoring sensors.

6. The cargo tie-down monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to allow a user to set a threshold force limit for each of the plurality of cargo tie-down monitoring devices.

7. The cargo tie-down monitoring system of claim 5 further comprising a touch screen display in communication with the controller.

8. The cargo tie-down monitoring system of claim 5 further comprising a speaker and a strobe light.

9. The cargo tie-down monitoring system of claim 8, wherein if a measured tension force falls outside the user set threshold force limit, the controller will activate the speaker and the strobe light.

10. The cargo tie-down monitoring system of claim 9, wherein if the measured tension force falls outside the user set threshold force limit, the controller will signal the wireless transceiver to send a notification to the electronic device.

11. The cargo tie-down monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the mobile application allows a user to receive and display a plurality of continuous signals from the plurality of cargo tie-down monitoring devices.

12. The cargo tie-down monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of cargo tie-down monitoring devices are waterproof.

13. The cargo tie-down monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the tension monitoring sensor is a tension strain gauge.

14. A cargo tie-down monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of cargo tie-down monitoring devices have an IP66 rating.

15. A method for monitoring a tension force on a cargo strap comprising: attaching a tension monitoring device to the cargo strap; turning on the tension monitoring device; monitoring a real-time tension force value of the cargo strap using built-in sensors of the tension monitoring device; setting a threshold force value limit for the real-time tension force values, whereby audio and visual alarms are activated if the real-time tension force values fall outside the threshold force value limit; providing audible and visual warnings if the real-time tension force values fall outside the threshold force value limit; and providing notification to a paired electronic device if the real-time tension force values exceed the threshold force value limit.

16. The method of monitoring tension force on a cargo strap of claim 15, wherein the built-in sensors are tension strain gauges.

17. The method of monitoring tension force on a cargo strap of claim 15, wherein the tension monitoring device is paired with an application on the electronic device having, and further wherein the application can be used to set the threshold force value limit.

18. The method of monitoring tension force on a cargo strap of claim 17, wherein the tension monitoring device can be turned on and off remotely from the application on the electronic device.

19. The method of monitoring tension force on a cargo strap of claim 17, wherein the tension monitoring device is further comprised of a plurality of tension monitoring devices attached to a plurality of cargo straps.

20. The method of monitoring tension force on a cargo strap of claim 17, wherein the application on the electronic device can be used to turn on and off each of the plurality of tension monitoring devices.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the cargo strap monitoring device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view showing wireless communication between the cargo strap monitoring device of the present invention and an electronic device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the cargo tie-down monitoring device of the present invention strapped to a cable or strap in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram showing an exemplary user interface of a software application installed on an electronic device displaying received information from the cargo strap monitoring device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing cargo strap monitoring devices of the present invention attached to load restraining components securing a cargo in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0019] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0020] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that ensures the cargo remains securely loaded onto vehicles such as trucks, ships, planes, etc. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a cargo safety device that can be easily connected with conventional cargo tie-down devices such as straps, chains or cables, which enables the vehicle operators to know when the tie-down devices responsible for securing the cargo on the vehicle are loose. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a cargo safety device that does not require the vehicle operator to manually check the tie-down devices to determine if any cargo has shifted on the vehicle, or if any cargo has fallen off the vehicle. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a cargo safety device that ensures safe transportation of the cargo from one place to another, and that immediately notifies the vehicle operators of shifting or falling cargo to allow the vehicle operator to take immediate action to prevent further movement of the cargo and subsequent loss of the cargo. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a cargo tie-down alarm system that continually notifies vehicle operators of the security and safety of their cargo.

[0021] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, comprises a novel cargo tie-down monitoring device, system and method. The cargo tie-down monitoring system includes a cargo tie-down monitoring device coupled to an electronic smart device via a wireless communication channel. The cargo tie-down device includes a tension-monitoring sensor to sense tension force in a load-restraining component to which the device is attached, sending real-time tension force values to the paired electronic device using a built-in wireless transceiver. The electronic device has an installed software application providing a user interface for an operator to view the tension force values. The software application also allows the operator to view a unique device ID and pre-configured tension force threshold limits for the device.

[0022] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of cargo strap monitoring device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The cargo strap monitoring device 100 is configured to continuously monitor tension and pressure in a cargo/load strap, chain, binder or cable to which the device 100 is clipped/fastened. Further, the device 100 provides real-time alerts to operators of trucks, ships, planes, etc. when their cargo/load is unsecured for taking immediate action.

[0023] The cargo strap monitoring device 100 is a portable and rugged device and has fasteners to clip to different types of cargo/load straps, chains, binders or cables. The device 100 has a rugged base 102 that contains internal circuits connecting various components and sensors. The device 100 has a plurality of tension and pressure-monitoring sensors 104 in the form of a retractable ratchet strap that is positioned in a way that the sensors 104 are in physical contact with a cargo/load tie-down device, such as a strap, chain, binder or cable, to which the device 100 is clipped or fastened. The sensors 104 monitor the tension and the pressure of the strap allowing the device 100 to determine if the strap is tight or loose. The exterior surface (e.g. the surface facing away from the strap/chain/cable) of the base 102 can have a display screen 106 for showing the tension and pressure value of the attached strap, wherein the values can be displayed in digital form. Further, threshold settings can be configured for different types of straps, chains, binders, and cables. The base 102 also has a touch pad or keypad 108 allowing an operator to manually turn ON and OFF the monitoring device 100, however the device 100 can also be turned on/off via a mobile application 400. In a further embodiment, the sensors 104 may include a resistance strain gauge. The sensors 104 may monitor and collect tensioning forces, perform stress analysis, and may be used to determine if the strap is tight or loose. As known in the state of the art, the resistance of a resistance strain gauge changes when a force is applied and is converted into an electrical output signal.

[0024] To clip around a cable or any strap securing a cargo or a load, the device 100 has a magnetic or mechanical fasteners or attachments 110, 112 that can be secured to a cable or strap, allowing the device 100 to monitor the tension and pressure in the strap. The attachments 110, 112 are permanently fastened to opposite ends of the base 102 allowing the device 100 to clip to a cable or a strap such that the built-in sensor 104 touches the strap to be monitored.

[0025] The device 100 also provides real-time notifications as well as audible and visual alerts to the operator when the tension and pressure in the monitored strap is outside threshold values, indicating the device 100 has determined that the tie-down device has undergone a change in status resulting from loose or shifting cargo. The device 100 has one or more strobe LED lights 114 that illuminate to provide visual alerts 114 when the sensors 104 determines that the tie-down is loose. One or more alarms 116 also produce audio sounds to alert operators about loose cargo and load straps. The device 100 further has a USB port 118 that may contain a USB-A, USB-B, Micro-B, Micro-USB, Mini-USB, or USB-C connection that is used to charge an internal battery 212 that powers the device 100. The device 100 and all the components are also preferably waterproof and have IP66 (Ingress Protection) ratings, meaning the device 100 and all the components are rated as dust tight and protected against water.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view showing wireless communication between the cargo strap monitoring device 100 of the present invention and an electronic device (shown as prior art) in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As stated earlier, the device 100 has a plurality of sensors 104 that monitor the tension and pressure in a strap to which the device 100 is coupled or wrapped around. The sensors 104 generate a signal corresponding to the size of the tensioning pressure of the binding belt or strap when the tie-down device is in operation and are linked to a signal processing circuit or controller 202, wherein the display screen 106 is connected to the controller 202. The sensors 104 continuously measure and report tension and pressure values to the controller 202 such that when the controller 202 determines that the tension and pressure sensed by the sensors 104 are outside preconfigured limits, an alert signal is transmitted by the wireless transceiver 204 to a paired handheld electronic smart device 208, thereby indicating that the strap securing the cargo is loose. The built-in wireless transceiver 204 is also used by the device 100 for transmitting a wireless notification signal, wherein the transceiver 204 establishes a wireless communication channel 206 using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to allow the signal to be sent in real-time to the electronic device 208.

[0027] It should be noted that the electronic smart device 208 can be a smartphone that is comprised of a software application. The software application includes a written program to be used on the operating system of the smartphone and allows the display screen of the smartphone 208 to display the notifications and tension values from the device 208. In a further aspect of the embodiments, the smartphone 208 stores operational software code that includes an algorithm to process the received tension and pressure information from sensors 104. Further, the device 208 can provide an audible notification to an operator in the form of a notification alert/arm. Similarly, to provide instant notifications to an operator of a transportation vehicle on which the device 100 is used, the device 100 can be paired through a wireless communication channel 206 with the wireless dashboard 210 of the vehicle. The display device of the vehicle dashboard 210 can then display notifications and can additionally produce an audible alarm to alert the operator instantly of changes in the tensions of tie-down devices. An operator can also operate the device 100 remotely using the electronic device 208 with the input given through the input device to control keypad 108 of the device 100.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the cargo tie-down monitoring device 100 of the present invention strapped to a cable or strap in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The tension measuring device 100 is clipped to any strap, cable, binder, or chain using the clamp attachments 110, 112 allowing the sensors of the device 100 to measure tensioning force and pressure of the strap 300 to which the device 100 is attached. The clamps 110, 112 are secured easily by inserting the strap, cable, binder or chain into the grooves of the clamps. The clamp attachments 110, 112 can also employ any means of magnetic or mechanical attachment. The present invention can employ fasteners, hooks or clamps. Other attachment means residing within the scope of the invention can include clips, knots, bends, ties, twist-ties, clasps, grips and slots.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram showing an exemplary user interface of software application 400 installed in an electronic device displaying received information from the cargo strap monitoring device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The software application 400 is used in conjunction with the device 100 of the present invention and displays information from the device 100 in real time. As shown in FIG. 4, a device ID 402 of the cargo strap device to which the application is connected is shown allowing an operator to uniquely identify the device 100. Current tension sensed by the sensors of the device 100 is shown in the tension header 404. Advantageously, a pre-configured tension limit 406 is also displayed, thereby allowing the operator to determine that a strap or the chain has lost tension and the cargo is possibly unsecured. Also, when the measured tension is less than the threshold limit 406, a visual and audible notification is received by the paired smartphone or electronic smart device. In the present embodiment, the device 100 can also have an additional sensor to measure speed of the vehicle, with threshold limits that will notify the vehicle operator when potentially dangerous speeds are attained. This allows an operator to decrease the vehicle's speed to ensure the security of the load or cargo. Accordingly, the application 400 also displays the speed 408 and the distance 410 that has been covered by the device 100 after a tension or pressure is measured to be outside of the threshold limits.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing the cargo tie-down monitoring device 100 of the present invention attached to load-restraining components securing a cargo in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The devices 100 are clipped to the load-restraining components or tie-down devices 300 such as chains, binders, straps or cables using the clamp attachments 110, 112. The device 100 can be used with any restraining component used for securing a load or cargo 502 on a vehicle 500 such as a boat, ship, train, plane or any like vehicle 500. The built-in tension measuring sensors 104 of the device 100 measure the tension of the straps 300 and, if the measured tensions fall outside of the set threshold limits, the device 100 provides real-time notifications to an operator. Said notifications are conveyed using built-in strobe lights 114 for a visible alarm, and also an audible alarm along with notifications on the paired electronic smart device.

[0031] Using the device 100 of the present invention, the operator can continuously and clearly observe the tension force of a tie-down device making the use of the tie-down device safer and more convenient. The tensioning force can be measured and determined to be too large or too small, suggesting the binding belt status has changed. This knowledge can help guarantee the security of the cargo transported.

[0032] According to various aspects of the embodiments of the present invention, the strap tension monitoring device 100 can be operated for optimal performance while the vehicle is in motion or stationary. The sensors and associated circuitry, along with the pre-defined threshold tension value limits, result in the minimization of false signals, both false positives and false negatives. For example, the circuitry and the sensors take into consideration the environmental factors and the speed of the vehicle on which the cargo is placed to eliminate false signals.

[0033] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “cargo tie-down monitoring device”, “device” and “monitoring device, system, and method” are interchangeable and refer to the cargo tie-down monitoring device 100 of the present invention.

[0034] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the cargo tie-down monitoring device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the cargo tie-down monitoring device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the cargo tie-down monitoring device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the cargo tie-down monitoring device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the cargo strap monitoring device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0035] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0036] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner like the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.