System to extend battery power in remote tracking devices
US9523775B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B1/59
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An RF asset-tracking device that has an extended operational life, thus increasing the duration between battery replacement or maintenance. The asset-tracking device is provided with an electro-mechanical energy-harvesting device to supplement the battery. The energy-harvesting device provides additional power to augment the battery on a temporary basis, when the battery level is low, until the battery can be replaced. In one particular embodiment, the tracking device has a power management system, a battery power source and a battery monitor, and an electro-mechanical energy-harvesting device and a high capacity supercapacitor operably connected to the power management system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.