Method and apparatus for sensing a load
A load-sensing detector based on a force-sensing resistor embedded within a flexible water-resistant housing. The detector utilizes a small electronics module to provide data communications with an associated mobile app or other remote device. The load-sensing detector may be utilized in conjunction with one or more securement members, such as a tie-down device, ratcheting strap, or the like and may be movable or adaptable for use with varying size, type and location of the load being secured. Further, the load-sensing detector may provide real-time feedback to an operator via a smart device to enable active operation and monitoring of the load's status. The monitoring includes updates to a user to indicate whether or not the load is still present and, if so, if the load remains at a same relative level as compared to an initial point of loading.
1 . A load-sensing detector comprising:
a body adapted to be engaged with a securement member for securing a load that is to be monitored;
at least one force-sensing resistor provided on the body; and
an electronics module provided on the body, said electronics module having at least one transceiver therein operable to communicate load position data to a remote device,
wherein the body and the at least one force-sensing resistor are flexible and thereby configured to conform to a region of an exterior surface of the load that is to be monitored,
wherein the body defines a channel therethrough, and wherein the channel has an opening at either end and is configured to receive the securement member therethrough.
2 . The load-sensing detector according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one transceiver is operable to communicate load position data to the remote device in real time.
3 . The load-sensing detector according to claim 1 , wherein the body is fabricated from a flexible material.
4 . The load-sensing detector according to claim 1 , wherein the body is fabricated from a material that is one or more of water-resistant, water-repellent and resistant to Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation.
5 . The load-sensing detector according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one force-sensing resistor is embedded within the body.
6 . The load-sensing detector according to claim 5 , further comprising an indicator provided on an exterior surface of the body, wherein the indicator identifies a placement of the at least one force-sensing resistor embedded within the body.
7 . The load-sensing detector according to claim 6 , wherein the indicator is one or both of a tactile indicator and a visual indicator.
8 . The load-sensing detector according to claim 6 , wherein the indicator is aligned with the at least one force-sensing resistor.
9 . A load-sensing detector comprising:
a body adapted to be engaged with a securement member for securing a load that is to be monitored;
at least one force-sensing resistor provided on the body; and
an electronics module provided on the body, said electronics module having at least one transceiver therein operable to communicate load position data to a remote device,
wherein the body and the at least one force-sensing resistor are flexible and thereby configured to conform to a region of an exterior surface of the load that is to be monitored,
wherein the body comprises material which is folded over onto itself and defines a channel therethrough, and wherein the channel is adapted to receive the securement member therethrough.
10 . A load-sensing detector comprising:
a body adapted to be engaged with a securement member for securing a load that is to be monitored;
at least one force-sensing resistor provided on the body;
an electronics module provided on the body, said electronics module having at least one transceiver therein operable to communicate load position data to a remote device; and
one or more bands which are secured in two spaced-apart locations to the body, wherein a channel is defined between the two spaced-apart locations and an exterior surface of the body, and wherein the channel is adapted to receive the securement member therethrough,
wherein the body and the at least one force-sensing resistor are flexible and thereby configured to conform to a region of an exterior surface of the load that is to be monitored.
11 . A method of sensing a load comprising:
providing a load-sensing detector comprising:
a body adapted to be engaged with a securement member for securing at least one piece of cargo that is to be monitored; at least one force-sensing resistor provided on the body; an electronics module provided on the body, said electronics module having at least one transceiver therein operable to communicate load position data to a remote device, wherein the body and the at least one force-sensing resistor are flexible and thereby configured to conform to a region of an exterior surface of the at least one piece of cargo that is to be monitored, wherein the body defines a channel therethrough, and wherein the channel has an opening at either end and is configured to receive the securement member therethrough;
engaging the load-sensing detector on the securement member;
securing the at least one piece of cargo in position with the securement member;
positioning the load-sensing detector against the at least one piece of cargo;
activating the load-sensing detector; and
determining, with the load-sensing detector, one or more of movement of the at least one piece of cargo, loosening of the securement member, and reduction in a size of the at least one piece of cargo.
12 . The method according to claim 11 , further comprising detachably engaging the load-sensing detector to the securement member.
13 . The method according to claim 11 , further comprising positioning the at least one force-sensing resistor between the securement member and the at least one piece of cargo.
14 . The method according to claim 11 , further comprising connecting the load-sensing detector to a remote smart device.
15 . The method according to claim 14 , further comprising zeroing the at least one force-sensing resistor of the load-sensing detector.
16 . The method according to claim 11 , further comprising:
inserting the securement member through the channel.
17 . The method according to claim 16 , further comprising:
positioning the securement member proximate the flexible force-sensing resistor.
18 . The method according to claim 11 , further comprising conforming the flexible body of the load-sensing detector to the region of the exterior surface of the at least one piece of cargo.