Integrated Connector Filter for Truck-Trailer Data Over Power Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data transfer systems between tractor and trailer in commercial trucks are inefficient, requiring additional steps for wired connections and suffering from reliability issues with wireless connections, particularly in ensuring accurate pairing and maintaining data integrity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated connector filter that superimposes data as low-amplitude, high-frequency signals onto existing electrical wires in standard connectors, allowing for seamless data communication between tractor and trailer without additional driver actions, using a gateway to receive and split data signals through a standard electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate wired connection system is added between tractor and trailer, then data transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional connection steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data transfer function with the existing electrical connection system by integrating a communication module into the connector housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate data cables while maintaining reliable data transfer capability through the same physical connection used for power and control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing electrical connection system is enhanced to perform multiple functions simultaneously - power transmission, control signals, and data communication. The connector design allows standard electrical cables to carry both traditional automotive signals and digital data packets through integrated communication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If wireless connection is used between tractor and trailer, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to pairing difficulties and data transfer issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication module that bridges the physical connection and data transfer functions. This intermediary component processes and manages data communication through the existing electrical connection, eliminating the need for complex wireless pairing while ensuring reliable data transmission through dedicated communication protocols.
3Device complexity
If existing electrical connections are used for data communication, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to signal superposition on power wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the existing power and control wires to enable data communication. By superimposing high-frequency, low-amplitude data signals on top of the DC power and low-frequency control signals, the system utilizes the same physical infrastructure without requiring additional precision manufacturing, as the frequency domain separation naturally prevents interference.
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
Enables reliable and efficient data communication between tractor and trailer over existing electrical connections, simplifying installation and reducing costs by utilizing existing wiring standards, ensuring high-speed data transmission with minimal latency.
Implementation Method 1
superimpose that data as low-amplitude, high-frequency signals onto at least one of a plurality of wires of the standard connector and cable
Implementation Method 2
splits off the high-frequency signals sent by the other integrated connector filter and sends that data to a gateway on its associated truck or trailer
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated connector filter for adapting a tractor or a trailer to communicate data over tractor/trailer cable includes a housing that provides first and second connectors that are in electrical communication with one another, the first connector is configured to be removably connected to a cable that electrically connects the tractor and the trailer to one another, the second connector is configured to be connected to one of the tractor and the trailer. A filter is arranged within the housing and electrically connected between the first and second connectors by at least one wire. A first filter connector is electrically connected to the filter and configured to carry a signal. The filter is configured to superimpose the signal onto the at least one wire and/or split off the signal from the at least one wire, and the first filter connector is configured to be electrically connected to a gateway on one of the tractor and the trailer.