Coupling Harness Orientation Detection Logic Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telematics systems face challenges in capturing asset data from assets without an interface port or with gateways that block data, as existing methods are inefficient in distinguishing and correcting signal orientations in CAN bus signals.

Innovation Solution

A coupling harness with orientation detection and logic correction capabilities, using a coupling clamp to capture CAN signals, removing common mode noise, converting signals to digital, determining orientation, and generating corrected signals to accurately interpret CAN bus data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a coupling clamp is used to capture CAN signals without orientation detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the data accuracy deteriorates due to incorrect signal interpretation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling harness structureVSAvoidsignal orientation detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically detecting the coupling clamp orientation and correcting the digital signal before data processing. The orientation detection circuit determines whether the clamp is correctly oriented, and the logic correction circuit pre-corrects the signal accordingly, eliminating the need for manual orientation checks and ensuring accurate data interpretation from the start.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If orientation detection and logic correction circuits are added to the coupling harness, then the data accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interpretation accuracyVSAvoidcoupling harness circuitry
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling harness performs self-service by automatically detecting its own orientation and correcting its own signals without external intervention. The orientation detection circuit assesses the clamp's orientation state, and the logic correction circuit automatically adjusts the digital signal accordingly, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual configuration or external correction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If manual orientation checking is required for coupling clamp installation, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling clamp orientationVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical orientation checking with an automated electronic detection and correction system. Instead of requiring operators to physically verify the clamp orientation, the orientation detection circuit electronically determines the orientation state, and the logic correction circuit automatically adjusts the signal, replacing manual mechanical verification with automated electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If the coupling clamp orientation is not detected and corrected, then the productivity is improved by simplifying the data capture process, but the loss of information increases due to incorrect signal interpretation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata capture efficiencyVSAvoidCAN bus data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by using the orientation detection circuit to continuously monitor the coupling clamp orientation state and providing this information to the logic correction circuit. The correction circuit then adjusts the digital signal based on the detected orientation, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures accurate data capture without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining both productivity and data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 capture and interpretation of CAN bus data even when the coupling clamp is oriented incorrectly, ensuring accurate data transmission to telematics devices without the need for interface ports or gateway access.

Implementation Method 1

the coupling comprises capacitive coupling, the first coupling element comprises a first coupling conductor, and the second coupling element comprises a second coupling conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4472147A1Coupling harness with orientation detection and logic correction
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 GEOTAB INC
  • EP4472147A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4472147A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4472147A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A coupling harness, including a coupling clamp, for capturing a coupled signal from signal lines is provided. The coupling harness has an orientation detector that determines whether the coupled signal needs to be complemented based on an orientation of the coupling clamp relative to the signal lines. A logic corrector complements the coupled signal based on an output of the orientation detector. Advantageously, signals may be coupled correctly from signal lines regardless of the orientation of the coupling clamp.