Drive off protection system and method for preventing drive off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated transport units are at risk of being towed away while still connected to a utility power source, which can cause damage to the unit and the power source, highlighting the need for a system to prevent unauthorized movement.
Innovation Solution
A drive off protection system that includes a controller monitoring the electrical power system of the refrigerated transport unit, generating an instruction to prevent movement when connected to a utility power source, and communicating this instruction to the tow vehicle to ensure the unit remains stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the refrigerated transport unit is allowed to be towed freely, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of unauthorized movement while connected to power source
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the electrical connection status to the utility power source in advance and proactively generating a drive-off prevention instruction before any unauthorized movement can occur. This prevents the harmful effect of towing damage by acting preemptively rather than reactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by continuously monitoring the electrical power system's connection status and using this information to control the drive-off prevention function. The controller receives feedback about the electrical connection state and adjusts the prevention instruction accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Reliability
If a drive off protection system is implemented, then reliability is improved by preventing unauthorized movement, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring and control components
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by designing the controller to perform multiple functions: it manages the transport climate control system's operation and simultaneously monitors the electrical power system for drive-off prevention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components and minimizes overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the controller automatically detect electrical connection status and generate prevention instructions without requiring external intervention or additional complex monitoring systems. The existing controller serves itself by extending its monitoring capabilities to include drive-off protection.
3Reliability
If the controller continuously monitors the electrical power system, then reliability is improved through real-time detection, but use of energy increases due to continuous monitoring operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies periodic action by having the controller monitor the electrical power system at regular intervals rather than continuously. This periodic monitoring approach maintains adequate detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to uninterrupted continuous monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for preventing drive off of a refrigerated transport unit includes detecting whether an electrical power system of the refrigerated transport unit is electrically connected to a utility power source, and performing an action when the electrical power system is electrically connected to the utility power source includes. A drive off protection system includes a refrigerated transport unit including an electrical power system and a controller that monitors the electrical power system. The controller configured to perform an action when the electrical power system is electrically connected to the refrigerated transport unit.