ELD Dongle Connector Pin Mapping for OBD Protocol Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic logging devices (ELDs) for commercial motor vehicles face challenges in efficiently communicating with various on-board diagnostic (OBD) ports due to different communication protocols, requiring multiple adaptors and complex electronic components to ensure compatibility and accurate data transfer.
Innovation Solution
An electronic logging device dongle with a circuit board and connector, along with a set of adaptors, mechanically maps pins to match different OBD port configurations, allowing wireless communication with portable devices and reducing the need for electronic signal switching components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adaptors and electronic signal switching components are used to ensure compatibility with different OBD port configurations, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single connector with multiple pin configurations that can accommodate different OBD port protocols (such as J1939, CAN, LIN) without requiring separate adaptors for each protocol. The connector is engineered to universally interface with various vehicle communication standards through its multi-configurable pinout structure, thereby reducing the number of components needed while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary approach by introducing a standardized adapter board that acts as a mediator between the ELD and various OBD port configurations. This adapter board contains the necessary circuitry and pin mappings to translate between different protocols, eliminating the need for multiple direct-connect adaptors and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adaptors are used to match different OBD port configurations, then communication compatibility is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating the functions of multiple protocol-specific adaptors into a single multi-functional connector assembly. Instead of requiring separate physical adaptors for J1939, CAN, LIN, and other protocols, the invention integrates all these communication capabilities into one unified connector that can be configured for different protocols through software or pin assignment, thereby reducing the quantity of physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal connector design enables one component to perform multiple functions by supporting various OBD protocols through a single interface, directly reducing the number of adaptors needed in the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex electronic signal switching components are used to handle different protocols, then communication versatility is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex electronic signal switching components with a streamlined connector design that relies on physical pin configurations and straightforward electrical connections. This mechanical approach to protocol selection (through pin assignment rather than active switching) reduces the number of moving parts and electronic switches, thereby improving reliability while maintaining protocol versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic logging device dongle. In one example, dongle includes a housing and a circuit board located within the housing. The housing includes circuitry configured to perform at least part of a driver compliance determination and to wirelessly communicate with a portable device. The dongle also includes a connector electrically connected to the circuit board. The connector includes a plurality of pins, and is configured to be mated to a plurality of adaptors. Each of the plurality of adaptors is structured to mechanically map pins of a vehicle OBD port to the plurality of pins of the connector.