Inline Harness Connector With Wireless Transceiver for Trailer Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer wiring harness assemblies face challenges in efficiently connecting wireless sensors, such as cameras, to vehicles due to interference from vehicle shielding and the need for lengthy cable installations, which can be cumbersome and impractical.
Innovation Solution
An in-line connector with an integrated wireless transceiver is introduced, allowing wireless sensors to communicate directly with the vehicle's compute device without physical cables, using SAE J3008 interfaces and supporting various sensor types like cameras, audio, ultrasound, and radar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used to connect sensors to vehicles, then connectivity reliability is improved, but installation complexity increases due to lengthy cables and vehicle shielding interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The sensor connects to the vehicle via wireless transmission through an antenna, eliminating the need for physical cables and connectors. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining connectivity reliability through wireless protocols while dramatically reducing installation complexity by removing cable routing and physical connection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the video signal transmission from the wired connection system. By separating the video signal pathway and transmitting it wirelessly through a dedicated antenna and transceiver, the system eliminates the interference problems associated with wired connections through vehicle shielding while maintaining reliable transmission. This extraction allows the sensor to communicate without being constrained by physical cable limitations.
2Reliability
If wired connections are used for sensor data transmission, then signal stability is improved, but the need for extensive cables reduces installation ease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical cable-based signal transmission system with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. The sensor includes a transceiver and antenna that transmit signals wirelessly to the vehicle's receiver, eliminating the need for extensive cabling. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining signal stability through structured wireless communication protocols while significantly improving installation ease by removing cable routing complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication system between the sensor and vehicle. The transceiver and antenna act as intermediaries that facilitate signal transmission without direct physical connection. This intermediary system maintains signal stability through error correction and protocol management while making installation easier by eliminating the need for physical cable connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless transceivers are integrated into connectors, then wireless communication capability is improved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless transceiver functionality with the existing connector housing. The transceiver and antenna are integrated into the connector assembly, combining two previously separate functions (physical connection and wireless communication) into a single unified component. This merging improves adaptability by enabling both wired and wireless communication through one device while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal connector that performs multiple functions: physical electrical connection and wireless signal transmission. The connector is designed to handle both traditional wired communications and new wireless sensor connections, making it versatile for different sensor types and communication protocols. This multi-functionality improves adaptability while the standardized design keeps complexity manageable.
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 seamless wireless communication between trailer-mounted sensors and vehicle systems, simplifying installation and reducing cable requirements, while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless transceiver connected to the antenna and configured to wirelessly receive a sensor signal from a wireless sensor through the antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
Technologies for a harness connected with an integrated wireless transceiver are disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, an in-line connector with an integrated wireless transceiver is inserted between a vehicle connector and a trailer connector of a trailer wiring harness assembly. The wireless transceiver connects to a wireless sensor such as a camera and passes the sensor data to the vehicle connector. Connections from the trailer connector designated for video or other sensor data may not be connected to corresponding connections of the vehicle connector.