Intelligent Towing Plug Wireless Trailer Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer safety testing systems are cumbersome, require expertise, and lack real-time monitoring capabilities, making it difficult for both consumers and commercial users to efficiently test and diagnose trailer electrical systems without specialized knowledge or equipment, and they often fail to test the towing vehicle's plug effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wireless trailer light, brake, and electrical system testing apparatus integrated into an industry-standard trailer adapter plug, which uses a microcontroller and wireless module to interface with smartphones or onboard computers, allowing for real-time diagnostic and monitoring of both trailer and towing vehicle systems, including audible alerts for safety during towing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional trailer safety testing systems are used, then testing capability is provided, but the systems are large, heavy, and require external power sources or complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply, control circuitry, testing components, and display into a single integrated unit housed within the adapter plug itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate external battery sources or complex installation systems, achieving both portability and complete testing functionality in one compact device.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plug serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the electrical connector for power and signal transmission and as the housing for the complete testing system. This multi-functionality allows the device to test trailer lights, brakes, and electrical systems while also serving as the standard towing adapter, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment.
2Loss of time
If manual circuit testing is performed, then basic testing is possible, but it requires two people and considerable time to determine if the problem is with the trailer system or the truck plug
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs diagnostic testing of both the trailer circuits and the towing vehicle plug circuits without requiring manual intervention for each component. The microcontroller autonomously controls the testing sequence, evaluates results, and identifies the location of faults, enabling a single user to complete comprehensive diagnostics quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback through LED indicators that clearly show the status of each circuit being tested and the location of any faults. This real-time feedback eliminates the need for manual observation and interpretation, allowing users to quickly identify problems without extensive technical knowledge or time-consuming manual testing procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing testing products are used, then trailer circuit testing is possible, but they do not provide diagnostic tools or capability to test the towing vehicle's plug
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of only testing the trailer side circuits as traditional devices do, the system inverts the testing approach by simultaneously testing both the trailer adapter plug circuits and the towing vehicle trailer towing plug circuits. This bidirectional testing capability allows the device to identify faults on either side of the connection, providing comprehensive diagnostics that previous devices could not achieve.
4Ease of operation
If wired monitoring systems are installed, then real-time monitoring is possible, but they require installation expertise and are not portable or mobile
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex wired installation requirements with wireless communication technology. The microcontroller wirelessly transmits monitoring data to a display device, eliminating the need for physical wiring between components. This substitution maintains real-time monitoring capability while making the system portable and easy to install without specialized expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent towing plug apparatus and software system that performs trailer electrical system testing, diagnostic and monitoring routines as well as towing vehicle plug testing utilizing wireless technology housed completely inside a towing adapter plug or attached towing plug compartment housing that interfaces with any smart phone or towing vehicle on-board computer system that has downloaded or preinstalled the intelligent towing plug mobile application or software compatible with the on-board computer's operating system.