J1939 Utility Body Data Integration for Upfit Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face inefficiencies in communicating utility service body data due to separate wiring and protocols, requiring extensive installation time and lacking direct integration with J1939 communication from the chassis.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a J1939 communications system that integrates utility service body data directly onto the vehicle's existing CAN network, using parameter group numbers (PGNs) and specific signal parameter numbers (SPNs) to transmit body data through the vehicle's J1939 protocol, eliminating the need for separate wiring and allowing direct communication with the chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate wiring and protocols are used for utility service body sensors, then body data can be transmitted, but installation time increases significantly (8-10 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the body sensor communication system with the chassis J1939 communication network. Instead of using separate wiring and protocols for body sensors, the invention integrates them into the existing J1939 CAN bus system, allowing body data to be transmitted through the same communication infrastructure already present in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the J1939 communication protocol universal by enabling it to carry both chassis data and body sensor data. The body control unit acts as a gateway that can receive various body sensor inputs and transmit them through the J1939 network, making the existing communication system multi-functional.
2Loss of information
If separate communication systems are used for body sensors, then body data can be collected, but system complexity increases due to multiple protocols and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication systems into one unified J1939 network. The body control unit consolidates data from various body sensors and transmits it through the single J1939 protocol, eliminating the need for separate communication infrastructure for body data.
Solution Approach 2:
The body control unit serves as an intermediary device that bridges body sensors and the chassis communication system. It receives data from body sensors using various protocols, converts it to J1939 format, and transmits it through the J1939 network, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If dedicated wiring is run from each sensor to the OBD-II connector, then data transmission is possible, but installation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges body sensor wiring into the existing chassis wiring harness. Instead of running separate dedicated wires from each body sensor to the OBD-II connector, sensors are connected to the body control unit which then communicates through the existing J1939 CAN bus infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The body control unit automatically manages data collection and transmission from body sensors. Once sensors are connected to the body control unit, the system self-configures and transmits data through the J1939 network without requiring manual wiring to the OBD-II connector, reducing installation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transmitting data across a J1939 network comprises communicating at least one sensor, if not a plurality of sensors or operator interface devices, related to a utility service body data mounted on a chassis across the J1939 network on unassigned PGN/SPN combinations for various uses. Furthermore, at least one controller can evaluate other J1939 data, such as transmission gear and/or engine RPM before permitting operation of at least one function of the utility service body or upfit body with at least some embodiments.