Towable Asset Nose Box With Integrated Lamp Monitoring Telematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of monitors for reporting the operating status of lights and circuits in towable assets is challenging, and the cost of retrofitting telematics systems in the trucking industry is high.
Innovation Solution
A smart nose box integrating a telematics transceiver, housing circuit board, and power management circuit, which monitors lamp and auxiliary circuit conditions, and transmits data via a telematics transceiver, while using a battery for power when disconnected from the tractor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If monitors are integrated to report operating status of lights and circuits, then monitoring capability is improved, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (lamp monitoring, telematics, power management) into a single integrated nose box unit. The housing circuit board integrates lamp monitoring circuits that measure current through each terminal, while the lid circuit board integrates telematics transceiver and power management circuit, all within one nose box housing, eliminating the need for separate monitor devices and reducing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nose box is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs lamp monitoring, telematics communication, and power management. The single unit can monitor multiple lamps across different terminals, provide GPS tracking, store data locally, and communicate wirelessly, replacing multiple separate devices with one universal platform.
2Reliability
If telematics systems are retrofitted in existing rigs, then telematics functionality is improved, but retrofitting cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telematics system is segmented into modular components: a housing circuit board with lamp monitoring circuits, a lid circuit board with telematics transceiver and power management, and a removable battery pack. This segmentation allows the system to be installed as a complete but manageable unit in existing nose boxes, reducing retrofitting complexity and cost compared to integrating individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes autonomous features such as automatic lamp status monitoring through current measurement, self-powered operation via battery when auxiliary power is unavailable, and automatic wireless transmission of status data. These self-service capabilities reduce the need for additional wiring and complex integrations during retrofitting, lowering installation costs.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If battery is used to power telematics transceiver when auxiliary terminal has no power, then continuous functionality is improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A power management circuit acts as an intermediary between the auxiliary power terminal, battery, and telematics transceiver. This circuit automatically detects the availability of auxiliary power and switches between power sources (auxiliary power when available, battery when unavailable) without requiring complex control logic, simplifying the overall power management system while ensuring continuous operation.
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
Facilitates efficient monitoring and reporting of towable asset conditions, reducing retrofitting costs and ensuring continuous telematics functionality even when disconnected from the tractor.
Implementation Method 1
A nose box for a towable asset is provided that includes a housing including a plurality of lamp terminals and an auxiliary power terminal; a battery; a telematics transceiver; a power management circuit
Implementation Method 2
a power management circuit configured to charge the battery from the auxiliary power terminal while the auxiliary power terminal has power, and wherein the power management circuit is further configured to power the telematics transceiver during an activity period using the battery while the auxiliary power terminal has no power
Implementation Method 3
a lid circuit board including a telematics transceiver and a power management circuit configured to power the telematics transceiver from the auxiliary post when the auxiliary terminal has power
Data Source
AI summary
A smart nose box is provided that includes both a housing portion and a lid portion. The housing portion includes monitoring circuits for monitoring the health of lamps in a towable asset. The lid portion includes a battery, a GPS receiver, and a telematics transceiver.