Portable Trailer Testing Unit Automates Diagnostic Data Acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual process of compiling and analyzing test data for the electrical and air subsystems of vehicular trailers is time-consuming and prone to human errors, requiring mechanics to gather data from multiple sources and generate reports.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a portable testing unit with self-powered electrical and air subsystems, controlled by a handheld RF remote control, that connects to the trailer's subsystems, acquires diagnostic data, and communicates with an analysis and reporting server to automatically generate reports, including DOT reports, work orders, and maintenance invoices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual data compilation and analysis is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and human error increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation flexibilityVSAvoidreport generation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-testing and self-reporting functions. The portable testing unit automatically connects to the trailer subsystems, executes test sequences, collects diagnostic data, and generates reports without requiring manual intervention for data compilation and analysis, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable test configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data compilation and analysis with an automated electronic system. The portable testing unit uses electronic data acquisition, processing, and report generation capabilities to substitute the manual workflow, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while preserving adaptability through software-configurable test parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual data compilation and analysis is used, then system complexity is reduced, but reliability and accuracy decrease due to human errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs data validation, analysis, and report generation without human intervention. The portable testing unit includes built-in processing capabilities that autonomously evaluate diagnostic data against predetermined criteria, eliminating human error sources while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized automated procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where test results are immediately processed and validated. The portable testing unit provides real-time feedback on subsystem operability, automatically comparing measured values against specification limits and generating pass/fail determinations, thereby ensuring data reliability without requiring complex manual verification procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated testing system is implemented, then productivity and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated testing system is divided into functional modules within the portable testing unit: power subsystems, data acquisition modules, processing units, and report generation components. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high productivity through automation while managing complexity by organizing functions into discrete, manageable modules that can be independently configured and maintained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The portable testing unit is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that can test various trailer subsystems (electrical, air brakes, lighting) using a single device. This universality improves productivity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while controlling overall system complexity through a standardized platform that handles diverse testing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8855853B2Method and apparatus for data acquisition, data management, and report generation for tractor trailer subsystem testing and maintenance

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 LITE CHECK LLC

AI summary

Techniques for operating, testing, and generating a testing report for the electrical and air subsystems of a vehicular trailer, without the use of an associated truck tractor are disclosed. The system includes a portable testing unit with self-powered electrical and air subsystems which are interconnected to the corresponding subsystems of the vehicular trailer under test. The portable testing unit can be rolled about on a stand and functions as a mini-truck tractor, in the sense that it selectively provides electrical power and air to the VUT. The testing unit is controlled by a small, portable hand held radio frequency remote control that communicates test and data signals to a radio receiver in the portable testing unit. The system acquires testing data from both automatic and manual means from disparate sources. The system stores the testing data and automatically generates testing reports. The system manages the testing data and generated reports.