Sealed Trailer Connector Sensor for Secure Coupling Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer-vehicle connection systems face challenges in securely fastening trailers to vehicles, particularly due to moisture and adverse weather conditions, which can lead to incorrect indications of trailer connection status and potential misalignment or partial insertion issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sealed trailer-connection sensors within a vehicle connector's seal to detect secure engagement between the trailer and vehicle connectors, utilizing strain gauges or stress gauges to monitor connection status and actuate electrical switches for secure coupling verification, along with additional sensors for misalignment detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are exposed to detect trailer connection status, then connection monitoring capability is improved, but sensors are vulnerable to moisture and adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A seal acts as an intermediary barrier between the sensor and the external environment. The seal engages with the trailer connector to create a protective enclosure around the sensor, allowing the sensor to detect connection status while remaining shielded from moisture and adverse weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal functions as a flexible protective shell that engages with the trailer connector. This shell encapsulates the sensor, providing protection against moisture and environmental factors while maintaining the sensor's operational integrity and connection detection capability.
2Reliability
If connection detection system is added to verify secure coupling, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection detection functionality is merged with the existing seal structure. The sensor is integrated into the seal, combining the sealing function with the detection function in a single component, thereby improving connection security without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal serves multiple functions: it provides environmental protection for the sensor, enables connection status detection, and verifies secure coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining system simplicity while enhancing connection security.
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
Ensures reliable and secure trailer connection verification, preventing misalignment and partial insertion, while protecting sensors from moisture and adverse materials, thus providing accurate indications to drivers of a secure coupling.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing strain gauges or stress gauges to monitor connection status
Implementation Method 2
utilizing strain gauges or stress gauges to monitor connection status
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus are disclosed for vehicle connectors for monitoring connection with trailer connectors. An example connector of a vehicle for coupling a trailer to the vehicle includes a wall defining a cavity to receive a trailer connector, a seal to engage the trailer connector when the cavity receives the trailer connector, and a first trailer-connection sensor disposed in the seal to monitor engagement of the trailer connector with the seal to identify a secure connection with the trailer connector.