Digital Tachograph Activation Voltage Input for Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tachographs cannot perform data transmission independently of a permanent power supply, which is a requirement for vehicles carrying special dangerous goods, as they need to disconnect from power according to ADR standards, and reading parameters is restricted when the ignition is off.
Innovation Solution
A digital tachograph unit with a separate activation voltage input, in addition to a continuous and ignition voltage input, allows data transmission to occur even when the vehicle ignition is switched off, using the activation voltage input to supply the necessary components for data transmission, and includes sensor modules to detect voltage presence and determine operating states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tachograph is connected to a permanent power supply to enable data transmission when ignition is off, then data transmission independence is improved, but energy consumption increases and ADR compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tachograph system is divided into two independent power supply paths: a permanent power supply for continuous recording functions and an activation voltage input for data transmission operations. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without requiring permanent power connection, enabling data transmission when ignition is off while maintaining ADR compliance and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation voltage input serves as an intermediary power source that bridges the gap between ADR requirements (no permanent power connection) and data transmission needs (power required for communication). This intermediary allows external devices to provide temporary power for data reading without requiring the tachograph to be permanently connected to the vehicle battery.
2Reliability
If the tachograph uses ignition-dependent voltage supply to comply with ADR standards, then ADR compliance is improved, but data transmission capability when ignition is off deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into ignition-dependent voltage supply for recording operations and a separate activation voltage input for data transmission. This allows the tachograph to comply with ADR standards by using ignition-dependent supply for primary functions while enabling data transmission independently through the separate activation voltage path.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation voltage input provides multi-functionality by serving both as a power source for data transmission components and as a trigger signal to initiate recording mode. This universal input resolves the contradiction by enabling data transmission capability without compromising ADR compliance through ignition-dependent supply.
3Ease of operation
If the tachograph components for data transmission are supplied with permanent power, then data transmission independence is improved, but device complexity and power supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanently powering all data transmission components, the system segments the power supply so that only essential recording components run on permanent power while data transmission components are activated temporarily through the activation voltage input. This reduces device complexity by avoiding permanent power connections for non-essential functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the tachograph have different power supply qualities: the permanent power supply provides continuous power for recording, while the activation voltage input provides temporary power for data transmission. This local differentiation optimizes the power supply configuration by providing power only where and when needed, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a digital trip recorder (TCO) comprising a continuous operating voltage input (DIN), an ignition voltage input (ZIN), and an activation voltage input (AIN). A continuous power supply unit (VSD) is connected to the continuous operating voltage input (DIN) and set up to electrically supply a continuous supply region of the having trip recorder (TCO) as a function of a voltage at the continuous operating voltage input (DIN). An operating supply unit (VSZ) coupled to the ignition voltage input (ZIN) and the activation voltage input (AIN) is set up to electrically supply an operating supply region of the trip recorder (TCO) as a function of a voltage at the ignition voltage input (ZIN) and/or at the activation voltage input (AIN). A data processing module (MC1) associated with the continuous supply region is set up for performing a data transfer by means of an interface module (SM1) as a function of the presence of the supply voltage (VB) at the activation voltage input (AIN), which is associated with the operating supply region.