Tachograph Data Transmission Voltage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tachographs cannot transmit data independently of a permanent power supply, violating ADR regulations and limiting data access when the vehicle ignition is off, especially for vehicles carrying special dangerous goods.

Innovation Solution

A digital data transmission system with a data discharge unit that supplies an operating voltage to the tachograph unit during data transmission, using a switching device to control voltage supply and ensuring electrical safety, allowing data transmission even when the ignition is off without a permanent power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the tachograph is connected to a permanent supply voltage to enable data transmission when ignition is off, then data availability is improved, but electrical safety requirements under ADR regulations are violated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidelectrical safety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage supply control where the tachograph's power supply state changes based on operational context. The system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic state where voltage is supplied only when needed for data transmission, adapting the power supply configuration to satisfy both data availability and safety requirements at different times

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the electrical parameter state by switching the voltage supply from present to absent based on transmission needs. The control unit modifies the supply voltage parameter dynamically, enabling it to be present during data transmission and absent during normal operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between continuous data availability and electrical safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the tachograph uses ignition-dependent voltage supply to comply with ADR regulations, then electrical safety is improved, but data transmission becomes impossible when ignition is switched off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoiddata transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the voltage supply and the tachograph. This mediator manages the voltage supply timing, allowing the system to comply with ADR regulations during normal operation while enabling data transmission by temporarily activating voltage supply when a transmission request is received, thus bridging the gap between safety compliance and data accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a switching device is added to control voltage supply for data transmission, then electrical safety and data availability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance and data access reliabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it manages voltage supply timing, interfaces with the data transmission system, monitors transmission requests, and ensures ADR compliance. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving the desired reliability improvements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2073174B1Digital data transfer system, digital tachograph system and method for operating a tachograph
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2073174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2073174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2073174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The digital data transmission system has a data interface (DINT) for exchange of data stored in the digital tachograph unit (TCO) and a connection (V1) for supplying a supply voltage (VB). An operating supply output (O15) is equipped to be connected with an operating supply input (I15) in the operation of the data transmission system. A data unloading unit (RDD) having a supply input (V30), is coupled with the connection. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a digital tachograph system with a digital data transmission system; and (2) a method for operating a tachograph system in a vehicle.