Tanker Trailer Data Plates With Secure Digital Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tanker trailers often have damaged or unreadable data plates due to extended use and exposure, leading to non-compliance with regulations, and lack comprehensive maintenance and repair records that are not readily accessible.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a durable, translucent cover for data plates with scannable images that provide access to both required and private maintenance data through tiered security levels, using a system that interfaces with a mobile device to access cloud-based computer memories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If detailed information is printed directly on the data plate, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but the data plate becomes more susceptible to damage and unreadability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata plate readabilityVSAvoiddamage from exposure to elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces detailed alphanumeric information on the physical data plate with a scannable image (barcode or QR code) that links to a digital copy of the information stored in cloud-based computer memories. This copying approach allows the physical plate to display only minimal protective markings while the full information remains accessible digitally, resolving the contradiction between providing complete information and protecting against physical damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a scannable image as an intermediary between the physical data plate and the detailed information. Instead of printing all information directly on the plate, the scannable image serves as a mediator that provides access to the full information set through mobile devices, thereby protecting the physical plate from damage while maintaining information accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a durable translucent cover is added to protect the data plate, then protection against elements is improved, but the complexity of the data plate assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from elementsVSAvoiddata plate assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The translucent cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the data plate from environmental elements, allows the scannable image to remain readable through the cover material, and provides a durable surface that can withstand harsh conditions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by adding protection without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If comprehensive maintenance records are stored locally, then data availability is improved, but accessibility in the field becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance record availabilityVSAvoidfield access to records

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions maintenance records from a two-dimensional physical storage format (paper files or local computer files) to a cloud-based digital dimension accessible through mobile devices. This dimensional shift allows comprehensive records to be stored securely while providing easy field access through smartphones or tablets, resolving the contradiction between data availability and field accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical record storage and retrieval (paper files, local computers) with an electronic/cloud-based system accessible through mobile devices. This substitution eliminates the need for physical access to storage locations while maintaining comprehensive record availability, resolving the contradiction between having complete records and accessing them in the field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of information

If more information is included on the data plate, then compliance and information availability are improved, but the surface area vulnerable to damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddamage risk to information surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of all required information stored in cloud-based computer memories, accessible through the scannable image on the data plate. This allows complete information to be available without increasing the physical surface area on the plate, as the detailed information exists in the digital copy rather than being physically printed on the plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12412160B2Tanker trailer data plates and related systems

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 UNITED TANK PARTS INC

AI summary

A tanker trailer data plate and related systems are provided. The data plate includes a scannable image, which when scanned permits wireless access to information about the particular tractor trailer via a reader. The data plate, conventionally used exclusively for public information, will also permit wireless access to private maintenance data about the tractor trailer. Level of access to which maintenance data depends upon satisfaction of security level criteria.