Tow Vehicle Data Link for Towed Brake Status and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The combined weight of towing and towed vehicles creates dangerous braking conditions, excessive wear on brakes, and contamination issues with ABS systems when towed, and existing solutions are cumbersome and inconvenient to install and remove.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with modules in both vehicles for data transfer using a tow bar, hard wire cable harness, or radio frequency, translating operational conditions into displayable signals via microcontrollers and transceivers, allowing for controlled braking and lighting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a braking device is inserted into the towed vehicle to operate its braking system, then braking control is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to repeated installation and removal of hydraulic lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/hydraulic connections with wireless communication technology. The braking control system uses radio frequency communication to transmit braking signals and vehicle status data between the towing and towed vehicles, eliminating the need for physical hydraulic line connections and their associated installation/removal complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication module serves multiple functions: transmitting braking control signals, monitoring vehicle status, exchanging diagnostic information, and coordinating braking operations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate physical connections into a single integrated system.
2Reliability
If hydraulic or air lines are connected between towing and towed vehicles for braking control, then braking effectiveness is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes wireless electromagnetic communication for physical hydraulic or pneumatic line connections. This eliminates the opening and closing of physical ports that could allow air or fluid contamination, while maintaining effective braking control through electronic signal transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system to transfer data between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle including data of selected vehicle control network operating parameters generated in a towed vehicle, through a microcontroller to a remote monitor or display in the towing vehicle to show and alert the status of selected operating parameters of the towed vehicle when in tow.