Towed Vehicle Wiring Adapter Load Switching for Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towing vehicle connection-detecting systems fail to accurately detect the connection of towed vehicles due to the use of adapters, requiring users to troubleshoot by repeatedly installing and removing the adapter.
Innovation Solution
An electrical adapter device with a semiconductor device that switches between connecting and disconnecting a primary electrical terminal to a resistive load, preventing false disconnection reports by simulating a load to the towing vehicle's connection-detecting system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter is used to connect towing vehicle wiring with towed vehicle wiring, then the adapter allows lights and indicators on the towed vehicle to be operated from the towing vehicle, but the connection-detecting system of the towing vehicle erroneously fails to detect the connection to the electrical system of the towed vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simulation circuit as an intermediary component within the adapter that mimics the electrical characteristics of a properly connected towed vehicle. This simulation circuit includes resistive elements that replicate the load signature expected by the towing vehicle's connection-detecting system, thereby mediating between the adapter's wiring adaptation function and the towing vehicle's detection system to prevent false disconnection reports
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electrical copy or simulation of the towed vehicle's electrical load characteristics. The simulation circuit reproduces the resistive profile that the towing vehicle's connection-detecting system expects to see when a towed vehicle is properly connected, allowing the system to distinguish between an actual disconnection and the presence of an adapter
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter is used to connect towing vehicle wiring with towed vehicle wiring, then the adapter enables electrical system connection, but the user must spend considerable time removing and reinstalling the adapter to troubleshoot false disconnection reports
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter performs self-identification by automatically activating the simulation circuit when it detects its own presence in the circuit. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually configure or troubleshoot the adapter, as the system autonomously prevents false disconnection reports and maintains reliable operation without user intervention
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical adapter device for connecting a primary electrical system of a towing vehicle to a secondary electrical system of a towed vehicle includes an adapter primary connector, a second end, and a semiconductor device. The adapter primary connector is operable to detachably couple with a primary connector and comprises a primary electrical terminal. The second end is adapted to removably couple with a secondary connector and thereby electrically connect a secondary electrical system to a primary electrical system. The second end includes a secondary electrical terminal electrically connected to the primary electrical terminal. The semiconductor device is configured to switch between a first state in which the semiconductor device connects the primary electrical terminal to a resistive load and a second state in which the semiconductor device disconnects the primary electrical terminal from the resistive load.