Tractor Trailer Order Identification via Bluetooth RSSI and PLC

Solution Overview

Problem

Current tractor-trailer communication systems, relying on GPS and power line carrier systems, cannot determine the specific order of multiple trailers connected in tandem to a tractor, which is crucial for efficient scheduling and delivery coordination.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that uses a Bluetooth module system in combination with a power line carrier system to identify and verify trailer order by transmitting unique VIN numbers and RSSI values, allowing the tractor to determine the correct sequence of connected trailers through a trailer identification routine and RSSI weighted process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If GPS and power line carrier systems are used to identify trailers, then trailer identification capability is provided, but the specific order of multiple trailers connected in tandem cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer order informationVSAvoidscheduling and delivery coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology as an intermediary communication medium between the tractor and trailers. Each trailer is equipped with a BLE module that transmits its unique identifier and position information wirelessly. The tractor's control unit receives these BLE signals and uses the signal strength (RSSI) and transmission sequence to determine the order of trailers in the tandem connection, thereby recovering the lost order information without requiring additional physical identification modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional data communication conductors are added to control electronic modules, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication capabilityVSAvoidumbilical cord complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing power line carrier system multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power transmission and data communication functions. The power line carrier reader/gateway already present in the system for electronic control is also used to receive and process BLE signals from trailers, determining trailer order and identity. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated data communication conductors while maintaining full communication capability for controlling electronic modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology as an intermediary communication medium between the tractor and trailers. Each trailer is equipped with a BLE module that transmits its unique identifier and position information wirelessly. The tractor's control unit receives these BLE signals and uses the signal strength (RSSI) and transmission sequence to determine the order of trailers in the tandem connection, thereby recovering the lost order information without requiring additional physical identification modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If PLC identifier tags are used for trailer identification, then unique identification capability is provided, but periodic transmission may not reliably determine connection order

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer identification informationVSAvoidtrailer order detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each trailer's BLE module continuously transmits its identifier and the tractor's control unit monitors the reception sequence and signal strength. The system compares the expected transmission order with the actual reception order and uses RSSI values to verify physical connection proximity. This feedback loop continuously updates and confirms the trailer order, providing high measurement precision even when trailers are periodically connected or disconnected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology as an intermediary communication medium between the tractor and trailers. Each trailer is equipped with a BLE module that transmits its unique identifier and position information wirelessly. The tractor's control unit receives these BLE signals and uses the signal strength (RSSI) and transmission sequence to determine the order of trailers in the tandem connection, thereby recovering the lost order information without requiring additional physical identification modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11425548B2Method to identify tractor and trailers and the order of hook up

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 SUDA RAYMOND A

AI summary

Connected tractor and trailer identifications and the order of hook-up of multiple trailers to a tractor is are determined by identifying trailer VINs using a PLC system and eliminating Bluetooth signals that do not broadcast trailer VINs that match the PLC system. A tractor-based Bluetooth trailer order and a trailer-based Bluetooth trailer order utilizing RSSI value strengths are determined. The trailer order is set if the tractor-based Bluetooth trailer order matches the trailer-based Bluetooth order. If the order does not match, a RSSI value weighting process is used to choose between the tractor-based order and the trailer-based order.