Tractor-Trailer Tether Sensor Using Air Hose Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset tracking systems for tractor-trailer vehicles are expensive, complex, and often ineffective in accurately monitoring the tethered or untethered status, particularly when the 7-pin power connector is not connected, leading to missed events and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A sensor and circuit system that detects the physical connection between the tractor and trailer through the air hose coupling or glad hand, enabling extended low-power operation and reliable monitoring of tethered/untethered events without relying on the 7-pin power connector, using a processor, location determining device, and transceiver for geographic location tracking and status reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior asset tracking systems depend on the 7-pin electrical cable coupling to determine tethered/untethered status, then the system can detect connection status, but the system becomes expensive, complex, and ineffective in many situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tethered/untethered detection function from the complex 7-pin electrical cable coupling system and relocates it to the air hose coupling system. By using a sensor at the air hose coupling, the system detects connection status through the air line connection itself, eliminating dependence on the 7-pin connector and its associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air hose coupling acts as an intermediary element that enables tethered/untethered detection. The sensor monitors the air line connection, using the air hose as a mediator to detect whether the tractor and trailer are connected, providing a simpler and more reliable detection mechanism than direct electrical coupling.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses the 7-pin power connector to sense tethered/untethered events, then connection status can be detected, but many tethered/untethered events are not registered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the detection dependency from the 7-pin power connector and places it at the air hose coupling. Since air hose connection is required for trailer operation regardless of electrical connection, this extraction ensures all tethered/untethered events are captured, including shunting operations where the 7-pin connector remains disconnected.
Solution Approach 2:
The air hose coupling system serves itself to detect tethered/untethered events. The sensor integrated at the air hose coupling automatically monitors connection status without requiring additional electrical connectors or complex wiring, ensuring complete event registration through the essential air line connection.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor continuously monitors the connection status, then accurate real-time detection is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates in a periodic monitoring mode rather than continuous monitoring. It periodically checks the connection status at the air hose coupling and triggers the tracking system only when a change is detected, enabling accurate real-time detection while significantly reducing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system dynamically adjusts its operation based on connection status changes. The sensor remains in a low-power state until a tethered/untethered event occurs, at which point it activates to record and report the event, optimizing the balance between detection accuracy and power consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and accurate monitoring of both tethered and untethered events, even in scenarios where the 7-pin power connector is not connected, ensuring all events are registered and reducing the need for additional hardware on the tractor, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor senses the presence (or non-presence) of a tractor attached to the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for monitoring and reporting the tethered/untethered status of a mobile asset are described. An asset tracking device comprises a sensor and circuit that detects whether a physical connection exists between a tractor portion and a trailer portion of a tractor/trailer vehicle. The physical connection is detected through the connection of an air hose coupling (or glad hand) at the trailer front wall. The sensor is continuously monitored by the sensor circuit and when a change is detected, the circuit sends a signal that turns on the power to the rest of the system. This enables the system to run in a very low power mode for extended periods of time. The sensor, which is located on the air hose (glad hand) coupling, senses the presence (or non-presence) of a tractor attached to the trailer and sends a trigger signal to turn on the power to the rest of the system, enabling the system to operate for extended periods of time on battery power. The asset tracking device and system also includes a processor, a location determining device for determining the geographic location of the mobile asset, and a transceiver for transmitting and receiving the tethered/untethered status of the mobile asset.