Tractor-Trailer Wireless Link via Wired Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a reliable and secure wireless communication link between a tractor and a trailer, particularly in environments with multiple tractors and trailers in close proximity, leading to interference and difficulties in establishing a unique RF connection, and existing solutions like barcodes, magnetic stripes, and RFID systems are limited in reliability and information capacity.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a unique wireless RF link between a tractor and a trailer using a wired connection, where identification and authentication information is exchanged over a wired connection, and secure communication is ensured through encryption protocols, allowing for secure and reliable data transmission even in challenging environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless RF communication is used between tractor and trailer, then communication flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to interference from multiple vehicles in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a wired connection as an intermediary channel to exchange identification and authentication information between tractor and trailer. This wired intermediary enables the establishment of a secure wireless RF link by first verifying identities through the reliable wired connection, thus resolving the contradiction between wireless flexibility and reliability in multi-vehicle environments.
2Ease of operation
If RFID systems are used for identification, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to limited information capacity and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification and authentication process into multiple steps: first exchanging identification information via wired connection, then verifying authentication, and finally establishing wireless RF communication. This segmentation allows RFID-like convenience while ensuring reliability through staged verification, overcoming the limitations of standalone RFID systems.
3Reliability
If encryption protocols are implemented for secure communication, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements encryption protocols in advance during the wired connection phase, where identification and authentication information are exchanged and encrypted before wireless RF communication begins. This preliminary encryption action ensures data security while minimizing complexity during the main wireless communication operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Communications between a tractor and trailer are established and secured using a wired connection between the physically connected tractor and trailer. Wireless ID or authentication information is communicated between tractor and trailer using the wired connection. Thereafter, a wireless, secure RF communication link may be established between the tractor and trailer using the ID/authentication information. Further, wireless messages may be encrypted between tractor and trailer using the identification/authentication information received over the wired connection.