Trailer Braking Controller Data Assignment via RFID

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for storing vehicle-specific data in commercial vehicle trailers are prone to errors during manufacturing, commissioning, or repair due to the complexity of selecting appropriate parameter data sets, especially when numerous options are available.

Innovation Solution

An information medium, such as a sticker or metal plate, is attached to the trailer to reliably assign vehicle-specific data, which can be read using a barcode or RFID reader, allowing accurate data transmission to the electronic control unit's parameter memory, thereby reducing the risk of incorrect data selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parameter data records are stored on a computer for manual selection, then the system can accommodate different trailer configurations, but the risk of selecting incorrect data increases due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different trailer configurationsVSAvoidaccuracy of data selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically reads the identification data (barcode, RFID, or data carrier) from the trailer and autonomously selects and stores the corresponding parameter data record, eliminating manual selection and human error entirely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of selecting parameter data records is replaced by an automated electronic reading system that scans identification data and automatically retrieves the correct parameters from storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If an information medium is permanently attached to the trailer with secure fastening, then the reliability of data assignment is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of data assignmentVSAvoidattachment method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system accepts multiple types of information media (stickers, metal plates, data carriers) and multiple attachment methods (adhesive, rivets, welding, clipping), allowing flexibility in implementation while maintaining reliable data assignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The information medium serves as an intermediary carrier between the trailer and the control unit, enabling automatic identification and parameter retrieval without direct complex interaction between the trailer and control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2057607B1Commercial vehicle trailer with an electronically controlled braking system
Publication Date: 2014.08.13 ZF CV SYST HANNOVER GMBH
  • EP2057607B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a commercial vehicle trailer (2) with an electronically controlled braking system, where the electronically controlled braking system has an electronic controller (3) which has a parameter memory (4) which has at least one memory area which can be used to store vehicle-specific data, and where the electronic controller (3) controls the electronically controlled braking system using the vehicle-specific data, and where the electronic controller (3) has an interface to an external computer (11), and where the commercial vehicle trailer (2) has at least one information means (6) fitted which characterizes the vehicle-specific data. The invention also relates to a computer for connection to the interface of a commercial vehicle trailer of this kind and a method for storing vehicle-specific data for a commercial vehicle trailer (2) provided with an electronically controlled braking system.