Trailer Cable Network With CAN Control for Multi-Device Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer cabling systems are limited by dedicated connections for specific functions, unable to accommodate the growing number of electronic devices in trailers, and require multiple pigtails with different wiring configurations, which is inefficient and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A cable system for trailers featuring a nosebox with multiple connection terminals, a master control circuit, and slave control circuits that allow for a unified power and communication network, enabling flexible control of various trailer components through a unified power and communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dedicated wiring connections are used for each trailer function, then each function has reliable power delivery, but the system cannot accommodate the growing number of electronic devices and requires multiple pigtails with different wiring configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication bus (CAN bus) that allows a single wiring configuration to carry multiple functions. Instead of dedicated wires for each function (brake lights, turn signals, sensors, cameras), the system uses a standardized digital communication protocol that can transmit multiple types of data and control signals through the same physical medium, enabling one pigtail to serve multiple electronic devices with different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of dedicated physical wiring connections with a digital communication system. Rather than requiring separate physical circuits for each function, the system uses electronic data packets transmitted over the communication bus to control and monitor various trailer functions, substituting physical wiring complexity with digital signal processing
2Reliability
If separate power lines are used for each trailer function, then power delivery is reliable, but the wiring system becomes increasingly complex with more electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate power and communication lines into a unified communication bus system. By merging the functions of multiple dedicated wires into a single standardized interface, the system maintains reliable power delivery through the same communication infrastructure while dramatically reducing the overall complexity of the wiring system
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated wiring configurations are used for different functions, then each function operates independently, but the system lacks flexibility to accommodate new electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized communication bus provides a universal interface that can accommodate any electronic device that implements the same communication protocol. This allows the system to easily add new devices (sensors, cameras, monitors) without requiring new wiring configurations, as long as the devices speak the same digital language, greatly enhancing operational flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A cable system for a truck trailer with connectors having a main power connection, a ground connection, and one, two, or more communication cable connections. Connectors include at least a power and ground connection for electrically connecting an individual trailer to the cable system. A master control circuit may be included in the trailer nosebox, and the master control circuit configured to send commands to slave control circuits mounted within the connectors. The slave control circuits in the connectors are configured to receive a control command sent by the master control circuit that may include an address, mode identifiers, or other indications of which connectors in the cable system should take action, and what actions should be taken.