Trailer Cable Connection Monitoring With Multimodal Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the connection status of trailer cables during towing operations are inefficient, requiring manual inspections and often necessitating two people to ensure proper functioning of brake lights and trailer systems, which can be unsafe and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal sensor system integrated with the vehicle that uses optical, radio, and range signal data to monitor the connection status of trailer cables, including a trailer cable monitoring device that initiates a monitor function upon detecting a trailer presence and determines connection statuses through an information fusion algorithm, implementing an action state machine to generate alerts and recommendations based on vehicle speed and cable connection states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual inspection methods are used to check cable connections, then the system complexity remains low, but the time consumption and safety risks increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-monitoring of cable connections through integrated sensors that automatically detect connection status without requiring manual inspection. The multimodal sensors continuously monitor electrical continuity, physical position, and environmental conditions to assess cable connection health autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated sensor-based detection. Optical sensors, electrical continuity sensors, and position sensors substitute for human visual and physical examination, enabling remote and continuous monitoring of cable connections.
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection by two people is performed, then the accuracy of status check improves, but the operational efficiency and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback through multiple sensor modalities that monitor cable connection status in real-time. Electrical continuity sensors detect connection integrity, optical sensors verify physical connection state, and the system provides ongoing feedback about connection health without requiring human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multimodal sensors that perform multiple detection functions simultaneously. A single sensor system conducts electrical continuity testing, physical position verification, and environmental condition monitoring, replacing the need for multiple inspectors while maintaining comprehensive assessment accuracy.
3Reliability
If frequent manual status checks are conducted, then the reliability of trailer operation improves, but the loss of time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous monitoring of cable connections through integrated sensors that operate throughout the towing operation. Electrical continuity sensors, optical sensors, and position sensors continuously assess connection status without interrupting vehicle or trailer operations, providing uninterrupted reliability assurance.
4Productivity
If automated sensor systems are implemented, then the productivity and safety improve, but the device complexity and initial time investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into modular sensor components that can be independently implemented and integrated. Electrical continuity sensors, optical sensors, and position sensors function as separate modules that collectively provide comprehensive cable connection monitoring, allowing phased implementation and reduced initial complexity burden.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses are provided for monitoring cable connections between a trailer and vehicle. The system includes a monitoring device disposed within the vehicle; and a trailer cable and a breakaway trailer cable that provide a set of cable connections, the monitoring device is configured to: monitor the set of cable connections from connection data generated by a set of multimodal sensors integrated with the vehicle about statuses of the cable connections between the trailer and the vehicle; initiate a monitor function upon detection of a presence of the trailer connected to the vehicle by at least one sensor of the set of multimodal sensors integrated with the vehicle; and determine the statuses of the cable connections by fusing together using an information fusion algorithm one or more types of signal data from the set of multimodal sensors comprising optical signal data, radio signal data, and range signal data.