Common Trailer Connection Merging Brake and Lighting Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and installation effort associated with wiring and installing the brake and lighting systems in trailer vehicles due to separate cabling and connections for these systems.

Innovation Solution

A control arrangement with a common connection for both the braking and lighting systems, along with an adapter that integrates ISO 7638 and ISO 12098 standards, allowing for reduced cabling and shared power and data lines, and an adapter that connects to conventional connectors, thereby simplifying the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate connections according to ISO 7638 and ISO 12098 standards are used for braking and lighting systems, then compatibility with conventional towing vehicles is ensured, but the cabling and installation effort increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with conventional towing vehiclesVSAvoidcabling and installation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate braking system connections and lighting system connections into a single common connection (socket 5) on the trailer vehicle. This merging of previously separate connection systems reduces the overall cabling complexity and installation effort while maintaining the functional separation of braking and lighting systems through internal wiring architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common connection (socket 5) serves multiple functions by providing integrated power supply and data transmission for both the braking system and lighting system. This universal connection interface replaces the need for separate dedicated connections, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining compatibility with standard towing vehicle outputs.

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

2Reliability

If separate supply lines and data lines are provided for braking and lighting systems, then system reliability is improved, but the wiring effort and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidwiring effort and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate supply lines and data lines into a consolidated common connection structure. The socket 5 integrates multiple electrical contacts that internally distribute power and data signals to both braking and lighting systems, reducing external wiring complexity while maintaining internal signal separation for reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common connection (socket 5) acts as an intermediary device that receives signals from the towing vehicle and distributes them appropriately to the braking system and lighting system. This mediator approach consolidates external connections while maintaining internal signal integrity and system reliability through structured signal distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2181869B1Control assembly for a trailer vehicle, trailer vehicle and adapter
Publication Date: 2012.10.17 ZF CV SYST HANNOVER GMBH
  • EP2181869B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2181869B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2181869B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The controlling arrangement has a braking system (1), a lighting system (2) and a connection (5). The connection is formed as a common connection for the braking system and the lighting system at a drawing vehicle. The connection has a connection element for connecting a data cable for transferring data or signals. Another connection element is provided for connecting an electrical supply line for electrical power supply to the braking system and the lighting system. The connection is connected with the braking system and the lighting system by a bus (4). An independent claim is included for an adapter for connecting a controlling arrangement.