Trailer Connection Detection Using Off-State and On-State Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining if a trailer is connected to a vehicle are prone to false positives and false negatives due to environmental factors like corrosion, snow, ice, and debris, which can lead to incorrect indications of trailer connection or disconnection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an off-state and on-state trailer detection module using voltage pulses to measure impedance and resistance between vehicle and trailer connectors, with an XNOR gate to compare determinations and enable or disable off-state features based on consistency between the two states, thereby reducing false readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-state trailer detection method is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to false positives and false negatives from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into two distinct states: off-state detection (when vehicle accessories are off) and on-state detection (when vehicle accessories are on). Each state uses appropriate voltage levels and detection methods optimized for that condition, improving overall measurement precision while managing system complexity through structured division of the detection workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic detection at different vehicle states (off-state and on-state) to gather multiple measurements. By comparing results across these periodic detection cycles, the system achieves more reliable trailer connection determination, reducing false positives and false negatives through multi-state verification
2Power
If high voltage is used for detection, then the power to detect trailer electrical components is sufficient, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to current flow through corrosion and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system dynamically adjusts voltage levels based on the vehicle state. During off-state detection, low voltage is used to minimize heating effects. During on-state detection, higher voltage is applied when the vehicle's electrical system is already active, making the additional power consumption negligible. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between sufficient detection power and minimizing harmful thermal effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection voltage parameter based on operational context. Off-state detection uses low voltage (e.g., 5V or 12V) to avoid heating, while on-state detection uses higher voltage consistent with normal vehicle operation. This parameter adaptation allows sufficient power for detection while minimizing resistive heating from corrosion and debris during critical low-power states
3Productivity
If off-state detection is always enabled, then the productivity of trailer detection is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to false positives from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from both off-state and on-state detection results to determine final trailer connection status. The off-state detection provides early indication for quick response, while the on-state detection provides verification to eliminate false positives. This feedback loop from multiple detection states ensures both rapid detection and high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Off-state detection serves as a preliminary action that provides early trailer connection indication before the vehicle is fully operational. This preliminary detection enables fast response for features like trailer alarm systems. The subsequent on-state detection acts as confirmation, ensuring the preliminary indication was accurate and eliminating false positives from environmental factors
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively and reliably detects trailer connections, reducing false positives and negatives by using low-voltage pulses in off-state and higher voltage in on-state to account for environmental factors and trailer electrical system variations, ensuring accurate feature control and notification to the driver.
Implementation Method 1
the controller applies a voltage across the electrical contacts and measures impedance, resistance, conductivity, or another electrical property between the electrical contacts
Implementation Method 2
the controller applies a voltage across the electrical contacts and measures impedance, resistance, conductivity, or another electrical property between the electrical contacts
Implementation Method 3
the controller applies a voltage across the electrical contacts and measures impedance, resistance, conductivity, or another electrical property between the electrical contacts
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to determine if a trailer is connected to a vehicle. The methods may include determining a connection during an off-state and an on-state of the vehicle. The determinations may be compared to determine whether to enable use of the off-state determination with respect to features of the vehicle.