Trailer Connector With Protection Component And Testing Protocol

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for testing trailer lights during towing require multiple people, cannot test trailer wiring functionality, and are either expensive or prone to battery replacement issues, with some systems risking damage to the towing vehicle's electrical system.

Innovation Solution

A device with a processor, communication module, and memory for performing testing protocols, including a wireless module for smartphone or computer interface, a protection component to prevent power backflow, and a safety protocol for continuous monitoring of electrical connections, allowing for single-person operation and fault detection without battery replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a battery-powered switch box is used to test trailer lights, then single-person operation is enabled, but frequent battery replacement is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-person operationVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the vehicle's existing electrical system to power the testing function, eliminating the need for a separate battery. The testing device draws power from the vehicle's electrical outlet, making the system self-sustaining without requiring external battery replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle's electrical system serves multiple functions: it powers the vehicle's own lights, the trailer lights during towing, and now also powers the testing device. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for dedicated battery power for testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If an intelligent towing plug system with continuous testing is used, then automatic fault detection is achieved, but the towing vehicle's electrical system is at risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoidelectrical system damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary testing before full operation to ensure safety. It first checks the electrical connection and gradually increases power delivery, allowing detection of potential issues before they can cause damage to the vehicle's electrical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's electrical system and the trailer lights. It controls and monitors the electrical flow, preventing direct connection that could cause damage while still enabling comprehensive testing of the lighting circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If LED indicator lights are used to show connection status, then visual feedback is provided, but two people are required to operate and observe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual indication capabilityVSAvoidnumber of operators required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback through LED indicators that show the status of electrical connections and lighting circuit functionality. This immediate visual feedback allows the single operator to assess system status without needing a second person to observe and report.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical approach of having one person operate controls while another observes lights with an automated electronic feedback system. The LED indicators automatically provide visual information about system status, eliminating the need for human observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing trailer connectors without protection components are used, then electrical connection is established, but power backflow can damage the vehicle's electrical system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidpower backflow damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protection component is installed in advance in the electrical circuit to prevent power backflow before it can occur. This preemptive measure blocks reverse current flow that could damage the vehicle's electrical system while still allowing normal bidirectional communication and power delivery for testing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS20240051362A1Trailer connector

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 ARK

AI summary

There is provided a vehicle mounted device (1) for connecting the electrical circuit of a towing vehicle to the electrical circuit of a towed vehicle. The device includes a body (2), a towed-side connector, and a towing side connector (3). The device is configured to receive input signals corresponding to the lights of the towing vehicle and to transmit these signals to the electrical circuits of the towed vehicle. The device includes a protection component to isolate the towing vehicle electrical system. The device may be configured to perform a testing protocol. The testing protocol can include a safety protocol that determines whether a towed vehicle is electrically connected to the device. The testing protocol may also test the functionality of the electrical circuits for the towing and towed vehicles.