Trailer Cable Connectors With Master-Slave Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer cabling systems are limited by dedicated electrical connections, making it difficult to accommodate the increasing number of electronic devices on trailers, such as sensors and cameras, due to the need for separate power lines and limited flexibility in using existing wiring for multiple functions.
Innovation Solution
A cable system with a nosebox containing multiple connection terminals, a master control circuit, and slave control circuits that use communication cables to manage and control various trailer components, allowing for flexible power distribution and control of individual components based on input from the truck tractor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power lines are used for each trailer component, then reliable power delivery is ensured, but the system complexity and number of required connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate power lines into a single communication cable that carries both power and control signals. The master control circuit and slave control circuits communicate through this unified cable infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated power lines for each component while maintaining reliable power delivery through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power delivery, carries control signals, and enables communication between the master and slave control circuits. This multi-functional approach reduces the overall number of cables and connections required in the trailer wiring system.
2Power
If dedicated electrical connections are used for each component function, then proper power distribution is achieved, but adaptability to new devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static dedicated wiring to dynamic programmable control. The slave control circuits can be programmed with unique identifiers and power requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different devices without changing the physical wiring infrastructure. This enables easy integration of new electronic devices while maintaining accurate power distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from fixed physical connections to programmable electrical characteristics. By modifying the control circuits' programming rather than the physical wiring, the system can accommodate new devices with different power requirements and control protocols, enhancing versatility while maintaining proper power distribution.
3Power
If multiple separate power cables are used, then sufficient power capacity is provided, but the number of connections and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate power cables are merged into a single communication cable that provides sufficient power capacity through intelligent power management. The master control circuit can dynamically allocate power to different slave circuits based on their requirements, maintaining adequate power capacity while reducing installation complexity by using fewer cables.
4Device complexity
If existing wiring is used for multiple functions, then cable quantity is reduced, but electrical connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control circuits as intermediaries between the power source and the trailer components. These control circuits manage the electrical connections intelligently, ensuring reliable power delivery and signal transmission through the shared communication cable infrastructure while maintaining the ability to isolate and protect individual components.
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.