Trailer Wiring Harness with Embedded Cellular Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of telematics devices in commercial vehicle trailers is cumbersome, often voiding warranties and risking corrosion, and there is a risk of unauthorized tampering due to visible locations.
Innovation Solution
A cellular tracking system is pre-installed within the trailer electrical harness, featuring a tracking circuit encapsulated for protection and inconspicuous placement, allowing remote activation and integration with trailer components without visible tampering risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If telematics devices are installed at the nose or underneath the trailer, then tracking functionality is achieved, but the installation is cumbersome and may void warranty or allow corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is merged with the wiring harness by embedding it within the harness body, combining two separate components (tracking device and wiring harness) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate installation of telematics devices and reduces installation complexity while maintaining tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring harness is transformed into a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as an electrical connection medium and a tracking device housing. This universal design allows the harness to perform both its traditional electrical function and the additional tracking function, eliminating the need for separate telematics device installation.
2Reliability
If telematics devices are installed at visible locations, then tracking functionality is achieved, but the devices are vulnerable to unauthorized tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is nested within the wiring harness body, with the harness serving as a protective container. The tracking circuit board is positioned inside the harness and secured within its structure, making the device invisible and inaccessible for tampering while maintaining its tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring harness body acts as an intermediary protective layer between the tracking device and the external environment. This intermediate structure shields the tracking device from physical access and tampering attempts while allowing the device to function normally.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tracking devices are pre-installed in the harness, then tampering risks are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device components (circuit board, antenna, housing) are merged with the wiring harness structure, eliminating the need for separate device housings and mounting mechanisms. This integration simplifies the overall system while providing tampering resistance through the harness's inherent protective structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A harness tracking system includes a main body, a first connector at a first end of the main body and including a plurality of terminals configured to transmit electrical signals, a plurality of wires at a second end of the main body opposite the first end, the plurality of wires being electrically connected to the plurality of terminals of the first connector, and a tracking circuit embedded within the main body and configured to track a position of the harness tracking system and to communicate the position to an external device.