Trailer HV Power Cable Interface With Insulation Pre-Check
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a safe and efficient method to transmit high voltage electric power from a towing vehicle to a trailer without requiring significant modifications to existing trailers and ensuring compliance with safety standards, as existing solutions like batteries or fuel cells are costly and space-consuming, and DC supply standards are not yet established.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cable connector, cable interface unit, and insulation measurement device that checks the insulation capability of the cable before applying high voltage, using a protective earth conductor and signal cables to ensure safety, and includes temperature and voltage monitoring, with a warning system to prevent unsafe power application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high voltage electric power is transmitted from towing vehicle to trailer vehicle, then electric power supply to trailer is improved, but electrical safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary insulation resistance measurement and cable connection verification before enabling high voltage power transmission. The control unit measures insulation resistance between power conductors and ground, and verifies cable connection status through signal cables, preventing unsafe power application in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors cable connection status through signal cables and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to determine whether to enable or disable high voltage power transmission, creating a closed-loop safety control mechanism that responds to real-time connection conditions
2Reliability
If insulation measurement device and cable interface unit are added, then electrical safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable interface unit serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection for power and signal cables, measures insulation resistance, detects cable connection status through signal cables, and communicates with the control unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the insulation measurement function, cable connection detection function, and power transmission control function into an integrated control unit. The signal cables serve dual purposes for both control signaling and connection status detection, merging multiple functions into single components
3Reliability
If cable connection status is verified before power application, then safety is improved, but time for power transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs insulation resistance measurement and cable connection verification as preliminary actions before enabling high voltage power transmission. These safety checks are conducted automatically upon cable connection, ensuring safety requirements are met before power is applied
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses signal cables to quickly detect and communicate cable connection status to the control unit, enabling rapid verification. The control unit processes measurement results and connection status information swiftly to minimize the time delay before safe power transmission can begin
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
Enables safe transmission of high voltage electric power to trailers without reworking existing trailers, ensuring electrical safety by checking insulation and providing real-time monitoring, thus meeting IT network requirements and preventing unsafe power application.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation measurement device configured to measure electric insulation between the at least one power cord and the protective earth conductor when the cable is connected to the cable connector and a low voltage for cable test is applied between the at least one power cord and the protective earth conductor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A system (1) for enabling transmittal of high voltage electric power from a towing vehicle (2) to a trailer vehicle (3), the towing vehicle (2) comprising: a source of high voltage electric power (4); a cable connector (5) configured to be connected to a first end connector (6a) of a cable (6) that comprises i) at least one power cord (21, 22, 23), ii) a protective earth conductor (25), and iii) one or more signal cables (26, 27) configured to transmit a signal or message that indicates that the cable (6) is connected; a cable interface unit (7) configured to receive and process the signal or message that indicates that the cable (6) is connected to the cable connector (5), wherein the cable interface unit (7) is configured to measure electric insulation between the at least one power cord (21, 22, 23) and the protective earth conductor (25) so as to allow for checking insulation capability of the cable (6) before applying high voltage to the cable (6).