Trailer Identification via Tire Pressure Sensor RF Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying and tracking trailers require driver intervention to configure the system, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially when multiple trailers are used with vehicles that need to monitor both vehicle and trailer tire conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically identifies a trailer attached to a vehicle using tire pressure sensors and an initiator-based tire pressure monitoring system, which communicates with an integrated trailer brake controller to recognize the trailer and apply a stored configuration for tracking usage profiles without driver input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If driver intervention is required to calibrate the RF receiver with sensors, then the system can be configured to track trailer usage, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies trailers and applies stored configurations without requiring driver intervention. The RF receiver autonomously calibrates with sensors on the trailer, eliminating manual calibration steps and enabling self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Trailer configurations are pre-stored in the brake controller memory before the trailer is attached. When a trailer is connected, the system automatically retrieves and applies the pre-stored configuration, eliminating the need for real-time manual setup.
2Measurement precision
If multiple trailers are monitored with separate configurations, then the measurement precision of trailer identification improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The brake controller is designed with universal functionality to store and manage multiple trailer configurations within a single device. The RF receiver can communicate with sensors from different trailers using the same calibration protocol, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise identification of each trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF receiver acts as an intermediary that automatically manages communication between the brake controller and various trailer sensors. It handles the calibration process with multiple trailers without requiring separate manual configuration for each, simplifying the system architecture.
3Reliability
If manual calibration is performed for each trailer, then the reliability of trailer configuration can be ensured, but the loss of time increases due to repeated calibration steps
Solution Approach 1:
Trailer configurations are pre-stored in the brake controller memory before actual use. When a trailer is attached, the system automatically retrieves the pre-stored configuration, ensuring reliability through pre-validated settings while eliminating time-consuming repeated calibration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the RF receiver's automatic calibration process to confirm successful trailer identification and configuration application. This automated feedback loop ensures configuration reliability without requiring manual verification, reducing the time needed compared to traditional manual calibration methods.
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 automatic trailer identification and configuration, allowing for optimized performance and maintenance scheduling without additional hardware costs, as the system self-calibrates and tracks relevant data such as mileage and speed for improved trailer and vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
Such systems generate a pressure signal using an electromagnetic signal, which is transmitted to a receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method that, upon connection of a trailer to a tow vehicle, recognizes the trailer and applies a stored trailer configuration in a controller. In one embodiment, tire pressure sensors transmit RF signals that are received by the tire pressure monitoring system. Transmissions from the sensors are decoded in a controller and processed to identify, or create a particular trailer configuration as well as implement tire pressure monitoring automatically calibrated to the particular trailer configuration based on the sensor identifications for the tire pressure sensors. In another embodiment, the trailer configuration includes a pulse width modulated gain control for the trailer brakes.