Trailer Interface Box Power Supply Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power supply and control systems for trailers connected to motor vehicles are inefficient due to multiple power supplies, which increase wiring complexity, cost, and mass, and do not effectively manage power consumption during deep standby modes, leading to battery discharge.
Innovation Solution
A single power supply system for the trailer interface box, activated by a wake-up control signal through a wired connection, which efficiently manages power consumption by switching between deep standby and nominal standby states, reducing the need for multiple power supplies and minimizing battery discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power supplies are used for the trailer interface box, then the control unit remains powered during nominal standby mode, but the wiring complexity, mass, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power supply functions into a single power supply system. The single power supply unit replaces multiple separate power supplies, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining the ability to provide power during nominal standby mode through software-controlled power management states.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power supply unit is designed to perform multiple functions: providing continuous power during operation, entering deep standby mode to conserve energy, and transitioning to nominal standby mode when wake-up signals are detected. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate power supplies for different operational states.
2Speed
If the control unit remains powered during nominal standby mode, then quick wake-up is possible, but battery discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the power supply state changes based on operational needs. The system transitions between deep standby mode (low power consumption) and nominal standby mode (higher power consumption for quick wake-up) depending on whether a wake-up signal is detected, optimizing the balance between wake-up speed and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic monitoring of wake-up signals while in deep standby mode, allowing the control unit to remain powered only when necessary. This periodic activation approach reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the capability for quick wake-up when signals are present.
3Loss of energy
If the power supply is cut off during deep standby mode, then battery discharge is minimized, but the wake-up process is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting wake-up signals while in deep standby mode and transitioning to nominal standby mode in advance of full operation. This allows the control unit to be powered up before actual trailer operations begin, minimizing both energy loss during standby and wake-up time when operations are needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system comprises a central vehicle computer (1), a trailer interface housing (2), a power supply device (3) and a wire connection (FL_RQ1, FL_RQ2), between the central vehicle computer and the trailer interface housing, for transmitting a brake light control signal. The trailer interface housing (2) incorporates a power switching member (25), connected to the wire connection, via which a control unit (20) is connected to the power supply device (3). The central vehicle computer (1) transmits an activation control signal via the wire connection, upon receipt of which the switching member (25) is activated and switches on the power supply to the control unit (20).