Trailer Lamp Adapter Circuit for Mode Selection and Wiring Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer wiring systems are limited in accommodating complex functions and electronic devices due to a lack of flexible electrical connections, requiring multiple pigtail connectors and non-standard circuitry, which increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system with multiple input and output terminals, including mode selection terminals, that connects to trailer components, allowing for flexible electrical connections and mode selection through an adapter circuit, enabling the use of existing wiring for multiple functions without the need for extensive upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wiring systems use dedicated power lines for each function, then electrical connections are simple and reliable, but the system cannot accommodate complex functions and electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-function adapter that consolidates multiple dedicated wiring functions into a single device. The adapter includes multiple input terminals for different power sources (battery, alternator, generator) and multiple output terminals for various trailer components (lights, brakes, sensors). By providing multiple output circuits from a single adapter unit, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated wiring for each function, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate wiring functions into a single integrated adapter assembly. Instead of having separate connectors and wiring paths for each trailer function (lights, brakes, sensors, cameras), the invention combines all these functions into one adapter unit with multiple terminals and output circuits. This consolidation reduces the overall number of connectors and wiring harnesses needed, addressing the contradiction by improving functional versatility while actually reducing physical wiring complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trailers introduce new wiring systems for upgraded functions, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to multiple pigtail connectors and non-standard circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter provides upgraded functionality by supporting multiple electronic devices and functions through its multiple output circuits. Each output circuit can be configured for different functions (lighting, braking, sensing, camera power) without requiring different physical adapters. This universal design allows trailers to be upgraded with complex electronic systems while using a single standardized adapter component, thereby improving functionality without increasing manufacturing cost through multiple specialized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized connector interfaces that replicate existing trailer wiring conventions. The adapter incorporates standard terminal types and configurations that match conventional trailer sockets and components. By copying and maintaining compatibility with existing wiring standards, the invention allows upgraded functions to be integrated without requiring non-standard circuitry or custom-manufactured connectors, thus improving functionality while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardization.
3Reliability
If each wire is electrically connected to deliver power only to specific components, then wiring is simple and reliable, but the limited number of electrical connections cannot support growing electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter merges multiple electrical connection functions into a single reliable interface. It consolidates power delivery to multiple components (lights, brakes, sensors, cameras) through one integrated unit that connects to the trailer's electrical system. This merging maintains reliability by using a single robust connection point rather than multiple separate connections, while simultaneously increasing the number of supported devices through the adapter's multiple output circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter segments its internal circuitry into multiple independent output circuits, each capable of delivering power to specific components. This segmentation allows each output to be independently controlled and protected, maintaining reliability for each function while collectively supporting a growing number of devices. The segmented design within the unified adapter enables reliable power distribution to multiple devices without requiring proportional increases in external wiring complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for use with components of a truck trailer. The adapter may include multiple input terminals corresponding with multiple terminals of a trailer component socket of a trailer, and multiple output terminals configured to electrically connect with corresponding input terminals of a trailer component. The adapter may also include an adapter circuit configured to electrically connect at least four of the input terminals with at least four of the multiple output terminals. The multiple output terminals may include at least two mode selection output terminals configured to provide a mode selection to the trailer component, and the trailer component optionally includes control logic configured to activate and deactivate the trailer component according to the mode selection.