Trailer Light Monitoring Module With Self-Learning Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring the functional status of trailer lights on semi-trucks is challenging due to their detachable nature, and existing methods often fail to identify subsequent lighting failures or effectively communicate these issues between tractor and trailer operators.
Innovation Solution
A trailer light monitoring module that electrically couples with trailer lights, includes an input for power reception, an output for power communication, a learning button to determine active channels, and channel diagnostic blocks with tunable current sensors and variable resistors to detect light failures, triggering alerts or telematics communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical inspection of trailer lights is performed before trips, then light functionality can be checked, but subsequent lighting failures cannot be identified and operators cannot communicate issues effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback mechanisms where the monitoring module continuously detects light functionality and communicates status information back to operators. The system provides real-time feedback on light failures through telematics communication and tractor indicators, eliminating the need for manual re-inspection and ensuring continuous monitoring of light status throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring module serves as an intermediary device between the trailer lights and operators. It automatically detects light failures and transmits this information through multiple communication channels (telematics system, tractor indicators) to bridge the information gap between the physical light status and operator awareness.
2Measurement precision
If monitoring systems are adapted to specific trailer configurations, then monitoring accuracy improves, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring module is designed with universal functionality to work across different trailer configurations without requiring custom adaptation. It automatically detects the number of lights and their arrangement, providing accurate monitoring for various setups through a single standardized device that adapts its operation based on the detected configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different trailer configurations through automatic detection and learning modes. The monitoring module adjusts its operational parameters based on the actual number and arrangement of lights, allowing it to maintain measurement precision across varying configurations without physical reconfiguration or complex setup procedures.
3Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity and time efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring module operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention for inspection. It automatically detects light failures, determines the number of active channels through learning mode, and communicates status information without operator involvement, enabling continuous self-monitoring that significantly improves inspection efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated electronic monitoring system. The system uses electronic sensors and communication protocols to detect and report light failures, substituting the manual visual inspection process with an automated electronic system that provides continuous monitoring and immediate failure notification.
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
Automatically identifies and alerts on light failures, ensuring consistent monitoring across various trailer configurations without requiring adaptation, and facilitates communication to a back office or tractor indicators.
Implementation Method 1
measures an output from an analog digital converter (ADC); compares the measured output to a low voltage threshold and a high voltage threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer light monitoring module is configured to electrically couple with lights on a trailer and include an input configured to receive electrical power from a battery; an output configured to electrically couple with lights on a trailer and selectively communicate the electrical power from the battery; a learning button, the activation of which determines a quantity of possible channels through which trailer lights could receive electrical power, and also determines how many of the quantity of possible channels actually receive electrical power; and a plurality of channel diagnostic blocks each including a tunable current sensor having a variable resistor that is tunable based on an output voltage received.