Trailer Lighting Harness for SAE-to-ASABE Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incompatibility between SAE J2863 vehicle lighting connectors and ASABE S279 agricultural equipment connectors, along with the potential for voltage damage to CPUs, hinders effective lighting signal transmission from vehicles to agricultural trailers.
Innovation Solution
A conversion harness with a female vehicle connector and male tractor connector, using relays and a central processing unit (CPU) to step down and step up voltage, ensuring compatible lighting signal transmission to agricultural equipment without damaging the CPU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a direct wiring harness is used to route wires from vehicle to trailer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability between incompatible SAE J2863 and ASABE S279 connectors cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a supplemental wiring harness as an intermediary device that connects the SAE J2863 vehicle connector to the ASABE S279 trailer connector. This harness contains a CPU that mediates the incompatible signaling protocols between the two standards, enabling communication while isolating the voltage differences and protocol incompatibilities. The intermediary approach allows both connector types to coexist without requiring changes to either the vehicle or trailer connectors themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a CPU is used to process lighting signals from the vehicle, then the adaptability and signal processing capability is improved, but the high voltage from the vehicle lighting connector can damage the CPU
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental wiring harness is segmented into distinct functional sections: a high-voltage interface section that accepts the vehicle's lighting signals, a protection section with voltage regulation and isolation circuitry, and a low-voltage CPU section that processes the signals. This segmentation allows the CPU to operate at safe low voltages while still interfacing with the high-voltage vehicle lighting system through isolated communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs voltage regulators, isolation circuits, and level shifters as intermediary components between the high-voltage vehicle lighting connector and the low-voltage CPU. These intermediaries translate and condition the incoming high-voltage signals into safe voltage levels for the CPU, while maintaining the integrity of the original lighting signal information. This protective intermediary layer enables the CPU to process vehicle lighting signals without exposure to damaging voltages.
3Reliability
If voltage is stepped down to protect the CPU, then the CPU safety is improved, but additional components like relays are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective functions into integrated circuits and modules. Voltage regulation, signal conditioning, and isolation functions are merged into single components where possible. The supplemental wiring harness integrates these protection functions directly into the wiring assembly, eliminating the need for separate discrete protection devices and reducing overall system complexity despite the added protection capabilities.
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 reliable activation of agricultural equipment lights by converting vehicle lighting signals to appropriate voltages, ensuring safe and functional lighting operations.
Implementation Method 1
relays that step down the voltage output of lighting signals emanating from the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
route and step up the voltage output of the CPU to properly light the agricultural equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting lighting signals from a vehicle to agricultural equipment being towed by the vehicle. An improved trailer lighting system and method uses an improved wiring harness converts output from a standard 7-pin vehicle connector for use in activating agricultural equipment lights through a standard 7-pin agricultural equipment lighting connector. When the vehicle brakes, the harness recognizes increased voltage flowing through the turn signal connectors of the vehicle and activates the brake lights of the trailer in response.