Truck Trailer Cabling With Power-Line Communication and Fewer Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer cabling systems are limited by the number of electrical connections and are not easily adaptable to the growing number of electronic devices, such as sensors and cameras, due to their dedicated and narrow functionality, leading to inefficiencies in power and communication.
Innovation Solution
A reduced cabling system with fewer copper conductors, optionally four, three, or two wires, including a ground and power wire, with the ability to provide bidirectional communication using protocols like PLC, PWM, LIN, RS-485, or CAN, allowing for flexible activation and data transmission to various trailer devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple large copper wires are used in conventional cabling systems, then power transmission capability is improved, but metal usage and cable weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single cable system to perform multiple functions: power transmission, ground reference, and bidirectional communication. The communication capability is implemented by modulating the power and ground wires themselves, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication wires. This allows the same physical infrastructure to serve both power delivery and data communication purposes, significantly reducing copper usage while maintaining full functionality.
2Reliability
If dedicated wires are assigned to specific functions, then functional reliability is improved, but adaptability to new devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a flexible, reconfigurable cable system that can dynamically adapt to different device configurations and communication protocols. The system uses bidirectional communication capabilities to negotiate and establish appropriate communication modes between the tractor and various trailer devices. This dynamic approach allows the same cable infrastructure to reliably support traditional lighting systems while simultaneously accommodating modern sensors, cameras, and electronic devices without requiring dedicated wiring for each device type.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple separate cables are used for power and communication, then signal interference is reduced, but cable complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining power transmission and communication functions into a single integrated cable system. The communication signals are superimposed on the power and ground wires using modulation techniques, allowing both power and data to coexist on the same physical medium. This consolidation reduces the total number of cables required, simplifies installation, and decreases overall system complexity while maintaining signal integrity through careful modulation and demodulation processes that isolate communication signals from power fluctuations.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable system for a truck trailer for reducing the number and/or size of wiring in a commercial trailer cable system from seven to four, three, or two, while also facilitating bidirectional communication with all connected electronic devices in the trailer. The cable system has a ground cable, a power cable, and zero, one or two additional communication cables that may carry analog and/or digital communications between the control circuit and components of the trailer such as turn signal lamps, brake lamps, backup cameras, environmental sensors, and the like. A transformer for increasing the voltage on the power cable is disclosed, allowing the power and ground cables to be smaller without reducing power delivered to the trailer.