Portable Trailer Power Box for Independent Air and Electrical Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanics face inefficiencies and increased downtime in diagnosing and repairing trailer systems without access to a semi-truck or external power source, as traditional tools lack integration, durability, and diagnostic functionality, necessitating a unified system for electrical and pneumatic diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A portable trailer power box device that integrates a pigtail power cable with a 7-pin female connector, an air hose, and a compressor system, along with a digital display for real-time diagnostics, enabling independent power and air delivery to trailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional external battery packs or portable compressors are used separately, then electrical or pneumatic functionality can be provided, but device complexity increases and integration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate electrical (battery pack) and pneumatic (portable compressor) tools into a single integrated device. The housing contains both a rechargeable battery for electrical power and a compressor with air tank for pneumatic power, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and reducing setup complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing both electrical power through battery output and pneumatic power through compressor output. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace traditional separate battery packs and portable compressors, improving versatility while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Reliability
If mechanics transport trailers to fully equipped facilities, then access to electrical power and air pressure is ensured, but loss of time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential power delivery functions (electrical battery pack and pneumatic compressor) from fixed facility infrastructure and places them in a portable device. This allows mechanics to bring power delivery capabilities directly to the trailer location, eliminating the need to transport trailers to fully equipped facilities and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device acts as an intermediary between the mechanic and the trailer system, providing the necessary electrical and pneumatic power at the point of need. This mediator approach enables repairs to be performed in remote locations without requiring access to fixed facility infrastructure, reducing both time loss and operational costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tractor connections are used to activate trailer systems, then electrical and pneumatic power are available, but adaptability to remote locations without tractors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the trailer system to be serviced independently without requiring connection to a tractor unit. The self-contained battery and compressor provide all necessary power delivery functions, allowing mechanics to perform diagnostics and repairs in remote locations where no tractor is available, greatly improving adaptability.
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 accurate electrical and pneumatic diagnostics of trailer systems, enhancing diagnostic efficiency and reducing downtime by providing a rugged, portable solution for remote repairs.
Implementation Method 1
The device is powered by an internal rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
The air system is powered by an internal compressor managed through a rocker switch and adjustable regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A portable trailer power box device is provided. The device is designed to deliver both electrical signals and compressed air to semi-trailers independent of a tractor unit. The device comprises a housing comprising at least one spool that allows for extension and retraction of a pigtail power cable and an air hose. The pigtail power cable includes a 7-pin female connector compliant with SAE J560 standards and simulates tractor electrical outputs, while the cable features a durable, cold-weather-rated polyurethane jacket. The air hose includes a connector that interfaces with a reciprocating connector of an attachment, which may include a glad hand or air chuck. The air system is powered by an internal compressor managed through a rocker switch and adjustable regulator, with pressure data presented on a digital display. The display is electrically linked to the power cable and indicates electrical diagnostics, including pin-specific voltage, current, and fault conditions.