Trailer Power Control Unit Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for powering interior cargo lights in vehicle trailers face a voltage drop due to the use of high current pressure controlled switches, which reduces the voltage available for these lights, especially when the vehicle is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A connection device and control unit system that connects the trailer to a vehicle power line and control line, allowing the auxiliary trailer electrical system to be switchably coupled to the power line based on a control signal, eliminating the need for high current switches by disconnecting power to the auxiliary system when the vehicle is in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure controlled switch is inserted into the trailer's emergency air brake line to supply power to interior cargo lights only when the vehicle is not in motion, then the interior cargo lights can be powered without interfering with the ABS control module, but the high current switch causes a drop in voltage available from the junction box, reducing voltage to the interior cargo lights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the high current pressure controlled switch from the power supply circuit. Instead, it uses a low current switch integrated into the control unit that is controlled by a signal from the vehicle's motion detection system. This extraction of the switching function from a high current device to a low current control device eliminates the voltage drop while maintaining the conditional power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the vehicle's motion detection system and the interior cargo lights power supply. This control unit receives a control signal indicating vehicle motion and uses it to control the switching of power to the auxiliary electrical system, thereby indirectly managing power distribution without using a high current switch in the main power line.
2Ease of operation
If power is supplied to the interior cargo lights via the junction box blue wire, then the lights can be powered when the vehicle is parked, but when the vehicle is in motion the same power line must supply power to the ABS control module, creating a conflict in power allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation by using a control unit that responds to real-time vehicle motion status. When the vehicle is detected to be in motion, the control unit automatically disconnects power from the auxiliary electrical system (interior cargo lights) and directs it to the main electrical system (ABS control module). When parked, power is redirected to the interior cargo lights. This dynamic switching resolves the conflict between competing power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from a static electrical connection to a dynamic control signal-based system. The control unit monitors the vehicle motion parameter and adjusts the power distribution state accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to different operational conditions (parked vs. in motion) without requiring separate physical circuits for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for supplying power to a vehicle trailer. A connection device may be used to connect the vehicle trailer to a vehicle power line and to a control line from a vehicle electrical system. The trailer may include a main trailer electrical system and an auxiliary trailer electrical system. The main trailer electrical system requires power only when the vehicle trailer is in motion, and may be coupled to the connection device to receive power from the vehicle power line. A control unit may be coupled to the connection device, and may receive a control signal from the control line. The control unit may be used to switchably couple the auxiliary trailer electrical system to the vehicle power line based on the control signal.