Trailer Power Controller for Auxiliary Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for powering trailers in tractor trailer rigs face inefficiencies in managing power distribution to auxiliary devices, particularly when the tractor is in motion or when power supply conditions are critical, leading to unnecessary power consumption and potential voltage or amperage issues.
Innovation Solution
A controller system is implemented in both the tractor and trailer to selectively enable or disable auxiliary devices like dome lights and battery chargers based on predetermined conditions such as brake application, speed, voltage, and amperage thresholds, ensuring that only necessary devices are powered during critical conditions, thereby conserving energy and preventing overloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If auxiliary devices are continuously powered in the trailer, then device availability and convenience are improved, but power consumption increases and voltage/amperage stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls power supply to auxiliary devices based on real-time monitoring of voltage, amperage, brake status, and vehicle motion. The controller adjusts power distribution from the tractor power supply to trailer auxiliary devices according to current operating conditions, enabling devices when conditions are favorable and disabling them when conditions deteriorate, thus optimizing both availability and energy efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple auxiliary devices are powered simultaneously, then device functionality is improved, but power supply stability and reliability worsen due to voltage drop and amperage overload
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs continuous feedback monitoring of voltage and amperage levels from the tractor power supply, along with brake status and motion detection. The controller receives this feedback and automatically adjusts power distribution to auxiliary devices, preventing voltage drops and amperage overloads by disabling devices when thresholds are approached, thus maintaining power supply stability while maximizing device functionality when conditions permit
3Ease of operation
If power is supplied to auxiliary devices during brake application or vehicle motion, then device availability is improved, but power consumption increases during critical conditions when energy should be conserved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of brake status and vehicle motion conditions to anticipate power demand changes. When brake application is detected or vehicle motion begins, the controller proactively disables auxiliary devices before significant power consumption occurs, preventing energy waste during critical conditions while maintaining device availability when conditions are stable and favorable
Data Source
AI summary
A controller is usable with a tractor that has a power supply and a trailer that has first and second auxiliary devices. The controller is configured to selectively enable and disable each of the auxiliary devices based on a predetermined set of device disabling conditions wherein: When any of the device disabling conditions occurs, then both auxiliary devices are disabled. When none of the device disabling conditions occurs then, when a first device-selecting condition occurs then the first auxiliary device is enabled and the second auxiliary device is disabled. And when a second device-selecting condition occurs then the second auxiliary device is enabled and the first auxiliary device is disabled.