Trailer Power Distribution With Isolated Ground Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing utility vehicle trailers face challenges in safely and efficiently supplying electrical energy to consumers while isolating the ground potential of the towing vehicle from the trailer's electrical energy source and storage, particularly for safety reasons.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle electrical distribution system with a control unit and voltage transformer devices that decouple ground potentials, allowing consumers to draw energy from both the towing vehicle's electronic braking system and the trailer's energy store, with a DC-DC converter for isolation and bidirectional energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the towing vehicle's electrical energy source is connected to the trailer's consumers, then electrical energy can be supplied to operate consumers, but the ground potential of the towing vehicle must be isolated from the trailer's electrical energy store for safety reasons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy supply to consumersVSAvoidground potential isolation for safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a voltage transformer device as an intermediary component between the towing vehicle's electrical energy source and the trailer's electrical energy store. This transformer decouples the ground potentials while enabling bidirectional energy transfer, thus maintaining safety isolation while allowing functional connectivity for power supply and charging operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an electrical energy store is added to the trailer for flexibility and emission reduction, then energy supply flexibility is improved, but ground potential isolation becomes necessary for safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply flexibilityVSAvoidground potential isolation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage transformer device serves as a mediator that enables the trailer's electrical energy store to operate independently with flexible energy supply capabilities while maintaining ground potential isolation. The transformer allows the energy store to charge and discharge without direct galvanic connection to the towing vehicle's electrical system, preserving both flexibility and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If ground potential decoupling is implemented for safety, then safety is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground potential isolationVSAvoidvoltage transformer integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage transformer device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ground potential isolation for safety, enables bidirectional energy transfer for charging and power supply, and regulates voltage levels. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures stable and safe operation of consumers by centralizing ground potential decoupling, reducing complexity in consumers, and enabling continuous charging of the trailer's energy store, enhancing system reliability and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the first voltage transformer device is configured to decouple a first ground potential connected to the energy supply connection from a second ground potential connected to the electrical energy store of the utility vehicle trailer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12515600B2Utility vehicle trailer having a vehicle electrical distribution system

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 SCHMITZ CARGOBULL AG

AI summary

A utility vehicle trailer having a vehicle electrical distribution system. The vehicle electrical distribution system includes a control unit having a first voltage transformer device. The electrical energy for operating at least one consumer connected to the control unit in a first operating state of the control unit is provided via an energy supply connection, via which the vehicle electrical distribution system is connected, at least in the first operating state, to an electrical energy source of an electronic braking system of the utility vehicle trailer. Electrical energy for operating the at least consumer in a second operating state of the control unit is provided by an electrical energy store of the utility vehicle trailer. The first voltage transformer device is configured to decouple a first ground potential connected to the energy supply connection from a second ground potential connected to the electrical energy store of the utility vehicle trailer.