Trailer Sensor Signal Association via Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of trailer components in multi-component vehicle systems leads to a cumbersome and costly need for additional hardwired connections, and wireless communication poses issues with distinguishing relevant sensor signals from nearby trailers, resulting in nuisance alarms or false indications for the vehicle operator.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that synchronizes the reception of trailer sensor messages with a synchronizing signal, such as the operation of a vehicle control, to identify and communicate only relevant sensor information to the vehicle operator, using a measurement device with a wireless communication device and a processor to filter out signals from non-associated trailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless sensor signals are transmitted from multiple trailers, then sensor information can be received without hardwired connections, but the operator receives nuisance alarms and false obstacle indications from non-associated trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary association between trailers and powered vehicles before sensor signal transmission. The processor associates each trailer with a specific powered vehicle based on identification signals exchanged during connection, ensuring that only associated trailers' sensor signals are received and processed, thereby preventing nuisance alarms from non-associated trailers
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously monitors received sensor signals and compares them against the associated trailer identification. This feedback loop ensures that only signals from properly associated trailers are processed, maintaining reliability while enabling wireless operation
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used on each trailer, then comprehensive sensor coverage is achieved, but the number of hardwired connections becomes substantial and costly to retrofit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired connection system with a wireless communication system. Sensors on trailers transmit signals wirelessly to the powered vehicle's processor, which identifies and processes only signals from associated trailers. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive hardwired connections while maintaining comprehensive sensor coverage across multiple trailers
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits sensor data from multiple trailers, provides identification and association capabilities, and enables selective signal processing all through a single wireless interface, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate hardwired connections for each sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for associating a vehicle and vehicle trailer is described. The system comprises one or more sensors that transmit information wirelessly to a tractor display unit. The tractor display unit determines whether the sensor is associated with a trailer to which it is connected and filters out messages from sensors that are not associated with its trailer. To determine which sensors are associated with its trailer, a processor in the tractor display unit synchronizes the reception of sensor messages with the reception of a synchronizing signal, such as a signal generated by operating an auxiliary power system, turn signal, or brake.