Trailer Assignment via Temporal Signal Pattern Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for establishing a signal connection between a towing vehicle and its trailer are unreliable, especially when other motor vehicles are in proximity, leading to potential failures in establishing a clear HF connection without user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission and comparison of electromagnetic signals in a predetermined temporal pattern ensures a reliable connection by defining precise timing for the coupling process, where one vehicle acts as a server and the other as a client, allowing only the correct coupled vehicles to establish a connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a radio system is used for connection between towing vehicle and trailer controllers, then user interaction is not needed for acceptance, but reliable signal connection cannot be ensured when other motor vehicles are in direct proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a predetermined temporal signal pattern for electromagnetic signal transmission. The transmitting vehicle sends signals at specific time intervals in a recognizable pattern, and the receiving vehicle compares received signals against stored patterns. This periodic transmission with timing verification ensures that only the intended coupled vehicles establish connection, filtering out interference from other vehicles in proximity while maintaining automatic operation without user interaction.
2Device complexity
If electromagnetic signals are transmitted without precise timing, then connection establishment is simpler, but connection may be established with wrong vehicles leading to faulty assignments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a comparison mechanism where the receiving vehicle checks whether received electromagnetic signals match a stored signal pattern from the transmitting vehicle. This feedback loop verifies that signals originate from the correct coupled vehicle before establishing connection, ensuring assignment accuracy while adding only minimal complexity through pattern storage and comparison operations.
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
This approach ensures a reliable and cost-effective wireless assignment of a trailer to a towing vehicle, eliminating the need for user interaction and minimizing interference with other radio connections, while preventing faulty connections.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting electromagnetic signals from the first motor vehicle, with the electromagnetic signals being sent in a predetermined temporal signal pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assigning a first motor vehicle to a second motor vehicle by exchanging electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals are transmitted from the first motor vehicle in a predetermined temporal signal pattern and received by the second motor vehicle, where they are compared as to whether the received electromagnetic signals correspond to a signal pattern stored in the second motor vehicle. The first motor vehicle then is assigned as a function of the comparison. This method is particularly suited to assigning trailers to a towing vehicle.