Trailer V2X Operating Modes for Consistent Low-Latency Data Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trailer communication systems lack independent and standardized operation, leading to inconsistent data exchange and dependency on towing vehicle infrastructure, which hampers traffic safety and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and trailer communication module that enable low-latency, independent data exchange via a wireless V2X connection, allowing the trailer to select and transmit data independently, without intermediaries, using a direct or indirect V2X data connection, and operate in various modes based on coupling status, ensuring data integrity and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication modules are installed within a single vehicle (towing vehicle and trailer), then data exchange capability is improved, but data consistency deteriorates due to contradictions between modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoiddata consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into a towing vehicle communication module and a trailer communication module, with each module independently managing its own V2X communication. The trailer module independently selects and activates operating modes and transmits trailer-specific data, while the towing vehicle module handles towing vehicle data, thereby preventing data contradictions while maintaining comprehensive data exchange capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A data fusion unit is introduced as an intermediary that receives data from both the towing vehicle communication module and the trailer communication module, resolves any contradictions between the data streams, and outputs consistent integrated data. This mediator ensures data consistency while allowing both modules to operate independently with full adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the trailer communication module operates independently with standardized V2X connection, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer communication module is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in multiple modes (first operating mode for direct V2X communication, second operating mode for alternative communication paths) and performing various functions (data transmission, mode selection, contradiction resolution). This universal design enables the module to maintain standardized V2X communication reliability while adapting to different operational scenarios without requiring entirely separate systems for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The trailer communication module dynamically selects and activates different operating modes based on real-time conditions and road user requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain communication reliability across varying operational contexts while managing complexity through intelligent software control rather than hardware multiplication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If data transmission latency is reduced for real-time communication, then traffic safety is improved, but data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission latencyVSAvoiddata processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer communication module pre-selects relevant trailer data based on the activated operating mode and road user context before transmission is needed. By performing preliminary data selection and preparation, the system reduces the time required for actual data transmission while managing processing requirements through intelligent pre-processing rather than reactive handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4097996B1Method for exchanging data between a trailer and a road user, trailer communication module and trailer
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 ZF CV SYST GLOBAL GMBH
  • EP4097996B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4097996B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4097996B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for transmitting data (D1, D5) between a trailer (1) and a road user (5) in a vehicle environment (U), wherein the data (D1, D5) is transmitted in a low-latency manner via a wireless V2X data connection (3) between a trailer communication module (2) of the trailer (1) and a road user communication module (4) of the road user (5) according to a V2X standard (V2XS), wherein the wireless data connection (3) is formed directly between the trailer communication module (2) and the road user communication module (4) or indirectly via a distribution station (3a), wherein the distribution station (3a) directly forwards the transmitted data (D1, D5), wherein the trailer communication module (2) independently selects an operating mode (BM) according to the respective road user (5) and activates same, wherein, according to the activated operating mode (BM), trailer data (D1) relating to the trailer (1) is selected and independently transmitted via the wireless V2X data connection (3) according to the V2X standard (V2XS), and/or road user data (D5) provided by road users (5) and relating to the road users (5) is received and independently processed according to the V2X standard (V2XS).