Vehicle Trailer Binary Communication via Voltage Swing Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-to-trailer communication systems experience voltage drops during braking events, leading to reduced braking force due to shifting ground levels and electrical noise, which interfere with binary signal integrity across the powerbus.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of transceivers in both the vehicle and trailer that generate or pull voltage to maintain binary communication through high and low voltage swings, using differential signal levels to compensate for ground shifts, allowing reliable data transmission across existing vehicle wiring like the Blue Wire Interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage is provided to trailer subsystems during braking events, then braking function is enabled, but voltage drops occur resulting in reduced braking force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator device (voltage regulator or power management system) between the vehicle battery and trailer brake subsystems. This intermediary maintains stable voltage levels by regulating power delivery, preventing voltage drops that would otherwise reduce braking force while still enabling the braking function during braking events.
2Reliability
If ground levels shift during braking events, then power delivery to trailers is maintained, but signal integrity deteriorates due to electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements equipotential bonding or grounding systems that maintain equal potential levels between vehicle and trailer during braking events. By creating equipotential zones, the system prevents ground shifts that cause electrical noise, thereby preserving signal integrity while maintaining power delivery to trailer subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shielding or filtering intermediaries in the communication circuits between vehicle and trailer. These intermediaries (such as shielded cables, ferrite beads, or electronic filters) block electrical noise from interfering with binary signals while allowing power to pass through, thus maintaining both power delivery and signal integrity during ground shifts.
3Device complexity
If existing vehicle wiring is used for communication, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components (such as voltage regulators, level shifters, or communication protocol handlers) integrated into the existing wiring system. These intermediaries compensate for voltage drops by actively managing signal levels, enabling reliable binary communication over the existing vehicle wiring without requiring a completely new communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the communication signals, such as adaptive voltage threshold detection or dynamic baud rate adjustment, to maintain communication reliability despite voltage variations in the existing wiring. By adjusting communication parameters in response to voltage conditions, the system achieves reliable data transmission without adding complex hardware.
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 reliable binary communication between vehicles and trailers despite voltage drops and shifting ground levels, maintaining data integrity and braking force during braking events by using RS232 transceivers capable of generating negative voltages and setting voltage thresholds relative to local ground levels.
Implementation Method 1
transceivers that generate voltage or pull negative voltage. Messages sent across the powerbus are the result of a series of high and low voltages over time
Implementation Method 2
Voltage swings are detected above and below voltage thresholds despite shifting ground levels
Implementation Method 3
using RS232 transceivers capable of generating negative voltages and setting voltage thresholds relative to local ground levels
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for binary communication between a vehicle and a trailer transmits high voltage and low voltage signals detectable as high bits and low bits aggregated into messages. A controller in the vehicle and trailer subsystems each include transceivers for transmitting messages across the vehicle's powerbus that are detectable when current flows across the powerbus. The apparatus and method are useful for controlling trailer brakes via a blue wire interface.