Trailer Wireless Connection Trigger Signal Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for establishing a wireless network between a trailer vehicle and a second transceiver outside the vehicle, such as a smartphone, face challenges in ensuring simple and definite verification of the connection, often requiring elaborate input of multi-digit identification numbers and struggling with identity confusion between trailer vehicles, especially in large depots.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates a trigger signal in the tractor vehicle to initiate a wireless connection with the trailer vehicle's control unit, using a provisional connection confirmed by the driver through a confirmation request, which transitions to a continuous connection if acknowledged within a defined time period, leveraging existing wireless standards like WLAN or Bluetooth, and utilizing a smartphone with specific software for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a list of permitted MAC addresses is stored in memory and additional entries are made to the smartphone, then identity confusion is avoided, but the connection process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the verification process from the driver's smartphone and relocates it to the trailer vehicle's control unit. The control unit automatically manages the verification by receiving a trigger signal, establishing a provisional connection, and sending confirmation requests, thereby simplifying the driver's task while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary confirmation request mechanism that mediates between the driver's smartphone and the trailer vehicle's control unit. This intermediary process automates the verification steps, reducing manual input requirements while ensuring reliable identity confirmation
2Reliability
If manual entry of multi-digit identification numbers is required, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing the connection verification process. The control unit autonomously handles trigger signal reception, provisional connection establishment, and confirmation request transmission, eliminating the need for manual entry of identification numbers while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the control unit with the ability to automatically process verification. The system is prepared in advance to receive trigger signals and manage the confirmation process, reducing the need for manual intervention during actual connection setup
3Ease of operation
If a single MAC address is stored in memory, then connection process is simplified, but identity confusion cannot be fully prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit send confirmation requests to the smartphone and wait for acknowledgment within a defined time period. This feedback loop ensures that even with a single MAC address stored, the system can verify the correct trailer vehicle through automated confirmation exchange
4Ease of operation
If automated confirmation process is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, handling both the electronic brake system control and the wireless connection verification processes. By integrating these functions into a single control unit, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware, thereby managing complexity while providing automated confirmation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing a wireless connection between a first transceiver in a trailer vehicle (12) having an electronic braking system and at least one second transceiver outside of the trailer vehicle (12) is disclosed. The first transceiver is assigned to an electronic control unit (14, 22) in the trailer vehicle (12), which is coupled to a tractor vehicle (10) and a wired connection (15, 16, 17) exists. In the method, a) a trigger signal is generated in the tractor vehicle (10) and transmitted the control unit (14, 22); b) the first transceiver establishes a preliminary connection to the at least one second transceiver, c) the at least one second transceiver indicates via an output unit the preliminary connection, and d) if conditions are met, a permanent connection between the first transceiver and the second transceiver is established.