Transport refrigeration system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transport refrigeration systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and evaluating data due to the limitations of pico scopes and break-out boxes, which are time-consuming and provide limited access to the controller area network bus, hindering real-time monitoring and diagnostics.

Innovation Solution

An adapter with a cable and connectors is used to directly connect a portable device to the control system's CAN bus, allowing for real-time access and enhanced data collection through a nine-pin serial connection, enabling direct connection to the engine emission system port and interface bus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pico scopes or recorders are used to collect data, then data collection is possible, but the process is time-consuming and evaluation is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoiddata evaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a break-out box as an intermediary device that connects to the CAN bus and provides multiple access points. This allows portable devices to directly access real-time data from the transport refrigeration system's control network, eliminating the need for time-consuming data collection with pico scopes and enabling immediate evaluation of system parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a break-out box is used to access the CAN bus, then access is possible, but the connection is not directly connectable to the network and information is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess capabilityVSAvoiddata accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The break-out box is designed with multiple connectors and interfaces that can accommodate various portable devices and communication protocols. It provides universal access to the CAN bus network, enabling different types of diagnostic tools and portable devices to connect directly and access comprehensive real-time information without limitations.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard connectors are used for portable devices, then compatibility is improved, but direct connection to the control system port is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidconnection simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter cable serves as an intermediary component with a first connector for standard portable devices and a second connector that directly interfaces with the control system's CAN bus port. This intermediary cable bridges the connection gap, maintaining compatibility with standard devices while enabling direct access to the control network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4144585B1Transport refrigeration system
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 CARRIER CORP
  • EP4144585B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4144585B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4144585B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An adapter 100 for connecting a portable device 90 to a control system of a transport refrigeration system includes a cable 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 108. A first connector 106 is arranged at the first end 104 of the cable 102 and a second connector 110 is arranged at the second end 108 of the cable 102. The first connector 106 is connectable to the portable device 90 and the second connector 110 is receivable within a port of the control system.