Truck-Trailer Interface for High-Speed Data and Legacy Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer-towing vehicle interfaces face limitations in data transmission rates due to outdated communication protocols and compatibility issues across vehicles of different ages, preventing the use of modern sensory equipment and high-speed data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A communication interface using ISO12098 connectors with repurposed IEEE 802.3ab protocol for high-speed data transfer, combined with a digital status detector and configurable ECU for switching between high-speed and legacy modes, allowing up to 1 Gbit/s data transfer while maintaining backward compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a new high-speed communication interface is defined, then data transmission rate is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring new vehicles to have both old and new interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing ISO 12098 connector multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional low-speed signals and high-speed Ethernet signals through the same physical interface. The ECU detects the communication capability of the connected vehicle and dynamically switches between legacy mode (for vehicles without high-speed capability) and high-speed mode (for vehicles with high-speed capability), allowing a single connector design to serve both purposes without requiring separate connectors for different communication speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the existing connector by repurposing available pins to carry Ethernet signals when high-speed communication is detected. The system modifies signal transmission characteristics dynamically based on the connected vehicle's capabilities, allowing the same physical infrastructure to operate at different speed levels without hardware changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy communication protocols are used, then compatibility with existing vehicles is maintained, but data transmission rate deteriorates preventing use of modern sensory equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication system where the ECU automatically detects whether the connected vehicle supports high-speed communication and switches between legacy and high-speed modes accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain compatibility with older vehicles while seamlessly utilizing high-speed transmission when available, eliminating the need for manual configuration or separate interface designs
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU acts as an intermediary that manages communication between the trailer and towing vehicles of different generations. It detects the communication capabilities of the connected vehicle and mediates the signal transmission accordingly, translating between legacy and high-speed protocols as needed to ensure seamless operation across the entire vehicle fleet
Data Source
AI summary
A communication interface is provided between a towing vehicle and a trailer, which are connected by a plurality of connectors compliant with standards selected from ISO12098, ISO7638, ISO1185, ISO3731, ISO11446. Digital signals are transmissible between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle via an ISO11992-3 CAN bus. Pins on the towing vehicles are connected to pins on the towed vehicle by twisted pairs of wires adapted to carry a digital differential signal to provide higher speed data transmission between the vehicles.