Wireless Inductive Connector for Towed Vehicle Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing vehicle systems require complex and costly wired electrical connections with multiple connectors or adapters to provide power and control signals to towed vehicles, which are prone to corrosion and reliability issues due to exposure to weather elements.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electrical coupling system using transceivers with coils for inductive coupling, allowing for the transmission of electric power and control data between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, eliminating the need for physical connectors and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired electrical connectors are used between towing vehicle and towed vehicle, then electric power and control signals can be transmitted, but the system becomes complex and costly requiring multiple connectors or adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connector system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power and data transmission system. The towing vehicle includes a transmitter that wirelessly transmits power and control signals, while the towed vehicle includes a receiver that captures these signals. This eliminates the need for physical electrical connectors, adapters, and wiring harnesses, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable power and control signal transmission.
2Power
If wired electrical connectors are exposed to weather elements, then power transmission is achieved, but corrosion and contamination affect connection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transmission system replaces exposed mechanical electrical connectors with electromagnetic field-based power and data transmission. The transmitter on the towing vehicle and receiver on the towed vehicle communicate wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical connectors that are exposed to rain, snow, salt, and other corrosive environmental elements. This maintains full power transmission capability while removing the vulnerability to weather-related corrosion and contamination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors or adapters are provided for different towing standards, then compatibility is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transmission system provides universal compatibility across different towing standards (4-pin, 7-pin, and other configurations) by using a single transmitter-receiver pair that communicates wirelessly. The system can transmit multiple signal types (power, ground, brake lights, turn signals, running lights) through the wireless electromagnetic channel, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors and adapters while maintaining full compatibility with various towing vehicle and towed vehicle configurations.
4Ease of operation
If wired connectors are used, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but infrequent use and outdoor storage lead to connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless system replaces the manual connection and disconnection of wired connectors with automatic wireless pairing between the transmitter on the towing vehicle and the receiver on the towed vehicle. This eliminates the need for users to physically plug and unplug connectors, reducing the risk of connection failures due to infrequent use, corrosion from outdoor storage, or improper mating. The wireless system maintains reliable operation regardless of storage conditions or usage frequency.
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
The wireless system provides a simple, reliable, and adaptable means of powering and controlling towed vehicle lights and brakes, reducing complexity and cost while enhancing durability against environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
The first transceiver may include a first coil and the second transceiver may include a second coil, the wireless electric power signal being inductively coupled between the first coil and the second coil
Implementation Method 2
the wireless electric power signal being inductively coupled between the first coil and the second coil (i.e. coupling through magnetic-resonance also termed: magnetic resonant coupling—MRC)
Data Source
AI summary
A towing vehicle/towed vehicle connection system for operably electrically coupling a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle, the system includes a first transceiver disposed on the towing vehicle to provide a wireless electric power signal. A second transceiver is disposed on the towed vehicle and is wirelessly coupled to the first transceiver to receive the wireless electric power signal. The second transceiver is further coupled to the provide energizing electric power to the towed vehicle.