Wireless Tractor Trailer Diagnostic Tool for Single-Operator Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tractor trailer testing and diagnostic systems require a physical apparatus for direct connection to the electrical and air brake systems, necessitating two individuals for operation and results reading, and lack data retention capabilities for trend analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system with a housing containing various tractor trailer ports, a circuit board generating electrical and pressure signals, a wireless transceiver for remote data transmission, and an electronic device with a graphic user interface for displaying and storing test results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a physical apparatus with direct connection to electrical and air brake systems is used, then testing accuracy is improved, but the number of operators required increases from one to two
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication module serves as an intermediary between the testing apparatus and the operator's display device. The apparatus connects to the tractor trailer's electrical and air brake systems, while the wireless module transmits test data and diagnostic results wirelessly to a handheld device or dashboard display, eliminating the need for a second operator to physically read results from external ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical connection requirement with wireless electronic communication. Instead of requiring physical proximity to read test results from external ports, the system uses wireless transmission (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless protocols) to deliver diagnostic data to the operator's device, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic data transmission.
2Speed
If test results are displayed only on external devices, then real-time monitoring is improved, but data retention and trend analysis capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges real-time display functionality with data storage and historical analysis capabilities into a single integrated solution. The wireless communication module not only transmits live test data to external devices for immediate monitoring but also stores data locally in onboard memory and synchronizes with remote servers or cloud storage, combining multiple functions that were previously separate.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a real-time monitoring device and a historical data repository. The system can display results immediately on connected devices while simultaneously archiving data for later analysis, trend identification, and predictive maintenance, making a single device perform multiple roles that previously required separate systems.
3Reliability
If two individuals are required for testing, then operational safety is improved, but testing efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system incorporates self-diagnostic and self-monitoring capabilities that allow the single operator to safely conduct tests without assistance. The apparatus automatically monitors test parameters, detects anomalies, provides real-time alerts, and guides the operator through proper procedures, enabling the operator to perform functions that previously required a second person while maintaining safety standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for testing a tractor trailer is disclosed. The system includes a housing having connections for establishing an electrical and pressure connection to the electrical system and ABS of a tractor trailer, respectively, a circuit board that generates electrical signals and pressure signals corresponding to the connections, an electronic device for displaying the electrical signals and pressure signals, a wireless transceiver for transmitting the electrical signals and pressure signals to the electronic device, and a memory for storing the transmitted electrical signals and pressure signals. The method includes connecting the tractor trailer electrical system and ABS connections to the housing, powering on the tractor trailer, querying an electrical signal and/or pressure signal of the electrical system and ABS, wirelessly transmitting the electrical signal and/or pressure signal to an electronic device, and displaying the electrical signal and/or pressure signal on the electronic device.