Systems and methods for supplying power to a vehicle trailer
First Claim
1. A system for supplying power to a vehicle trailer, comprising:
- a connection device configured to connect the vehicle trailer to a vehicle power line and to a control line from a vehicle electrical system;
a main trailer electrical system coupled to the connection device that receives power from the vehicle power line, wherein the main trailer electrical system requires power only when the vehicle trailer is in motion;
an auxiliary trailer electrical system; and
a control unit coupled to the connection device that receives a control signal from the control line and that switchably couples the auxiliary trailer electrical system to the vehicle power line based on the control signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for supplying power to a vehicle trailer. A connection device may be used to connect the vehicle trailer to a vehicle power line and to a control line from a vehicle electrical system. The trailer may include a main trailer electrical system and an auxiliary trailer electrical system. The main trailer electrical system requires power only when the vehicle trailer is in motion, and may be coupled to the connection device to receive power from the vehicle power line. A control unit may be coupled to the connection device, and may receive a control signal from the control line. The control unit may be used to switchably couple the auxiliary trailer electrical system to the vehicle power line based on the control signal.
33 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A system for supplying power to a vehicle trailer, comprising:
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a connection device configured to connect the vehicle trailer to a vehicle power line and to a control line from a vehicle electrical system; a main trailer electrical system coupled to the connection device that receives power from the vehicle power line, wherein the main trailer electrical system requires power only when the vehicle trailer is in motion; an auxiliary trailer electrical system; and a control unit coupled to the connection device that receives a control signal from the control line and that switchably couples the auxiliary trailer electrical system to the vehicle power line based on the control signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for supplying power to a vehicle trailer, comprising:
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receiving a signal to activate auxiliary power in the trailer; in response to receiving the signal to activate auxiliary power, coupling an auxiliary trailer electrical system to a vehicle power line, the vehicle power line also supplying power to a main trailer electrical system when the vehicle trailer is in motion; monitoring a control line for a brake light signal; and if the brake light signal is detected, then disconnecting the auxiliary trailer electrical system from the vehicle power line to supply full power to the main trailer electrical system. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A control unit for use in a system for supplying power to a vehicle trailer, the system including a main trailer electrical system that receives power from a vehicle power line and an auxiliary trailer electrical system, the control unit comprising:
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a controlled switching device configured to switchably couple the auxiliary trailer electrical system to the vehicle power line; a timer circuit coupled to an auxiliary power switch and to a brake light line; the timer circuit being configured to cause the controlled switching device to connect the auxiliary trailer electrical system to the vehicle power line in response to receiving a signal from the auxiliary power switch; and the timer circuit being further configured to cause the controlled switching device to disconnect the auxiliary trailer electrical system from the vehicle power line in response to receiving a brake light signal on the brake light line. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A vehicle trailer, comprising:
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a connection device configured to connect the vehicle trailer to a vehicle power line and to a brake light line; a braking system coupled to the connection device that receives power from the vehicle power line; a trailer lighting system that includes one or more interior cargo lights; an auxiliary switching circuit; and a control unit coupled to the connection device and the auxiliary switching circuit, and configured to switchably connect the trailer lighting system to the vehicle power line; the control unit being configured to connect the trailer lighting system to the vehicle power line in response to receiving a signal from the auxiliary switching circuit; and the control unit being configured to disconnect the trailer lighting system from the vehicle power line in response to receiving a brake light signal from the brake light line.
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Specification