Quick reliable power and/or data transfer system between tow vehicle and trailer via hitch and hitch receiver coupling

Abstract

A quick reliable power and data transfer system between tow vehicle and trailer via hitch and hitch receiver mechanical coupling. The hitch and hitch receiver couplings are mated for proper towing and are considered to be a physical connection. This system uses this physical connection between trailer and tow vehicle to transfer power and data. The system then eliminates the additional wiring harness interconnections between trailer and tow vehicle, thus increasing the speed of trailer hookup and enhancing the reliability of the power/data transfer. Typical additional wiring harnesses and plugs are often corroded, crushed, severed, difficult to locate and mate in low ambient lighting or are otherwise damaged. This system eliminates the negative effects of these wiring harnesses by using the tow vehicle's hitch to transmit power and data to the trailer. The trailer's hitch receiver then receives the power supply and data as well as transmits data back to the tow vehicle to provide system/trailer status information. Both the tow vehicle and trailer hold a control circuit for operation of the power/data link and trailer subsystems. A preferred embodiment includes additional trailer electrical components/subsystems such as, a trailer lighting and signaling subsystem, status and fault information reporting and an operator display mounted in the tow vehicle to inform/warn the tow vehicle operator. A preferred embodiment includes a non-electrical contact method of power and data transfer via inductive coupling, further enhancing the reliability of the power/data link.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.