Pull diagnostic system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "pull diagnostic system". A trailer diagnostic system includes: a detection circuit on a trailer vehicle; a load circuit including at least one electrical load corresponding to an electrical circuit of the towed vehicle; an electrical interface at the trailer vehicle, the electrical interface providing electrical communication between the load circuit and the detection circuit; and a user interface configured to display a graph including load information about the load circuit. The detection circuit includes a control circuit in communication with the user interface and the load circuit. The control circuit is configured to transmit a test signal to the load circuit, measure a response to the test signal from the load circuit, determine the load information based on the response to the test signal, and transmit an output to the user interface to present the graph.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a tow diagnostic system, and more particularly to a system for checking electrical connectivity and signaling of a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional tow connection test equipment can be limited in functionality and feedback. SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a tow diagnostic system includes a detection circuit on a tow vehicle, a load circuit including at least one electrical load corresponding to an electrical circuit of a towed vehicle, an electrical interface at the tow vehicle providing electrical communication between the load circuit and the detection circuit, and a user interface configured to display a graph including load information about the load circuit. The detection circuit includes a control circuit in communication with the user interface and the load circuit. The control circuit is configured to communicate a test signal to the load circuit, measure a response to the test signal from the load circuit, determine the load information based on the response to the test signal, and communicate an output to the user interface to present the graph.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure can include any one or combination of the following features:

[0005] - the graph includes electrical characteristic data measured over time;

[0006] - the electrical characteristic data includes a conduction state current through the load circuit;

[0007] - the tow diagnostic system includes a test meter configured to be inserted into the electrical interface, wherein the load circuit is disposed in the test meter;

[0008] - the test meter includes at least one electromagnet to simulate a trailer brake;

[0009] - the test meter includes at least one lighting device to simulate a trailer light, the control circuit is configured to compare the response to target response data, and determine a compatibility of the electrical circuit based on the comparison;

[0010] - the control circuit is configured to communicate the compatibility to the user interface, and wherein the user interface is configured to indicate the compatibility;

[0011] - the towed diagnostic system includes a database configured to store properties of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle, wherein the control circuit is configured to communicate the properties of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle in response to the electrical circuit being compatible; and

[0012] - the user interface is configured to display a pulse width modulated signal representative of the test signal.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a towed diagnostic system includes a detection circuit on a towed vehicle, a load circuit including at least one electrical load corresponding to an electrical circuit of a towed vehicle, an electrical interface at the towed vehicle providing electrical communication between the load circuit and the detection circuit, and a user interface configured to display a graph including load information about the load circuit. The graph includes electrical characteristic data measured over time. The detection circuit includes a control circuit in communication with the user interface and the load circuit. The control circuit is configured to communicate a test signal to the load circuit, measure a response to the test signal from the load circuit, determine the load information based on the response to the test signal, and communicate an output to the user interface to present the graph.

[0014] Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure can include any one or combination of the following features:

[0015] - the user interface is configured to display a pulse width modulated signal representative of the test signal;

[0016] - the electrical characteristic data includes a conduction state current through the load circuit;

[0017] - the towed diagnostic system includes a test meter configured to be plugged into the electrical interface, wherein the load circuit is disposed in the test meter;

[0018] - the test meter includes at least one electromagnet to simulate a trailer brake;

[0019] - the test meter includes at least one lighting device to simulate a trailer light;

[0020] - the control circuit is configured to compare the response to target response data and determine compatibility of the electrical circuit based on the comparison;

[0021] - the control circuit is configured to communicate the compatibility to the user interface, and wherein the user interface is configured to indicate the compatibility; and

[0022] - the towed diagnostic system comprises a database configured to store properties of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle, wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit the properties of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle in response to the electrical circuit being compatible.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a towed diagnostic system comprises: a detection circuit on a towed vehicle; a load circuit comprising at least one electrical load corresponding to an electrical circuit of a towed vehicle; an electrical interface at the towed vehicle providing electrical communication between the load circuit and the detection circuit; a tester configured to be plugged into the electrical interface. The load circuit is disposed in the tester. A user interface is configured to display a graph comprising load information about the load circuit. The graph comprises electrical characteristic data measured over time. The detection circuit comprises a control circuit in communication with the user interface and the load circuit. The control circuit is configured to transmit a test signal to the load circuit, measure a response to the test signal from the load circuit, determine the load information based on the response to the test signal, and transmit an output to the user interface to present the graph.

[0024] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a vehicle arrangement utilizing a towed diagnostic system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of a towed diagnostic system;

[0028] Figure 3A is a front plan view of a user interface of a towed diagnostic system presenting a user test screen; and

[0029] Figure 3B is a front plan view of a user interface presenting a technician test screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and can be carried out in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale; some aspects can be exaggerated or minimized to show details that can be of interest with the understanding that select aspects can be utilized or combined to include within the present disclosure. As such, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0031] The embodiments of the present disclosure primarily reside in the combination of method steps and device components related to a towed diagnostic system. Accordingly, device components and method steps have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Moreover, like reference numerals are intended to represent like elements throughout the specification.

[0032] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0033] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like can be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, foreclose the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the recited element.

[0034] As used herein, the term "about" means quantities, dimensions, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximated and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and other factors which are expected to occur when using and practicing the present disclosure. When the term "about" is used in reference to a value or range of endpoints, the disclosure should be understood to encompass the specific value or endpoint. Whether or not the term "about" is used, the endpoints of the ranges are not to be included when the specification states a value or range of values. It is to be understood that each range endpoint is significant and that the ranges are only approximate. It should also be understood that every range between the lower and upper limit values is contemplated and described herein as disclosing one example. Every lower limit of a range also contemplate and describes a range having an upper limit that is the lower limit plus any stated range or limiting values.

[0035] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or approximately planar surface. Moreover, "substantially" is intended to indicate that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" can indicate that a value is within about 10% of a stated value, such as within about 5%, or within about 2%.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an," mean "at least one," and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] Reference is now made to Figures 1 to 3B A tow diagnostic system is generally indicated at 10. The tow diagnostic system 10 can generally provide enhanced diagnostics and testing of signal connections and communications to a tow vehicle 12. The system 10 can utilize a tester 14 or a towed vehicle 16 connected to the tow vehicle 12 to perform at least a portion of various diagnostic measures. The system 10 generally provides enhanced user engagement and diagnostics by providing electrical load information and classification results. Thus, a dynamic solution can be provided by the tow diagnostic system 10.

[0038] Reference is now made to Figures 1 to 3BThe trailer diagnostic system 10 includes a detection circuit 18 on a towing vehicle 12 and a load circuit 20 including at least one electrical load 22 corresponding to electrical circuits of a towed vehicle 16. The trailer diagnostic system 10 also includes an electrical interface 24 at the towing vehicle 12 that provides electrical communication between the load circuit 20 and the detection circuit 18. The trailer diagnostic system 10 also includes a user interface 26 configured to display 40 a graph 28 including load information about the load circuit 20. The detection circuit 18 includes a control circuit 30 in communication with the user interface 26 and the load circuit 20. The control circuit 30 is configured to transmit a test signal to the load circuit 20, measure a response to the test signal from the load circuit 20, determine load information based on the response to the test signal, and transmit an output to the user interface 26 to present the graph.

[0039] It is contemplated that the graph 28 displayed by the user interface 26 can present electrical characteristic data measured over time. The electrical characteristic data can include current, voltage, resistance, capacitance, inductance, or any other electrical characteristic. In some examples, the electrical characteristic data includes on-state current through the load circuit 20. For example, the graph 28 can present a spike or change in current corresponding to the load circuit 20 being powered on.

[0040] The load circuit 20 can include any electrical load that can be powered via an electrical signal from the electrical interface 24 at the towing vehicle 12. For example, the load circuit 20 can include a brake 32, a light 34, a controller, a power source 36, or any other electrical device. The load circuit 20 can be located in the towed vehicle 16, such as a trailer, and / or in the test instrument 14. For example, the test instrument 14 can include various electrical components for simulating the electrical load 22 of the towed vehicle 16. It is contemplated that multiple towed vehicles 16 can operate with the electrical interface 24 such that some makes and / or models of towed vehicles 16 can allow for functional connection with the towed vehicle 16, while others do not. The test instrument 14 can be configured to test signaling from the detection circuit 18 and / or the control circuit 30 of a towed vehicle 16 that is compatible with the system 10. For example, the system 10 can store electrical information including compatible ranges of current voltage, etc. that can be used to detect whether a trailer model is operable with the towing vehicle 12.

[0041] It is also contemplated that the control circuit 30 can compare the response to target response data and determine compatibility of the electrical circuit based on the comparison. For example, different brakes 32 can be used for different make / model of towed vehicles. Certain makes / models can not be operable with the tow vehicle 12. Thus, the control circuit 30 can use the load data to determine whether such towed vehicle 16 is compatible with the tow vehicle 12. Thus, the tow diagnostic system 10 can be used to determine user error and / or limit compatibility issues by assigning a compatibility level or score (e.g., compatible or incompatible) for the load circuit 20. The compatibility can be communicated by the control circuit 30 to the user interface 26 and the user interface 26 can indicate the compatibility. In some examples, the database 46 is configured to store properties of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle 16 and the control circuit 30 is configured to communicate the properties of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle 16 in response to the electrical circuit being compatible. For example, the tester 14 can emulate a compatible make / model of the towed vehicle 16 and, for example, the database 46 can store a plurality of electrical properties corresponding to compatible towed vehicles 16. The control circuit 30 can compare the electrical properties detected by the detection circuit 18 to the database 46 to determine compatibility. The user interface 26 can communicate this compatibility to the user via the user interface 26 as will be further described herein.

[0042] Referring now to Figure 1 , the load circuit 20 is shown incorporated into each of the tester 14 and the towed vehicle 16. In this example, the towed device is a trailer having a plurality of electrical loads. The plurality of electrical loads 22 can be part of the load circuit 20 and include trailer lights, trailer brakes 32, and a power source 36 (e.g., a battery). The tester 14 can incorporate similar circuitry as the load circuit 20 of the towed vehicle 16. In this example, the tow vehicle 12 is shown as a truck, but any other vehicle employing the tow diagnostic system 10 of the present disclosure can be used.

[0043] As depicted, the tester 14 can include a housing and one or more switches or displays 40 for controlling the tester. Electrical circuitry in the tester 14 can incorporate electrical components that can mimic the lights 34, the brakes 32, the power source 36, etc. The tester 14 can also be configured to indicate compatibility by energizing an indicator. As shown, the tester 14 can also include a cable for connecting to the electrical interface 24. The towed vehicle 12 can include the detection circuit 18. The detection module 38 can have one or more electrical conductors 39 that extend between the detection module 38 and the electrical interface 24 at the rear of the vehicle. For example, the electrical interface 24 can include a plug or other electrical connector (e.g., male or female) that allows for receiving or engaging a cable from the towed vehicle 16 or the tester 14. When the tester 14 or the towed vehicle 16 is electrically connected with the detection circuit 18 via the electrical interface 24, the detection circuit 18 can be in electrical communication with the load circuit 20 and allow the control circuit 30 to initiate a diagnostic for controlling the lights 34, the brakes 32, or another electrical load.

[0044] While the load circuit 20 in the tester 14 can be similar to the load circuit 20 in the towed vehicle 16, it is contemplated that the electrical components in the tester 14 can be universal for all compatible models of the towed vehicle 16. For example, the tester 14 can include an indicator light that represents the lights 34 (e.g., brake lights, turn signal lights, or other lights) that are typically located on a trailer. The brakes 32 can be simulated by the tester 14 using an electromagnetic device such as a solenoid, the lights 34 can be simulated by light emitting diodes (LEDs), resistors, and / or incandescent bulbs, etc. Thus, while the electrical components can be different than those used in the towed vehicle 16, a basic setup or standard can be used for comparison with the response signal.

[0045] Reference is now made to Figure 2, the detection circuit 18 can include detection modules 38 in communication with the control circuit 30, which can each be coupled with the load circuit 20 in the test instrument 14 or in the towed vehicle 16. For example, internal wiring can be provided in the towed vehicle 12 to connect the detection circuit 18 with the electrical interface 24. The detection circuit 18 can include a controller having a processor and a memory. The memory can store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to communicate signals to the load circuit 20. The controller can be at least a portion of the detection modules 38 and / or the control circuit 30. It is contemplated that the detection circuit 18 can include multiple controllers, or alternatively, communicate with additional controllers, such as an ABS controller or another brake system controller of the towed vehicle 16. For example, the detection circuit 18 can be configured to communicate power and / or communication signals to the electrical interface 24 in response to receiving a brake command from a brake controller. Thus, the detection circuit 18 can include any circuitry for controlling communication of brake signals, lighting signals, charging signals, or any other signals exchanged with the load circuit 20.

[0046] With continued reference to Figure 2 , the user interface 26 can be in communication with the detection circuit 18 and configured to present information related to the electrical characteristics detected by the detection circuit 18. The detection circuit 18 can be controlled by a user via the user interface 26. For example, as will be further described with reference to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , a user can initiate a test routine via interaction with the display 40 of the user interface 26 that causes the detection circuit 18 to communicate test signals to the load circuit 20. The detection circuit 18 can also be in communication with a wireless network. For example, the communication interface can allow for wave radio communication, including or any other wireless communication protocol. While illustrated as a wireless network, the network 42 can include wired communication means in the towed vehicle 12. For example, the user interface 26 and the detection circuit 18 can be in wired communication via TCP / IP, Ethernet, USB, or any other communication protocol. However, in some examples, a remote device 44, such as a mobile device, can wirelessly access the wireless network 42 to access the detection circuit 18 and remotely initiate a test routine. Thus, the detection circuit 18 can be operated using a vehicle HMI or a remote mobile device that is able to access the wireless network 42.

[0047] While shown as remote from the detection circuit 18, the database 46 can be local to the vehicle in other examples. In the present example, the remote database 46 stores data of valid and / or compatible towed devices that can interact accurately with the detection circuit 18. The database 46 can be updated based on test results from the detection circuit 18. For example, the database 46 can store a new model of a trailer that was previously unknown to be compatible, but can add the new model as compatible and store accordingly. Other users can access the database 46 via access to a separate wireless network. In this way, the data in the database 46 can be updated according to use of other test meters assigned to other users. While shown as incorporated into the remote database 46, it is contemplated that compatible trailer makes / models can be stored locally in a memory of the detection module 38 and / or another memory of the detection circuit 18.

[0048] Still referring to Figure 2 The load circuit 20 can include electrical loads typically disposed in a towed device. For example, a left turn light, a right turn light 34, other lights 34, a brake light 34, a battery, a circuit, etc. can be disposed in the load circuit 20. Accordingly, the test meter 14 can include an electromagnet to simulate the brake 32, an LED to simulate illumination, and / or a resistor, etc. It is contemplated that the load circuit 20 disposed in the test meter 14 can be adaptable to a plurality of operable trailer makes and models. For example, the electrical load 22 can represent an average, median, or other statistical property of values in a list of compatible electrical values (e.g., resistance, voltage, etc.).

[0049] During testing, the detection circuit 18 can transmit a test signal to the load circuit 20 via the electrical interface 24. With the load circuit 20 in the towed vehicle 16 and connected to the towing vehicle 12, the detection circuit 18 can measure a response from the load circuit 20 of the towed vehicle 16. For example, a power draw, a voltage, a current fluctuation, an inductive reading, a capacitive reading, etc. can be measured by the detection circuit 18 to classify the towed vehicle 16 as compatible or incompatible. For example, the detection circuit 18 can include an operable range of resistance values or an operable range of current load values. In response to a pulse width modulated signal, various blinking routines or actuation routines can be performed on the load circuit 20 of the towed vehicle 16. In response to a response signal from the test signal, the detection circuit 18 can classify the model of the towing vehicle 12. For example, some trailers can incorporate a brake 32, while other towed vehicles 16 can not have a brake 32. Accordingly, the test can result in a classification of the towed vehicle 16. Other more refined classifications can occur, such as detecting a particular illumination utilized by the towed vehicle 16. For example, a lit light emitting diode, an incandescent light, etc. can be distinguished based on electrical properties.

[0050] Referring now toFigure 3A and Figure 3B The user interface 26 can be configured to present a plurality of screens 48, 50, such as a first screen 48( Figure 3A ) and a second screen 50( Figure 3B ). Generally, the user interface 26 can be a human-machine interface HMI of the vehicle or a mobile device of a user. For example, the user interface 26 can be a phone away from the vehicle for testing the load circuit 20. In some examples, the system 10 can be used to perform remote testing( Figure 3A ) or local testing( Figure 3A ). For example, a user can connect a tow vehicle 12 to a towed vehicle 16 at a technician facility or away from the technician facility. Alternatively, the tow vehicle can be away from the testing facility and the towed vehicle 12 can be tested via the tester 14. For example, a technician at a technician center can plug in the tester 14 and test the signaling of the towed vehicle 12 via the load circuit 20 in the tester 14.

[0051] With specific reference to Figure 3A The first screen 48 can include various objects 52 for performing user tests on the towed vehicle 16 or the tester 14. For example, the lights 34 can be tested in response to a test signal and confirmed as operable or inoperable. In this way, a user can test the operability of the towed vehicle 16. However, in the event of a power outage or interoperability detected by the system 10, the source of the error can be determined by the system 10 using the tow vehicle tester 14. For example, as shown in Figure 3B detailed electrical characteristic information can be determined by the detection circuit 18 and compared to threshold information to determine error patterns. For example, the towed vehicle 16 can have a broken light 34 or brake 32. In this case, user tests operable from the first screen 48 can allow a user to diagnose the error as being with the towed vehicle 12. However, in the event that a user suspects an error with the controller, a repair technician can test the signaling of the controller / detection circuit 18 by plugging in the tester 14 and testing the operability of the signaling within the towed vehicle 12. In this way, the system 10 can provide enhanced diagnosis and error source detection. For example, if the system 10 determines the operability of the signaling to the electrical interface 24 (or using the tester 14), the towed vehicle 12 or the towed vehicle 16 can be diagnosed as the source of the error. The system 10 can further refine and classify the source of the error by classifying the electrical characteristics read from testing the load circuit 20 of the towed vehicle 16.

[0052] As Figure 3BAs shown, the plot 28 of electrical characteristics of the brake 32 can include test signals and detections of test signals. For example, the test signals can be pulse width modulated signals of current and / or voltage delivered to the load circuit 20. In response, the voltage or current can be read by the detection circuit 18. The magnitude or polarity of the voltage or current can be monitored and stored in the database 46 Figure 2 ) in this way, the operability of the towed vehicle 12 can be categorized. In this way, data can be collected about common and operable trailers for use with the system 10. It is also contemplated that the system 10 can track and identify ranges of electrical characteristics, as indicated in the information presented at the first object and the second object 52 presented in Figure 3B .

[0053] It is contemplated that the menus presented in Figure 3B may be accessible only via a technician in some examples (e.g., a debug menu), while the menus presented in Figure 3A may be accessible by a user or customer to test the operable connection of the brakes 32 and lights 34 of the towed vehicle 16.

[0054] In general, the system 10 allows for diagnostic detection and categorization using electrical characteristics of the towed vehicle 16 and / or the remote test instrument 14.

[0055] It should be understood that changes and modifications to the structures described herein can be made without departing from the concepts of the disclosure, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of these concepts.

[0056] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a tow diagnostic system having a detection circuit on a towed vehicle, a load circuit including at least one electrical load corresponding to an electrical circuit of the towed vehicle, an electrical interface at the towed vehicle providing electrical communication between the load circuit and the detection circuit, and a user interface configured to display a plot including load information about the load circuit, wherein the detection circuit includes a control circuit in communication with the user interface and the load circuit, the control circuit configured to deliver a test signal to the load circuit, measure a response from the load circuit to the test signal, determine the load information based on the response to the test signal, and deliver an output to the user interface to present the plot.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the plot includes electrical characteristic data measured over time.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the electrical characteristic data includes a conduction state current through the load circuit.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the present application further features a tester configured to plug into the electrical interface, wherein the load circuit is disposed in the tester.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the tester includes at least one electromagnet to simulate a trailer brake.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the tester includes at least one lighting device to simulate a trailer light.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the control circuit is configured to compare the response to target response data; and determine compatibility of the electrical circuit based on the comparison.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the control circuit is configured to communicate the compatibility to the user interface, and wherein the user interface is configured to indicate the compatibility.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the present application further features a database configured to store properties of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle, wherein the control circuit is configured to communicate the properties of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle in response to the electrical circuit being compatible.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the user interface is configured to display a pulse width modulated signal representative of the test signal.

[0066] According to the present application, there is provided a tow diagnostic system having a detection circuit on a towed vehicle; a load circuit including at least one electrical load corresponding to an electrical circuit of a towed vehicle; an electrical interface at the towed vehicle providing electrical communication between the load circuit and the detection circuit; and a user interface configured to display a graph including load information about the load circuit, wherein the graph includes electrical characteristic data measured over time, and wherein the detection circuit includes a control circuit in communication with the user interface and the load circuit, the control circuit configured to: communicate a test signal to the load circuit; measure a response to the test signal from the load circuit; determine the load information based on the response to the test signal; and communicate an output to the user interface to present the graph.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the user interface is configured to display a pulse width modulated signal representative of the test signal.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the electrical characteristic data comprises a conduction state current through the load circuit.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the present application further features a tester configured to plug into the electrical interface, wherein the load circuit is disposed in the tester.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the tester comprises at least one electromagnet to simulate a trailer brake.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the tester comprises at least one lighting device to simulate a trailer light.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control circuit is configured to compare the response to target response data; and determine compatibility of the electrical circuit based on the comparison.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control circuit is configured to communicate the compatibility to the user interface, and wherein the user interface is configured to indicate the compatibility.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the present application further features a database configured to store properties of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle, wherein the control circuit is configured to communicate the properties of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle in response to the electrical circuit being compatible.

[0075] According to the present application, there is provided a tow diagnostic system having a detection circuit on a tow vehicle; a load circuit comprising at least one electrical load corresponding to an electrical circuit of a towed vehicle; an electrical interface at the tow vehicle providing electrical communication between the load circuit and the detection circuit; a tester configured to plug into the electrical interface, wherein the load circuit is disposed in the tester; and a user interface configured to display a graph comprising load information about the load circuit, wherein the graph comprises electrical characteristic data measured over time, and wherein the detection circuit comprises a control circuit in communication with the user interface and the load circuit, the control circuit configured to: communicate a test signal to the load circuit; measure a response to the test signal from the load circuit; determine the load information based on the response to the test signal; and communicate an output to the user interface to present the graph.

Claims

1. A tow diagnostic system comprising: a detection circuit on a tow vehicle; a load circuit, the load circuit comprising at least one electrical load corresponding to an electrical circuit of a towed vehicle; an electrical interface at the tow vehicle, the electrical interface providing electrical communication between the load circuit and the detection circuit; and a user interface configured to display a graph comprising load information about the load circuit, wherein the detection circuit comprises a control circuit in communication with the user interface and the load circuit, the control circuit configured to: communicate a test signal to the load circuit; measure a response to the test signal from the load circuit; determine the load information based on the response to the test signal; and communicate an output to the user interface to present the graph.

2. The tow diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the graph comprises electrical characteristic data measured over time.

3. The tow diagnostic system of claim 2, wherein the electrical characteristic data comprises a conduction state current through the load circuit.

4. The tow diagnostic system of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a tester configured to be plugged into the electrical interface, wherein the load circuit is disposed in the tester.

5. The tow diagnostic system of claim 4, wherein the tester comprises at least one electromagnet to simulate a trailer brake.

6. The tow diagnostic system of claim 4, wherein the tester comprises at least one lighting device to simulate a trailer light.

7. The tow diagnostic system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control circuit is configured to: compare the response to target response data; and determine a compatibility of the electrical circuit based on the comparison.

8. The tow diagnostic system of claim 7, wherein the control circuit is configured to communicate the compatibility to the user interface, and wherein the user interface is configured to indicate the compatibility.

9. The tow diagnostic system of claim 8, further comprising: a database configured to store a property of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle, wherein the control circuit is configured to communicate the property of the electrical circuit of the towed vehicle in response to the electrical circuit being compatible.

10. The tow diagnostic system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the user interface is configured to display a pulse width modulated signal representative of the test signal. ​ ​

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