Alternator Starter Tester Active Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alternator and starter motor testers have limited capabilities due to available power supply limitations, leading to potential tripping of protection mechanisms and inefficient testing, especially when dealing with equipment of varying efficiencies or defects.
Innovation Solution
An alternator and starter motor tester with active load control circuitry, including a power supply monitor that cuts off power if it exceeds a predetermined threshold, ensuring safe and efficient testing by communicating with a processor and memory to manage power supply effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a direct current (DC) power source is used to power the starter motor and bias the alternator during testing, then the testing capability is provided, but the maximum rating is limited by the available power supply and efficiency variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply control where the power source can be switched between different modes (biasing mode and testing mode) based on the component being tested. The system dynamically adjusts power delivery characteristics to match different alternator and starter motor requirements, overcoming the limitation of a fixed power supply rating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power supply parameters (voltage, current, resistance) dynamically during testing. The power source can adjust its output characteristics to accommodate different efficiency levels of tested equipment, allowing the same power supply to handle a wide range of power requirements without tripping protection mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power supply is increased to test equipment with lower efficiency or defects, then more comprehensive testing is enabled, but the power supply protection may trip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control where the system monitors the actual power consumption during testing and adjusts the power supply accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify when a component is defective or has low efficiency and automatically reduces power delivery to prevent protection tripping, while still enabling comprehensive testing of the full range of equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary testing at reduced power levels to identify potential issues before full-power testing. This staged approach allows the system to detect defects early and prevent power supply tripping by avoiding excessive power delivery to faulty components while still enabling comprehensive testing of functional equipment.
3Reliability
If the power supply is limited to prevent protection tripping, then safety is maintained, but testing efficiency and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on real-time monitoring of the tested component's response. When a component is functioning properly, the system can deliver full power for efficient and accurate testing. When a component shows signs of defect or low efficiency, the system automatically reduces power to prevent protection tripping, thus maintaining both safety and testing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic testing at low power to assess component condition before initiating full-power testing. This preliminary action identifies potential issues early, allowing the system to adjust power levels accordingly and maintain high testing efficiency while preventing protection tripping through proactive power management.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic system configured to testing a performance of a vehicle component may include a processor configured to process test information from the vehicle component and control the vehicle component to be tested. The diagnostic system may also include a memory configured to store the test information of the vehicle component and software that operates the vehicle component. The diagnostic system may further include a monitoring module configured to monitor a power supply provided to perform the testing of the vehicle component and cuts off the power supply when the power exceeds a predetermined threshold.