Portable Automotive Diagnostic Device with Accelerometer Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle performance monitoring and diagnostic systems face challenges such as inaccurate distance and time measurements due to unknown starting points, wheel spin errors, and the need for complex equipment and mechanical expertise, particularly with accelerometer-based devices requiring precise alignment and being prone to errors from bouncing and tilting.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a high-resolution touch screen and accelerometer that detects vehicle movement independently of the onboard diagnostic system, correcting velocity data from the diagnostic port by generating and integrating accurate velocity values to calculate distance traveled, and switching to PID-based data after wheel spin cessation, providing a user-friendly interface for performance tuning and diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic equipment is used for vehicle performance monitoring, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device combines multiple functions including OBDII diagnostics, accelerometer-based performance measurement, drag strip timing, and dynamometer capabilities into a single unit. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive vehicle performance monitoring without requiring separate specialized equipment for each measurement type, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an accelerometer as an intermediary device that measures vehicle acceleration independently of the vehicle's existing sensor systems. This intermediary measurement approach allows the device to calculate velocity and distance without relying solely on the vehicle's onboard sensors, which may be inaccurate due to wheel spin or calibration issues. The accelerometer serves as a mediating element that provides independent verification and correction of performance data.
2Measurement precision
If accelerometer-based devices are used for performance measurement, then starting time detection is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary calibration of the accelerometer by comparing its initial readings against the vehicle's existing sensor data before actual performance measurement begins. This preliminary action establishes a baseline relationship between the accelerometer and the vehicle's coordinate system, allowing the device to compensate for minor misalignments without requiring extremely precise physical installation. The calibration process prepares the system in advance to handle alignment variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares accelerometer-derived velocity and position data with data from the vehicle's onboard sensors throughout the measurement process. This feedback mechanism allows the device to detect and correct for alignment errors in real-time by adjusting calculations based on the discrepancy between the two measurement systems. The feedback loop compensates for manufacturing and installation precision variations in the accelerometer alignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PID-based velocity data is used from onboard diagnostics, then data availability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to wheel spin and unknown starting points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from two independent sources: the vehicle's onboard PID-based velocity sensors and the externally mounted accelerometer. By combining these measurement systems, the device leverages the availability of existing onboard data while using the accelerometer to correct accuracy issues. The merged data approach allows the system to maintain adaptability to various vehicle types (since OBDII ports are standard) while improving measurement precision through cross-validation and error correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes mechanical wheel-based velocity measurement (which is susceptible to wheel spin errors) with an accelerometer-based inertial measurement system. The accelerometer measures acceleration directly without relying on wheel rotation, thereby eliminating errors caused by wheel spin, slipping, or incorrect tire size configurations. This substitution replaces a mechanically-coupled measurement system with an inertial sensing approach that is independent of the vehicle's drivetrain mechanics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and reliable vehicle performance monitoring and diagnostics, allowing users to tune engine performance, correct for wheel spin, and display operating conditions without complex equipment, offering improved accuracy and user-friendliness compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A portable device with a high-resolution touch screen and accelerometer that corrects velocity data errors by detecting the start time and wheel spin
Data Source
AI summary
A device and corresponding method for enabling a user to accurately control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle. A portable programmable computer device that a user can readily plug into a diagnostic connector port of the vehicle for providing the controlling, monitoring, and evaluating functions. Accurate detection of the start time of first movement of the vehicle is made based on data from an accelerometer, independent of the onboard diagnostic system and its diagnostics port. A clock is started for measuring time such that the precise time taken to reach the time-stamped first velocity value from the engine computer via the diagnostic port is determined. Data from the accelerometer and diagnostic port is analyzed and selectively used for accurately and reliably correcting for errors in velocity data from the onboard diagnostic system including latency error and errors due to the vehicle exhibiting wheel spin.