Automotive Pressure Gauge With Interchangeable Transducers and Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure measuring devices for automobiles are limited to measuring individual systems, require separate computers for data viewing, and lack data recording capabilities, with hoses needing manual fluid disposal after each test.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, portable digital automotive pressure gauge capable of measuring multiple vehicle systems, displaying and recording data, and logging it for analysis, featuring interchangeable transducers and a microSD card for data storage, allowing real-time monitoring during vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure measuring devices are used for different vehicle systems, then each system can be measured accurately, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by creating a single pressure measuring device that can measure multiple types of pressure (fuel pressure, power steering, engine oil pressure, transmission oil pressure, compression, diesel compression, high pressure oil systems, and diesel fuel pressure) through interchangeable transducers. Each transducer is designed for specific pressure ranges, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining measurement accuracy for each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pressure measuring device into modular components, specifically interchangeable transducers that can be selected based on the pressure range being measured. This segmentation allows the device to maintain precision for different pressure types while reducing overall complexity by using a single platform with replaceable modules rather than multiple separate devices.
2Reliability
If wired pressure testers use hoses to connect pressure gauge to application, then pressure can be transmitted, but fluid must be emptied after each test causing loss of time and substance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid disposal requirement from the measurement process by using electrical signal transmission instead of fluid coupling. The transducer converts pressure into electrical signals that are transmitted wirelessly or via electrical connections, eliminating the need for hoses and fluid transfer. This extraction of the fluid transmission function resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable pressure measurement while eliminating fluid loss and associated cleanup time.
3Productivity
If pressure testers only display live data and min/max values, then real-time monitoring is possible, but data recording and analysis capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating digital copies of pressure data through wireless transmission to external devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. The system captures pressure measurements and stores them as digital data that can be reviewed, analyzed, and stored indefinitely. This copying mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining real-time monitoring capabilities while adding comprehensive data recording and analysis features that go beyond simple min/max display.
4Measurement precision
If analog gauges are used in diagnostic test kits, then pressure can be read, but the mechanic becomes distracted from trying to read the gauge during road tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical analog gauge system with a digital wireless transmission system. Instead of requiring the mechanic to physically read an analog gauge while driving, the system wirelessly transmits pressure data to a mobile device or computer where the mechanic can view readings at their own pace. This substitution of mechanical display with digital communication resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation and reducing distraction during road tests.
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, real-time data recording and playback, reducing fluid loss and enabling remote readings, with features like digital needle gauges, live graph displays, and automatic Min/Max tracking, facilitating comprehensive vehicle diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure measuring sensor configured to communicate with an onboard computer... one of a series of transducers selectively carried by said communicative coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure measuring device/system that is capable of measuring the pressures of multiple systems in an automobile, including fuel pressure, power steering, engine oil pressure, transmission oil pressure, compression, diesel compression, high pressure oil systems, and diesel fuel pressure, and is capable of displaying and/or recording the measured pressure values. An onboard digital display receives a series of signals from a transducer and displays the series of signals as at least one of a digital needle gauge and a live graph display, and selectively displays the series of signals in a chart with two axes, one for signal and one for time.