Capacitive Alternator Tester Reduces Power and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alternator and starter motor testers require high power, leading to expensive, bulky, and energy-intensive systems with increased costs, size, and weight, while seeking to maintain high accuracy in testing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a capacitive element that provides an additional power source, allowing for the use of smaller and less costly circuit components, with the capacitive element being charged by these components when the tester is not in use, and utilizing a diagnostic system with a processor, memory, and charging module to control and store test information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a direct current (DC) power source is used to power the starter motor and bias the alternator during testing, then the capability and accuracy of the alternator and starter tester is achieved, but the cost, size, and weight of the tester increases due to expensive and bulky circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive element is charged in advance during periods when the tester is not in use, storing energy that can be quickly discharged during testing. This preliminary charging action eliminates the need for large, bulky power supply components during actual testing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power delivery parameter by using a capacitive element that can rapidly discharge stored energy. This allows the use of smaller circuit components compared to traditional DC power sources, reducing the overall size and weight of the tester while maintaining testing capability.
2Measurement precision
If high power is used to achieve desired accuracy when testing the starter motor or alternator, then the testing capability is improved, but the power consumption and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Energy is stored in the capacitive element during idle periods when the tester is not in use. During actual testing, this pre-stored energy is discharged to provide the necessary power, reducing the need for continuous high power consumption from external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive element serves as an self-contained energy storage mechanism that recharges during idle periods and discharges during testing. This self-service capability reduces dependence on external power sources and lowers overall power consumption and operating costs.
3Measurement precision
If high power circuit components are used to ensure accurate testing, then the testing capability is maintained, but the cost of the tester increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive element is charged in advance during idle periods, allowing the use of smaller, less expensive circuit components during testing. This preliminary energy storage action reduces the need for costly high-power components.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing to a capacitive energy storage system, the patent enables the use of smaller, more cost-effective circuit components while maintaining the necessary testing power output, thereby reducing the overall cost of the tester.
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
This approach reduces power consumption and costs, enabling a more compact and efficient alternator and starter motor tester with high accuracy, while the capacitive element allows for reduced power demand during testing.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive element configured to supply power to perform the testing of the vehicle component
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic system configured to test the 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 system may also include a memory configured to store the test information of the vehicle component and software that operates the vehicle component and a capacitive element configured to supply power to perform the testing of the vehicle component, wherein the memory and the capacitive element are in communication with the processor.