Control Device Snapshot Parameter Storage for Intermittent Fault Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnosing intermittent or situation-specific errors in control systems, such as those in vehicles, is challenging due to the difficulty in determining the cause of errors that activate and deactivate quickly, especially when temperature-dependent or occurring at specific engine speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines and stores 'snapshot' parameter values when an error code is deactivated, allowing for the identification of prevailing conditions at the time of deactivation, which can help diagnose the cause of intermittent errors by comparing these values with those at activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If error codes are activated to diagnose vehicle functions, then diagnostic capability is improved, but the ability to diagnose intermittent or quickly deactivating errors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device captures and stores parameter values in memory at the moment error conditions are detected, before the error code deactivates. This preliminary recording ensures that diagnostic information is preserved even when the error condition temporarily resolves itself, allowing technicians to analyze the captured parameters later to determine the root cause of intermittent errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard error codes are used for diagnosis, then compatibility with general diagnostic tools is improved, but the ability to identify specific error causes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines standard error code functionality with additional captured parameter information. The control device maintains compatibility with general diagnostic tools through standardized error codes while simultaneously storing detailed parameter values in memory. This merging allows technicians to use both universal diagnostic equipment and manufacturer-specific insights to comprehensively identify error causes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method to determine parameter values after an activation of a first error code in a control system, wherein said control system comprises at least one control device for control of at least one first function at least partly with the use of sensor signals, and wherein said at least one control device is arranged to activate said first error code when a first condition for deactivation of said first error code has been met. The method comprises, when said first error code has been activated: - determining whether said first condition for activation of said first error code is still met; and - determining parameter values for a first set of parameters where said first condition is no longer met.