Diagnostic Adapter Relay Routing for Single-Cable Vehicle-PC Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle diagnostic systems require multiple cables for communication and power, leading to cluttered workspaces and inconvenience when interchanging communication between vehicles and computer networks, as existing connectors like SAE J1962 support limited protocols and cannot seamlessly interface with USB ports or computer networks.
Innovation Solution
An adapter that uses a single SAE J1962 cable to couple a vehicle communication interface device and a computer to either a vehicle on-board diagnostic system or a computer network, featuring a receptacle that identifies signal types and a relay to selectively route data and power signals between ports, allowing for seamless communication and power delivery between vehicle and computer systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables are used for communication and power, then reliable power delivery and communication are achieved, but workspace clutter increases and operational convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cables (communication cable and power cable) into a single integrated cable assembly. The communication interface device includes both a communication port and a power port on the same device housing, allowing both data and power to be transmitted through one cable connection between the vehicle diagnostic system and the computer device, thereby reducing workspace clutter while maintaining reliable power delivery.
2Ease of operation
If a single cable is used for both communication and power, then workspace clutter is reduced and operational convenience is improved, but the ability to support multiple communication protocols and power configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface device is designed with multi-functionality to support both communication and power delivery through a single integrated cable. The device includes a communication port for data transmission and a power port for electrical power delivery, allowing it to universally interface with both vehicle diagnostic systems and computer networks using the same cable assembly, thereby maintaining protocol compatibility while simplifying connectivity.
3Power
If separate power supply connection is provided, then adequate power delivery is ensured, but device complexity and connection management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery function with the communication interface by integrating a power port into the communication interface device housing. This allows power to be delivered through the same cable connection used for communication, eliminating the need for separate power supply connections and reducing the overall complexity of cable management while ensuring adequate power delivery to the computer device.
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 efficient communication and power transfer between vehicle diagnostic systems and computer networks using a single cable, reducing clutter and improving convenience by adapting a single cable for multiple interfaces, thus facilitating diagnostic testing and data exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a relay to selectively route data and power signals between ports
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for coupling a vehicle communication interface device and a computer processing device to a signal source comprises a first port configured for communication with the communication interface device and a second port configured for communication with the computer processing device. The adapter can include a receptacle configured to receive signals having a data portion and a power portion. The adapter can further identify the received signals as being one of vehicle signals or computer signals. Moreover, the adapter can include a relay having a first state associated with the vehicle signals for relaying the vehicle signals between the first port and the signal source and a second state associated with the computer signals for relaying the computer signals between the second port and the signal source. The relay can be selectively placed in one of the first and the second states associated with the received signals as identified by the receptacle.