Diagnostic Circuit Test Device with Integrated Power Sourcing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diagnostic tools for motor vehicle electrical systems are unable to test electrical systems in a powered state, lacking the capability to provide power for operational mode diagnostics and combining multiple test features into a single, user-friendly, and cost-effective device.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic circuit test device with multi-meter functionality, featuring a conductive probe element, power supply, processors, and display, allowing selective powering of electrical systems for measurements in both powered and unpowered states, and incorporating features like current sourcing, logic probe testing, and audible feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-meters and logic probes are used for diagnostic testing, then basic electrical parameter measurements can be performed, but the electrical system cannot be tested in operational mode because power cannot be provided to the system under test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function and measurement function into a single integrated device. The test device includes a power supply circuit that can provide power to the electrical system under test while simultaneously measuring electrical parameters through probe elements, eliminating the need for separate power supply equipment and conventional multi-meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The test device performs multiple functions: it can provide power to the electrical system, measure electrical parameters (voltage, current, resistance), and operate in both powered and unpowered states. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate diagnostic tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate test equipment are used to provide power and perform measurements, then electrical systems can be tested in operational mode, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power supply circuit, measurement circuit, and control unit into a single handheld device. The power supply circuit is connected to probe elements that simultaneously perform both power delivery and measurement functions, reducing the number of separate equipment pieces from multiple devices to one unified tool.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional test equipment is used, then the device structure can be simple, but the ability to provide current sourcing and selective powering for comprehensive parameter measurement is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The probe elements serve dual purposes: they act as both power delivery conduits and measurement sensors. The same probe that delivers current from the internal power source also measures voltage and other electrical parameters, providing current sourcing capability without requiring completely separate measurement probes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for a diagnostic circuit test device having multi-meter functionality and being adapted to provide current sourcing to an electrical system for selective measurement of a plurality of parameters thereof in powered and unpowered states. The diagnostic circuit test device comprises a conductive probe element configured to be placed into contact with the electrical system and provide an input signal thereto. A power supply is interconnected between an internal power source and the conductive probe element. Processors are electrically connected to the conductive probe element and configured to manipulate the input signal provided to the electrical system and receive an output signal in response to the input signal. The output signal is representative of at least one of the parameters of the electrical system. A display device is configured to display a reading of the output signal which is representative of the parameter.