Dongle Proximity Detection for Vehicle Diagnostic Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to develop a system that can determine whether a dongle is in spatial proximity to a vehicle diagnostic tool, particularly to prevent the dongle from being lost when connected to a vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a dongle with a vehicle communication transceiver, a first wireless transceiver, and a vehicle connector, and a vehicle diagnostic tool with a processor, a proximity sensing component, an output device, and a second wireless transceiver. The proximity sensing component outputs signals indicating the presence of an object in spatial proximity, and the processor determines if the dongle is in proximity based on these signals, triggering notifications and vehicle communications accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the scan module is made compact and small in size, then the portability and ease of operation are improved, but the risk of loss increases due to difficulty in detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indicators (color changes or light emissions) on the scan module to make its location detectable. When the proximity sensor detects the display device or when the module is in a specific state, visual indicators are activated to help technicians locate the compact scan module, thereby preventing loss while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the proximity sensor continuously monitors the spatial relationship between the scan module and display device, and the system provides real-time notifications (visual or audible) when the scan module is detached or moved beyond a threshold distance. This feedback loop enables technicians to immediately retrieve the scan module, preventing loss.
2Device complexity
If the scan module is made small and compact, then the device complexity is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring its position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proximity sensor as an intermediary detection mechanism that senses the spatial relationship between the scan module and display device without requiring direct physical contact or complex positioning mechanisms. The proximity sensor detects the presence or absence of the display device within a threshold distance, providing reliable position detection while keeping the scan module compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning or tracking systems with a non-contact proximity sensing system. Instead of using mechanical linkages, encoders, or physical markers for position detection, the system uses electromagnetic or optical proximity sensing to determine the spatial relationship between components, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the scan module is kept compact, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the reliability of maintaining connection with the vehicle increases risk of accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the notification system activate before the scan module is completely lost. When the proximity sensor detects that the display device has moved beyond the threshold distance or is detached, the system immediately provides visual or audible alerts, giving technicians an opportunity to retrieve the scan module before it is accidentally left at the vehicle site.
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 solution effectively prevents the loss of dongles by notifying technicians when a dongle is no longer in proximity to the vehicle diagnostic tool, allowing for timely retrieval and ensuring that the dongle remains with the diagnostic tool.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensing component operable to output signals including a first output signal of the proximity sensing component
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a dongle and a diagnostic tool. The dongle includes a vehicle communication transceiver (VCT), a first wireless transceiver, and a vehicle connector. The diagnostic tool includes a processor, a proximity sensing component, an output device, and a second wireless transceiver. The proximity sensing component outputs an output signal. The processor receives the output signal and make a determination that indicates whether the output signal indicates an object is in spatial proximity to the proximity sensing component. The processor outputs using the output device a notification based on the determination. The VCT performs a vehicle communication directly with a vehicle while the vehicle connector is connected to an on-board diagnostic connector (OBDC) of the vehicle. The first and second wireless transceivers communicates with each other to trigger a vehicle communication from the dongle to the vehicle while the vehicle connector is connected to the OBDC.