Vehicle Fault Code Severity Management System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current OBD systems lack the ability to indicate the severity of vehicle component failures, leading to unnecessary or premature replacements due to binary fault code information.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing fault codes that analyze code information based on set parameters to determine the severity of component failures, triggering appropriate actions such as monitoring or repair, and providing notifications and diagnostic procedures tailored to specific manufacturers and fault code thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If standardized binary fault codes are used to indicate vehicle component status, then the system provides simple diagnostic information, but the system cannot indicate the severity of problems leading to unnecessary or premature replacement or repair of vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the binary fault code information into multiple severity levels (e.g., minor, moderate, severe, critical). Each fault code is analyzed based on multiple parameters including frequency of occurrence, duration of fault condition, and contextual vehicle operating data. This segmentation allows the system to provide differentiated diagnostic information without requiring a complete overhaul of the OBD system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to fault code information by introducing severity classification. Instead of merely indicating presence or absence of a fault (binary), the system evaluates fault codes across multiple dimensions including occurrence frequency, temporal patterns, and correlation with other fault codes. This dimensional expansion transforms simple binary data into nuanced diagnostic insights that guide appropriate maintenance actions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized fault codes and diagnostics are provided by vehicle manufacturers, then specific manufacturer recommendations can be given, but the system lacks standardized severity assessment across different manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal severity assessment framework that can process and evaluate fault codes from multiple different manufacturers. The system uses standardized evaluation criteria (frequency thresholds, duration parameters, criticality weights) that work consistently across Ford, General Motors, Toyota, and other manufacturers. This universal approach allows the system to maintain manufacturer-specific customization while ensuring reliable and consistent diagnostic assessments across the entire vehicle fleet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter-based evaluation where fault codes are assessed against configurable thresholds and parameters. These parameters (such as maximum acceptable fault frequency, minimum duration for critical classification, and manufacturer-specific weightings) can be adjusted to accommodate different manufacturers while maintaining a consistent evaluation methodology. This parameter-driven approach enables the system to adapt to manufacturer-specific characteristics while preserving diagnostic reliability through standardized assessment rules.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for managing fault codes triggered by one or more vehicles during operation. In general, various embodiments of the invention involve recording and analyzing fault codes triggered during a particular time period while a vehicle is in operation. As a result of the analysis, various embodiments of the invention may set a state for each of the identified fault codes, the state indicating a level of action to address the identified fault code. In particular embodiments, the states may be one of a caution state indicating one or more components or sub- systems of the vehicle should be monitored, a critical state indicating one or more components or sub-systems of the vehicle should be repaired, or an environmental state indicating failure or potential failure of one or more components or sub-systems of the vehicle may affect one or more environmental conditions.