Handheld OBD2 Diagnostic Tool with Wireless VIN Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OBD testing equipment is often cumbersome, expensive, and inconveniently located, making it difficult for casual users to perform vehicle emissions and engine performance checks, especially for vehicles manufactured after 1996, which no longer require tailpipe analyzer tests.
Innovation Solution
A handheld OBD2 automotive diagnostic device with a wireless cell phone, internet connection, VIN barcode/number scanner, credit card reader, and internal printer, allowing for remote server identification of vehicles, diagnosis, and payment processing, enabling mobile and user-friendly emissions testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If state-run facilities are equipped with complicated testing protocols and expensive equipment, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential OBD-II diagnostic functionality from complex state-run testing facilities and implements it in a portable handheld device. The device isolates the core diagnostic capabilities (reading DTCs, accessing vehicle data) while eliminating the need for complicated testing protocols and expensive ancillary equipment, thus maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device creates a portable copy of the essential diagnostic functions found in state-run facilities. By replicating the core OBD-II communication and diagnostic capabilities in a simplified form factor, the patent enables reliable emissions testing without requiring the complex infrastructure of traditional state facilities.
2Measurement precision
If state-run facilities are equipped with expensive ancillary equipment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential diagnostic functionality needed for emissions testing, eliminating expensive ancillary equipment while maintaining measurement precision. The handheld device isolates the core OBD-II reading capabilities and presents them through a user-friendly interface, making the technology accessible to casual users without requiring complex operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device enables self-service emissions testing by providing all necessary diagnostic functions in a portable, easy-to-operate unit. Users can independently perform emissions testing without needing to visit state-run facilities or operate complex equipment, thus improving accessibility while maintaining precision through direct OBD-II communication.
3Ease of operation
If OBD testing equipment is made portable and handheld, then ease of operation and mobility are improved, but device complexity and functionality may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (OBD-II diagnostics, VIN scanning, credit card reading, printing, wireless communication) into a single portable handheld device. By combining these previously separate functions into one integrated unit, the device achieves portability and ease of operation while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device implements multi-functionality by incorporating not only OBD-II diagnostic capabilities but also VIN scanning, credit card processing, printing, and wireless communication. This universal design allows a single portable device to perform multiple tasks, improving ease of operation while the integrated architecture manages the inherent complexity through unified system design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote server connection and internet access are added to handheld device, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but use of energy and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates remote server connection and internet access into the handheld diagnostic device, enabling it to perform multiple functions including vehicle identification, diagnostic data retrieval, and communication with service facilities. This multi-functionality improves adaptability and versatility, allowing the device to operate autonomously with minimal energy consumption while maintaining connectivity capabilities.
5Adaptability or versatility
If handheld device includes all necessary functions (VIN scanner, credit card reader, printer, wireless communication), then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (VIN scanning, credit card reading, printing, wireless communication, OBD-II diagnostics) into a single integrated handheld device. By merging these functions into one unified system with shared hardware resources and coordinated software control, the device achieves high functional versatility while managing the complexity that would otherwise result from having separate devices for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to vehicle diagnostic systems and their methods of use, and more particularly, to a hand-held automotive diagnostic code-reader/scan tool with data link connector (DTC) which straps to the user's arm and is comprised of a touch screen, a VIN bar code/number scanner, a credit card reader, a printer, and internet and cell phone connections to a variety of servers for credit card approval, billing and vehicle diagnostics. The credit card is scanned and billed followed by scanning the vehicle VIN number or bar code and sending the information to the vehicle OBD2 server who identifies the vehicle, orders the handheld tool to perform certain tests upon the vehicle and in turn performs a diagnosis. A live wireless cell phone connection may be made, if necessary, with a technician at the OBD2 server for tech support. Test results are returned to the hand tool which prints out the results, prints a credit card receipt and sends a record of the transaction to the operators server Corp. for record keeping.