Mobile Communication Device for Vehicle Component Remote Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing reliance on electronic systems in vehicles makes it difficult for drivers without specialist knowledge to analyze, identify, and correct malfunctions, especially in operational vehicles like trucks, leading to time-consuming and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that establishes a data connection between a mobile device and a vehicle's control unit, allowing for remote analysis, identification, and error correction through a network application, enabling on-site troubleshooting and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic control systems are used in vehicle components, then operational reliability and control precision are improved, but the difficulty of analyzing and correcting malfunctions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile communication device as an intermediary between the vehicle component and the service workshop. This device establishes a data connection that enables remote access to component data and control functions, allowing specialists to analyze malfunctions without being physically present at the vehicle location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical diagnosis (requiring specialists to be present at the vehicle) with an electronic/digital system. Data connections and remote communication protocols substitute for physical inspection and manual testing procedures.
2Measurement precision
If specialists are required to analyze and correct malfunctions, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but time loss and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary diagnostic actions to be taken remotely before specialists arrive or before the vehicle is taken to a workshop. The mobile communication device allows data retrieval, error code reading, and preliminary analysis to be performed on-site, reducing the time the vehicle remains non-operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile communication device serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between on-site vehicle operation and remote specialist expertise. It enables real-time or near-real-time communication and data exchange, allowing accurate diagnostics to be performed without requiring physical presence of specialists.
3Ease of repair
If vehicle components are taken to service workshops for maintenance, then comprehensive repair capability is improved, but productivity and supply chain continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a form of self-service where the vehicle component can be diagnosed and potentially corrected remotely without leaving the operational location. The mobile communication device allows the component to 'service itself' by enabling remote access to diagnostic and control functions, eliminating the need to transport the component to a workshop.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary diagnostics and potential corrections on-site before the vehicle needs to be removed from service. By identifying and resolving issues remotely while the vehicle is still operational, the system prevents productivity loss and maintains supply chain continuity.
4Productivity
If mobile service personnel are deployed for on-site repairs, then operational continuity is improved, but time loss and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile communication device acts as an intermediary that provides specialist capabilities without requiring the physical presence of mobile service personnel. It enables remote expertise to be delivered to the vehicle location, maintaining operational continuity while eliminating the time loss associated with dispatching and traveling with service teams.
Data Source
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Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention provides a method for performing analysis, identification, and/or troubleshooting, as well as a communication system that enables this analysis, identification, and/or troubleshooting to be carried out in a particularly simple and time-efficient manner. This is achieved by establishing a data connection (13) between at least one mobile communication device (11) and a control unit of at least one component of a vehicle (10) for the purpose of performing analysis, identification, and/or troubleshooting. Initially, identification data, verification data, operating parameters, and, if applicable, information data regarding a fault that has occurred can be exchanged between the communication device (11) and the control unit. In a further process step, this data is transmitted via another connection (15) to an electronic data processing network (16).In a further step, depending on the outgoing data from the data processing network (16), data can be transferred directly back to the mobile communication device (11).