Modular Vehicle Diagnostic Device Wireless Relay System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles' complex electronic systems require sophisticated diagnostic tools, but existing diagnostic devices often face issues with wireless connectivity and power management, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves modular separation of scanner, data acquisition, and display devices with wireless data connections, allowing for direct or indirect communication and power management to maintain connectivity and reduce power consumption, using protocols like IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If vehicle diagnostic devices use wireless communication to transmit data between scanner, DAQ, and display devices, then device complexity and garage clutter are reduced, but wireless connectivity reliability and communication range are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system that acts as an intermediary between the scanner/DAQ devices and the display device. This wireless intermediary enables data transmission without physical cables, reducing system complexity and garage clutter while maintaining communication reliability through protocol-level error handling and retransmission mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system is segmented into separate wireless communication modules within each device (scanner, DAQ, display). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each communication module and enables the system to function as a modular wireless network, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through distributed communication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If diagnostic devices are separated into modular components (scanner, DAQ, display) with wireless connections, then ease of use and flexibility are improved, but power consumption increases due to wireless communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system dynamically adjusts its operation based on system state. The scanner and DAQ devices can enter low-power sleep modes when not actively transmitting or receiving data, and wake only when diagnostic operations require communication. This dynamic power management maintains ease of use while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuously active wireless interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular devices employ periodic communication cycles rather than continuous transmission. Data is transmitted in periodic bursts when diagnostic measurements are complete, allowing the wireless transceivers to remain in low-power states between transmissions. This periodic action pattern reduces average power consumption while maintaining the flexibility and ease of use of the modular wireless system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication range is extended to accommodate larger garage spaces, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption and interference susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it provides both short-range low-power communication for nearby devices and extended-range communication when needed for larger garage spaces. The system can adapt its transmission power and communication protocol based on the required range, achieving universality that covers both scenarios without requiring separate communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transceivers in the modular devices can dynamically change communication parameters such as transmission power level, data rate, and frequency hopping patterns. When extended range is required for larger garages, the system increases transmission power and adjusts modulation schemes accordingly. When devices are close together, it reduces power consumption by using lower power settings. This parameter adaptation enables the system to achieve extended communication range while minimizing power consumption in normal operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for transmitting obtained vehicle diagnostic data to a separate display device. The method includes a first vehicle diagnostic device obtaining vehicle diagnostic data via a vehicle interface to a diagnostic port of a vehicle, determining whether a direct wireless connection with one or more display devices is available, and determining whether an indirect wireless connection with the one or more display devices is available via a second separate vehicle diagnostic device. Responsive to a further determination, the vehicle diagnostic device may transmit the obtained diagnostic data to the one or more display devices via the second separate vehicle diagnostic device. The further determination may be based on one or more of wireless connectivity status, power level status, transmission power requirements, or other facts or determinations.