OBD Adapter Gateway for Retrofitted Vehicle Heater Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting an air conditioning system in vehicles is complicated and time-consuming due to the difficulty in accessing and connecting to existing vehicle electrics and communication systems, which can lead to errors and disruptions in vehicle communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a diagnostic connection to read out vehicle data and generate control commands for the air conditioning system without intervening with existing communication lines, using a gateway device connected to the diagnostic port and branch lines to transmit data for controlling the air conditioning device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing communication lines are disconnected or cut to install connectors for aftermarket air conditioning system, then access to vehicle data is enabled, but malfunctions in existing in-vehicle communication system occur and installation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an OBD adapter as an intermediary device that connects to the vehicle's diagnostic system through the standardized OBD port. This adapter serves as a mediator between the aftermarket air conditioning system and the vehicle's existing communication infrastructure, enabling data access without requiring disconnection or modification of existing communication lines. The adapter translates and interfaces with various vehicle protocols (CAN, LIN, K-line) while maintaining the integrity of the original communication system.
2Ease of manufacture
If connectors are installed by disconnecting existing communication lines, then connection to vehicle data is established, but installation time increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The OBD adapter is pre-configured with all necessary connection terminals and communication interface capabilities before installation. The adapter comes ready-to-use with pre-established communication pathways to multiple vehicle systems (engine control, transmission, ABS, air suspension), eliminating the need for installers to perform complex wiring modifications during installation. This preliminary preparation of the communication interface significantly reduces installation time and minimizes installation errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized OBD port is used for connection, then compatibility with various vehicle types is improved, but access to specific vehicle data may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The OBD adapter is designed with multi-functional capabilities to overcome the limitations of the standardized OBD port. It incorporates multiple communication interface terminals (CAN High/CAN Low, LIN, K-line) and can simultaneously access data from multiple vehicle control units including engine control, transmission, ABS, and air suspension systems. The adapter universally interfaces with various vehicle protocols and provides comprehensive data access across different vehicle makes and models through a single standardized OBD connection.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (100) for reading vehicle data via a diagnostic connection, in particular an OBD plug connection, of a vehicle, comprising a connector attachment (1) for a diagnostic connection of a vehicle and a gateway device (110) for communication with an air conditioning device of the vehicle, in particular an auxiliary heater, wherein the connector attachment (1), in particular an OBD plug connection, a connector body (10), which has an attachment side (13) with first contacts (11.1 to 11.16) for connection to the diagnostic connection and a connection side (14) with second contacts (12.1 to 2.16), in particular for connection to a diagnostic unit, and comprises at least one branch line (20a, 20b), wherein the branch line (20a, 20b) leads from at least one of the first contacts (11.1 to 11.16) out of the connector body (10) and is connected to the gateway device (110) for communication purposes. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such a system and to a method for retrofitting an air conditioning device (130), in particular an auxiliary heater, in a vehicle (3).