Pass-through OBD-II Dongle for Simultaneous Wireless and Auxiliary Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle diagnostic systems lack a seamless and efficient method to access and interact with OBD-II data, particularly in providing simultaneous connectivity to both mobile devices and auxiliary diagnostic equipment, limiting the interactivity and data accessibility during vehicle servicing.
Innovation Solution
A pass-through dongle is designed to connect to the OBD-II connector, enabling a wireless connection with mobile devices and allowing auxiliary devices to access vehicle performance and status data, while also transmitting data to external systems for display and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional OBD-II connector is used for vehicle diagnostics, then auxiliary diagnostic devices can access vehicle data, but mobile devices cannot simultaneously access and interact with the data wirelessly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary device that bridges the OBD-II connector and mobile devices. This intermediary receives vehicle data through the OBD-II connector and transmits it wirelessly to mobile devices, enabling simultaneous access for both auxiliary diagnostic tools and mobile devices without direct connection between them
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating both wired OBD-II connectivity for auxiliary devices and wireless communication capabilities for mobile devices into a single system. This allows the same diagnostic interface to serve multiple types of devices simultaneously through different communication protocols
2Productivity
If scan tools are used for vehicle diagnostics, then data can be accessed and uploaded to external computers, but the process is not cost-effective and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection and data transfer process of traditional scan tools with wireless communication technology. Instead of physically connecting auxiliary devices to external computers through cables and manual data upload processes, the system uses wireless modules to automatically transmit vehicle data to mobile devices and external systems, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing servicing time and costs
3Reliability
If OBD-II data is accessed through wired connections only, then data stability is maintained, but real-time wireless access and interactivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission path into two independent channels: a wired OBD-II connection channel for stable data acquisition from the vehicle, and a wireless communication channel for rapid data transmission to mobile devices. This segmentation allows each channel to optimize for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability and speed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods are provided for a pass-through dongle for accessing and interacting with vehicle performance and status data. The dongle includes a first connector for plugging into an OBD-II connector of a vehicle. A wireless connection may be established between the dongle and a mobile device that provides access to and interactivity with the vehicle performance and status data. A second connector comprising the dongle is configured to receive an auxiliary device that is configured to access vehicle status data by way of the OBD-II connection. The dongle simultaneously establishes the wireless connection with the mobile device and provides the auxiliary device with access to the vehicle performance and status data. In some embodiments, the dongle is configured to operate in conjunction with a vehicle diagnostic communication system that includes a vehicle performance system whereby the vehicle performance and status data may be interactively accessed.