Remote Vehicle Diagnostics via OBD Adapters and Network Intermediaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) systems require physical proximity or limited wireless range, necessitating expensive and cumbersome testing devices, restricting remote diagnostic capabilities and increasing operational discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A remote testing system comprising adapters with remote communication units and a diagnostic unit that transmits vehicle status signals via OBD connectors, utilizing wireless networks and common communication devices like Bluetooth, WiFi, or mobile devices to enable remote communication between adapters without the need for dedicated devices, allowing for expanded communication radius and eliminating the need for internal power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Bluetooth wireless technology is used for remote communication, then the operator can perform diagnostics without physical contact, but the communication radius is limited to a few meters and the operator must remain in the same environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the vehicle's OBD system and the operator. The server receives data from the vehicle via any available network connection and makes it accessible to the operator through a web interface, thereby extending the communication radius beyond the limitations of direct wireless technologies like Bluetooth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from local wireless communication (2D/3D space limited by radio range) to network-based communication that operates in a different dimension - the internet infrastructure dimension. This allows the operator to access vehicle data from any location with network connectivity, effectively removing spatial constraints.
2Reliability
If a conventional testing device with cable connection is used, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but the operator must physically access the vehicle cockpit which causes discomfort and operative difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electronic/network-based communication system. Instead of requiring physical cable attachment and direct operator presence at the vehicle, the system uses network protocols to transmit data remotely, eliminating the need for mechanical interaction while maintaining data transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote server acts as an intermediary that receives data from the vehicle's OBD system and presents it to the operator through a web interface. This mediation eliminates the need for the operator to physically connect to the vehicle while ensuring reliable data transmission through established network protocols.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated expensive testing devices are used for remote diagnostics, then accurate vehicle status monitoring is achieved, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal diagnostic system that works with any vehicle equipped with an OBD port. The remote server and web interface provide a standardized access method that eliminates the need for vehicle-specific or device-specific proprietary equipment, thereby reducing costs while maintaining monitoring accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the diagnostic interface through the web server, allowing operators to access vehicle data through a standard web browser instead of requiring specialized testing hardware. This digital replication eliminates the need for expensive physical testing devices while preserving full diagnostic capabilities.
4Reliability
If the testing device is always physically close to the vehicle, then direct communication is maintained, but the system lacks flexibility for remote operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication architecture that can adapt to different operational scenarios. The system can operate with the vehicle nearby using direct connections when available, or switch to remote server-mediated communication when distance or environmental factors prevent direct access, thereby providing both reliability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a network infrastructure dimension to the communication architecture, allowing the system to operate in multiple modes - direct local communication when needed for reliability, and remote network-based communication when flexibility is required. This multi-dimensional approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable direct communication and enabling remote operational flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A remote testing system for a vehicle comprising: a diagnostic unit installed on-board the vehicle and configured for generating a signal representing the vehicle status and sending said signal outside the vehicle via a first connecting socket; a testing device configured for receiving and processing the signal representing the vehicle status and provided with a first connecting plug; a first adapter comprising a second connecting plug, configured for coupling with the first connecting socket of the diagnostic unit, and a remote communication unit configured for transmitting the signal representing the vehicle status outside the first adapter; a second adapter comprising a remote communication unit configured for receiving the signal representing the vehicle status from the communication unit of the first adapter, and a second connecting socket configured for coupling with the first connecting plug of the testing device.