Removable Vehicle Data Port Device for Custom Display Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles lack the ability for drivers to customize built-in displays and warning systems to show additional vehicle operating parameters or receive alerts beyond factory-set limits without requiring permanent modifications, which reduces user convenience and vehicle resell value.
Innovation Solution
A removable device attached to the vehicle data port that communicates with the engine control module, allowing users to customize display content, configure alerts, and monitor vehicle parameters in real-time using existing factory buttons and sensors, without permanent installation, enabling user-defined data presentation and alerts through built-in displays and warning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aftermarket gauge pods or additional displays are installed to provide customized vehicle information, then the driver can access additional vehicle operating parameters and customize display content, but the vehicle requires permanent modifications that reduce resell value and may reduce the factory look
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that connects to the vehicle's existing diagnostic port and displays to act as a mediator between the driver and the vehicle's data system. This intermediary enables customization without permanent modification to the vehicle itself, resolving the contradiction by providing adaptability through a removable intermediate component rather than permanent integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing diagnostic port and displays serve multiple functions - not only their factory-intended purposes but also customized data display functions through the intermediary device. This universal approach allows the same existing components to provide both original and enhanced functionality without requiring additional permanent installations
2Adaptability or versatility
If large LCD displays are mounted on the dashboard or windshield to provide additional vehicle data, then the driver can view customized information, but the driver's field of vision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing diagnostic displays as the output dimension for customized information, rather than adding new physical display surfaces. By programming existing displays to show additional data, the solution avoids the spatial constraints and visual obstruction problems of adding large physical displays, effectively using a different dimensional approach (software/digital dimension vs. physical space dimension)
3Reliability
If factory preset warning limits are used for vehicle parameters, then the vehicle can provide basic monitoring, but the warnings are not useful when drivers use special tires or operating conditions that differ from factory settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed warning limits into dynamic, user-configurable parameters. The intermediary device allows drivers to set and adjust their own warning thresholds based on actual operating conditions such as special tire requirements. This dynamic approach enables the warning system to adapt to different scenarios while maintaining reliability through user-defined parameters rather than fixed factory settings
Data Source
AI summary
A system of reporting vehicle telemetry to a vehicle operator or other user includes a device that removably attaches to the vehicle data port to monitor vehicle operating conditions and communicate with vehicle control modules. A user may configure the device without making permanent changes to the vehicle. The device understands and interprets vehicle communications protocols and can send diagnostic commands to the control modules to allow user-customized text or data to be shown or indicated using built-in or factory installed vehicle displays, lights, or sounds. The system permits showing of multiple user-configured pages of vehicle data or other information and provides real-time updates and configurable switchable profile and display settings. The device monitors factory installed vehicle buttons, switches, knobs, and sensors, and allows use of those items to perform customization and configuration tasks without the need for peripheral input accessories connected to the device. The device permits the user to configure vehicle operating parameter limits, make custom calculations, generate new information, and provide user-desired information to the vehicle operator or other user.