Sensor Status Indicator Assembly for Visual Fault Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems require expensive fault code readers or specialized tools for diagnosing sensor status, limiting accessibility and increasing diagnostic costs, especially for systems like vehicle filters where sensors indicate filter clogging or failure.
Innovation Solution
A sensor status indicator assembly (SSI) that is communicatively coupled to a wiring harness, interpreting sensor signals and generating visual indicators directly, allowing easy visual diagnosis without additional equipment, compatible with existing systems, and capable of monitoring multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensor systems are used with wiring harnesses and controllers, then sensor status can be monitored, but diagnostic costs increase and accessibility decreases due to requirement of expensive fault code readers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (fault code reader with visual indicator) that couples to the existing controller through the wiring harness. This intermediary translates electronic fault codes into visual indicators, mediating between the sensor system and the user, thereby eliminating the need for expensive specialized diagnostic equipment while maintaining reliable sensor status monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic system requiring specialized fault code readers with an optical visualization system. By converting electronic sensor status data into visual indicators (lights, displays) that can be read directly or with simple equipment, it substitutes complex electronic diagnostics with simple visual observation, improving accessibility while maintaining monitoring reliability
2Measurement precision
If fault code readers are used to diagnose sensor status, then accurate sensor status information can be obtained, but diagnostic costs increase and equipment availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the sensor status information. Instead of requiring direct access to electronic fault codes through complex equipment, the system generates visual indicators (lights, displays) that replicate the sensor status information in an easily observable form, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes in visual indicators to represent different sensor status conditions. Different colors indicate different sensor states (normal, warning, fault), providing accurate sensor status information through simple visual cues that eliminate the need for expensive fault code readers and reduce diagnostic equipment requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are coupled to controllers via wiring harnesses, then system integration is achieved, but diagnostic simplicity is reduced requiring specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic function from the control function. The visual indicator system is separated as an independent diagnostic interface that can operate independently from the main controller operations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain integrated control through the wiring harness while providing separate, simplified diagnostic access through visual indicators, eliminating the need for specialized equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor status indicator (SSI) assembly comprises a sensing interface configured to be communicatively coupled to a wiring harness of a sensor and receive a sensor signal therefrom. The sensor signal indicates a sensor status corresponding to a status of an apparatus to which the sensor is coupled. The SSI assembly also includes at least one visual indicator; and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensing interface and the at least one visual indicator. The controller is configured to interpret the sensor signal to determine the sensor status, and activate the at least one visual indicator to generate a visual signal corresponding to the sensor status.