Wireless Tachograph Accuracy Testing via Intermediary Recording Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining and setting the accuracy of digital tachographs in vehicles are complex, time-consuming, and prone to data manipulation, requiring manual data transmission and complex test setups that involve frequent vehicle access.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a mobile detection unit with wireless bidirectional communication and a separate measuring device that exchanges commands and data via a communication protocol, allowing for quick, secure, and accurate assessment of tachograph accuracy without the need for direct data transmission of displacement pulses, using a system that includes a pulse generator and a test stand for calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If road measurements and test bench measurements are used to determine tachograph accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetachograph accuracyVSAvoidtest setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A portable recording unit is introduced as an intermediary device that can be connected to the control device and installed in the vehicle. This unit records distance data locally and transmits it wirelessly to the measuring device, eliminating the need for complex direct connections between the test bench, diagnostic device, and control device. The intermediary recording unit simplifies the overall test setup while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual data transfer mechanisms (physical cable connections and manual data entry) with wireless electronic data transmission. The recording unit automatically transmits recorded distance data to the measuring device via wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing test procedure time while maintaining data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual data transfer is used to transfer measurement data, then device complexity is reduced, but time consumption and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoiddata transmission system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual data transfer operations are replaced with automated wireless electronic data transmission. The recording unit automatically transmits recorded distance data to the measuring device without requiring manual intervention, significantly improving measurement efficiency and productivity while the system remains relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The recording unit performs self-service by automatically recording distance data from the control device and autonomously transmitting this data to the measuring device. This eliminates the need for external manual intervention in the data transfer process, improving productivity without adding significant system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If direct cable connection is used to connect measuring device to control device, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation and time consumption worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle access frequencyVSAvoiddata transmission security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Physical cable connections are replaced with wireless electronic data transmission between the recording unit and measuring device. This eliminates the need for repeated physical connection and disconnection of cables, improving ease of operation by reducing vehicle access frequency while maintaining data transmission reliability through encrypted wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The recording unit is pre-installed in the vehicle and pre-connected to the control device before the measurement process begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for repeated connection operations during the measurement process, improving ease of operation while the pre-established connection maintains reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If multiple entries into and exits from vehicle are required, then measurement precision is maintained, but time consumption and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The recording unit continuously records distance data from the control device throughout the entire measurement process without interruption. This continuous recording ensures measurement precision is maintained while eliminating the need for multiple vehicle entries and exits, thereby improving productivity and measurement speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The portable recording unit serves as an intermediary that remains outside the vehicle while continuously receiving distance data from the control device. This eliminates the need for repeated vehicle access while maintaining continuous data acquisition, improving productivity without compromising measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2703822B1Device for determining and/or setting the accuracy of a tachograph
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 SEMMLER GMBH TACHO CONTROL
  • EP2703822B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The device (1) has a detection unit (10), which has a reception and transmission unit for wireless and bi-directional communication with a measuring unit (11), where the measuring unit and the detection unit are set up to exchange information on communication protocol commands and data. The detection unit receives one parameter from the recorded data during a checking process and transmits the determined parameter of the measuring device. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a detection unit; and (2) a computer program product for use as a part of device for determining and setting accuracy of a vehicle built-in control device.