Test Rig Scripting for Vehicle Component Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test rigs for vehicle components like batteries and alternators have limited testing logics that are insufficient for verifying and validating new components without requiring hardware or software modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method to extend and modify test logics by generating and executing scripts that utilize existing functions and variables, allowing new test operations without altering the test rig's hardware or software architecture, using external software components and scripts that can be created offline or online.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the test rig uses pre-set programs with fixed test logics, then the reliability of testing is improved, but the adaptability to new vehicle components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic test logics that can be modified and extended through scripting languages, allowing the test rig to adapt to new vehicle components while maintaining reliable testing. The system transitions from static pre-set programs to dynamic, configurable test sequences that can be customized for different component types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of test logic from fixed to configurable through scripting. By introducing scriptable test sequences with adjustable parameters, the system maintains reliability through structured testing while enabling adaptability to new components through customizable test parameters and logic.
2Ease of operation
If the test rig manufacturer provides original test logics, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to custom testing requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary scripting layer between the user and the test rig hardware. This scriptable interface allows users to extend and customize test logics without directly modifying the underlying hardware or core software, maintaining ease of operation while enabling custom testing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to self-extend test logics through scripting capabilities. Instead of requiring manufacturer intervention for each new testing requirement, users can independently create and implement custom test sequences using the provided scripting interface, improving both adaptability and operational autonomy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hardware or software modifications are made to extend test logics, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the test rig software architecture into distinct layers: core hardware control functions and extendable scripting layers. This segmentation allows test logic extensions through scripts without modifying the core software architecture, maintaining simplicity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The scripting language serves as an intermediary layer that enables test logic extension without direct modification of hardware or core software. This intermediary approach allows adaptability improvements while avoiding the complexity and management costs associated with hardware or core software modifications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom test sequences are implemented without scripting capabilities, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and implementation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual customization processes with automated scripting capabilities. Instead of requiring manual configuration and implementation of custom test sequences, the system uses scriptable definitions that automatically generate and execute custom testing, improving both adaptability and ease of implementation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method to improve and extend the logics of a test rig for a vehicle component, in particular a battery or an alternator, wherein the test rig is provided with a software residing in a memory area (3) that implements, under the control of a microprocessor unit, a plurality of original functions capable of executing operations and testing and addressable in different operating positions of the memory area. The method comprises the steps of: creating a script using a pseudo code and in accordance with a specified syntax defining an updated test logic; loading the script into the memory area; starting the script; executing the script by implementing the updated logic defined by the script; loading into the memory area a library to manage callbacks in order to associate the functions defined in the script with a pointer that points to the address of the original functions defining a mapping; executing the functions called by means of the pointer according to the order established by the script and using both the global variables defined in the original software and the local variables defined in the script itself in order to execute by means of the test rig new test logics not established in the original software.