Unified Tablet Diagnostic Tool for Multi-Manufacturer Vehicle Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle diagnostic tools are inefficient due to limitations in hardware, requiring multiple subscription-based information sources, leading to productivity losses and inconvenience in accessing repair information, especially in repair facilities where technicians must share limited devices and navigate between different systems for various manufacturers, resulting in data entry errors and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A tablet-based system that connects to vehicles via the OBD port, automatically retrieves VIN information, identifies diagnostic trouble codes, and correlates them with repair articles, providing a centralized data store and interactive touchscreen interface for easy access to repair information, bridging the gap between vehicle connectivity and repair information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If technicians use multiple diagnostic tools for different manufacturers, then they can access comprehensive repair information, but they must manage multiple subscriptions and devices increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic tool is designed to support multiple OEM manufacturers through a single unified platform. The system includes a vehicle communication interface that can interface with various vehicle systems and a user interface that presents information from multiple manufacturers, eliminating the need for separate tools for different vehicle makes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple disconnected diagnostic systems into a single integrated tool. It merges vehicle communication capabilities with web-based information sources, consolidating what were previously separate functions into one unified device that reduces the number of subscriptions and tools needed.
2Reliability
If technicians use stand-alone units for repair information, then they have dedicated access points, but they must share limited units and traverse the shop floor causing lost productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static stand-alone units to a dynamic portable device that can be moved with the technician. The diagnostic tool is designed to be handheld or wearable, allowing technicians to access repair information at any location in the shop without being constrained by fixed units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the diagnostic information access from a fixed spatial location (stand-alone units in specific areas) to a portable form factor that can be carried anywhere. This dimensional change allows technicians to access information while working at different positions in the repair bay without traveling between locations.
3Ease of operation
If technicians use laptops for repair information, then they have more flexibility in movement, but they must precariously balance the device while navigating and have limited flat space for access
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adaptability in its form factor, transitioning between handheld portable mode and wearable mode. The device can be configured to fit comfortably on a technician's person, providing stable access without requiring them to balance a laptop while moving, thus eliminating the handling difficulties associated with laptops.
4Ease of manufacture
If web-based systems require manual entry of vehicle information, then they are simpler to implement, but they are prone to data entry errors and lack interactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-identification of vehicle parameters by automatically reading information from the vehicle's on-board computer through the vehicle communication interface. The tool autonomously retrieves vehicle identification data, model information, and other parameters without requiring manual entry, thereby eliminating data entry errors while maintaining implementation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic feedback mechanisms where the diagnostic tool queries the vehicle's computer systems to obtain accurate vehicle information. This feedback loop ensures that the system receives precise vehicle data directly from the source, eliminating the errors associated with manual data entry while maintaining system simplicity.
5Reliability
If diagnostic tools are disconnected from web-based information sources, then they operate independently, but they introduce inconvenience by requiring separate information gathering processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously disconnected diagnostic functionality with web-based information sources into a single integrated system. The tool combines local vehicle communication capabilities with networked access to repair information, allowing technicians to access comprehensive resources without leaving the diagnostic environment, thus improving convenience while maintaining operational independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for diagnosing and repairing vehicles is provided. An example apparatus includes a vehicle interface configured to transmit one or more instructions to an adaptor connected to a vehicle and retrieve an indication of one or more diagnostic trouble codes from the adaptor. The apparatus includes a communication module configured to transmit the diagnostic trouble codes to a remote server along with a user identifier or a vehicle identification number, and receive repair information from the remote server. The apparatus further includes a user interface configured to receive user requests for information and to display information regarding the adaptor, the vehicle information, the one or more diagnostic trouble codes, and/or the repair information. Finally, the apparatus includes a memory and a processor configured to control the vehicle interface, the communication module, the user interface, and the memory.