Universal Vehicle Diagnostic Device with Multiplexed Sensor Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diagnostic devices for vehicles are cumbersome and expensive, requiring multiple meters for analyzing vehicular engine and air conditioning systems, and are not easily used to identify malfunctions in locomotive air compressing systems.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic device with a housing, display, control panel, control unit, input sensors, and actuators, featuring a central processing unit, analogue to digital converter, and multiple scan circuits for simplified and effective diagnosis and analysis of vehicular engines and air conditioning systems, as well as identification of malfunctions in locomotive air compressing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different meters are used to analyze vehicular engine and air conditioning system parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal diagnostic device that can measure multiple parameters (voltage, current, temperature, pressure, resistance) using a single integrated system. The device includes a multiplexer that routes different sensor inputs to a common analog-to-digital converter and processing unit, allowing one device to perform the functions of multiple specialized meters while reducing overall complexity and cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different meters are used to analyze vehicular engine and air conditioning system parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated device. Instead of requiring separate meters for voltage, current, temperature, pressure, and resistance measurements, the invention merges these capabilities into one system with a common processing unit, display, and control interface, thereby reducing the total cost of equipment while maintaining full measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The universal diagnostic device performs multiple measurement functions through shared hardware resources. The analog-to-digital converter, microprocessor, and display unit serve all measurement types, eliminating the need to purchase and maintain multiple specialized instruments, thus reducing overall cost
3Reliability
If conventional diagnostic devices are used, then diagnostic functions are available, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic device automatically performs diagnostic routines and presents results in an easily interpretable format. The system includes automated scanning capabilities that cycle through various parameters and provide status indications without requiring complex manual operation, making the device user-friendly while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides immediate visual feedback through a display that shows measurement values and diagnostic results in real-time. The system includes status indicators and alert functions that communicate system state clearly to the operator, enhancing ease of operation while ensuring reliable diagnostic information is delivered
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic device for vehicle includes a housing having a display and a control panel, a control unit connected to the housing, a number of input sensors connected to the control unit for sending input signals to the control unit, and for displaying the input signals on the display, and a number of actuators connected to the control unit for being controlled and actuated by the control unit. The control unit includes an input interface circuit for connecting to the input sensors. The control unit includes an output operation circuit for connecting to the actuators.