Vehicle Diagnostic Unit for Automated ABS Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle troubleshooting systems, particularly for antilock brake systems (ABS), face challenges in detecting failures due to complex and time-consuming inspection processes, leading to undetected issues and potential safety risks, as roadside inspectors rely on manual checks of indicator lights which can be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic display device that connects to a vehicle data bus, retrieves the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and uses a lookup table to identify and verify the presence and operational status of mandated systems, such as ABS, through automated querying and display of presence and status information, eliminating the need for manual verification of individual system lamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection of ABS indicator lights is performed, then the inspection process can be completed with simple tools, but the inspection accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to inspector inability and bulb tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection of indicator lights with an automated electronic diagnostic system that queries the vehicle's data bus directly. The diagnostic device communicates with the ABS control unit through digital protocols, retrieving actual system status data rather than relying on visual observation of bulbs. This substitution of mechanical/visual inspection with electronic data retrieval resolves the contradiction by providing accurate system status information without requiring complex manual verification procedures.
2Reliability
If comprehensive system checks are performed to verify ABS functionality, then the reliability of inspection improves, but the time required for inspection increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic device performs preliminary actions by automatically querying the vehicle's data bus and retrieving ABS system status information without requiring step-by-step manual testing. The system proactively gathers diagnostic data, checks system parameters, and verifies ABS functionality through automated communication with vehicle control units. This preliminary automated data collection eliminates time-consuming manual inspection steps while maintaining comprehensive verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's own electronic systems provide the diagnostic information needed for inspection. The ABS control unit and other vehicle electronic components store and communicate their operational status through the data bus. The diagnostic device leverages this self-service capability by querying existing system data rather than requiring external testing equipment or manual activation of system components. This approach maintains high reliability while minimizing inspection time.
3Reliability
If inspectors check multiple indicator lights and system parameters manually, then the thoroughness of inspection improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate inspection tasks into a single automated diagnostic operation. Instead of requiring inspectors to individually check various indicator lights, test multiple system parameters, and verify different ABS components separately, the diagnostic device combines these functions into one integrated query process. The system simultaneously retrieves multiple diagnostic parameters, checks system status, and verifies functionality through a single connection to the vehicle's data bus, thereby maintaining thoroughness while dramatically simplifying the inspection procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic display device is coupled to a vehicle data bus and receives vehicle identification information which is used to identify one or more expected onboard systems installed on the vehicle. Expected systems are queried to determine that they are present and operating properly. Presence and operation status information are stored and/or presented to a user to facilitate automated vehicle system inspection.