Vehicle Diagnostic Flowcharts with Real-Time Feedback Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle diagnostic systems lack the ability to dynamically modify diagnostic flowcharts based on real-time feedback, leading to inefficiencies in vehicle problem diagnosis and repair.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that involve a computing server receiving feedback data from a diagnostic computing device, selecting and sending a diagnostic flowchart to the device, and modifying the flowchart based on the feedback data to improve diagnostic efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If diagnostic flowcharts are statically defined and not modified, then the system structure is simple and easy to maintain, but the diagnostic accuracy and adaptability to different vehicle problems decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidflowchart modification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic flowchart is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one that can be modified in real-time based on feedback. The system allows conditional branching and modification of flowchart paths during execution, enabling adaptability to different diagnostic scenarios while maintaining a manageable structure through automated feedback processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where diagnostic results and technician inputs are fed back into the flowchart modification process. This feedback loop enables the flowchart to learn from actual diagnostic outcomes and improve accuracy over time without requiring complete restructuring of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If comprehensive diagnostic steps are included in the flowchart, then the diagnostic thoroughness is improved, but the time required to complete diagnosis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic thoroughnessVSAvoiddiagnosis completion time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements conditional execution of diagnostic steps based on feedback and intermediate results. Not all diagnostic steps are executed in every case - the flowchart dynamically determines which steps are necessary, performing only the required subset of comprehensive diagnostics to maintain thoroughness while reducing unnecessary time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic flowchart is divided into modular segments or paths that can be independently executed. This segmentation allows the system to jump to relevant diagnostic sections based on initial assessments and feedback, avoiding linear execution of all steps and thereby reducing diagnosis time while maintaining comprehensive coverage of necessary checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the diagnostic flowchart is modified in real-time based on feedback, then the adaptability and diagnostic efficiency are improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflowchart adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback processing and flowchart modification capabilities that reduce the need for manual intervention. The system can automatically adjust flowchart paths and parameters based on collected feedback data, enabling self-service adaptation that improves versatility without proportionally increasing maintenance burden through automation of routine adjustment tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If multiple diagnostic paths and decision elements are created, then the diagnostic precision for different vehicle problems is improved, but the flowchart complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic precisionVSAvoidflowchart structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flowchart implements local quality by creating specialized diagnostic paths and decision elements tailored to specific vehicle problems or symptom types. Different sections of the flowchart have optimized structures appropriate for their specific diagnostic purposes, allowing high precision for each problem type while managing overall complexity through localized optimization rather than uniform structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12346192B2Method and system of performing diagnostic flowchart
Publication Date: 2025.07.01 SNAP ON INC
  • US12346192B2 patent drawing
  • US12346192B2 patent drawing
  • US12346192B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and system pertaining to performing a diagnostic flowchart are described. A method includes determining a first input indicative of a vehicle problem, and transmitting a request indicative of the problem to a server. The method includes receiving a diagnostic flowchart associated with the vehicle problem. Each diagnostic flowchart includes one or more path elements. Each path element is ordered within the diagnostic flowchart and performable. Each path element leads to one or more ordered decision elements. Each path element comprises one or more diagnostic steps. The method includes outputting a GUI including at least a portion of diagnostic flowchart, and determining a second input indicative of an instruction to perform a first path element of the diagnostic flowchart. The method further includes performing the first path element, determining first feedback data associated with performing the first path element, and outputting the first feedback data onto a display.