Vehicle Diagnostic Tool Comparing Data to Baselines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive diagnostic tools are limited in diagnosing vehicle problems when no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are set, requiring technicians to rely on inefficient methods such as technical service bulletins, symptom charts, and intuition, which can be time-consuming and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic tool equipped with a signal translator, input unit, processor, memory, and display unit that records and compares vehicle diagnostic data against baseline data, allowing technicians to identify anomalies and determine the nature of problems without DTCs by setting a tolerance for data comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional diagnostic tools relying on DTCs are used, then diagnostic simplicity is maintained, but diagnostic capability deteriorates when no DTCs are set
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores baseline diagnostic data from properly functioning vehicles in a database. This preliminary preparation enables direct comparison with problematic vehicles without requiring technicians to manually establish reference values, thereby improving diagnostic capability while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary that automatically compares diagnostic data against baseline data and identifies deviations. This intermediary performs the complex analysis work, freeing technicians from manual troubleshooting complexity while enhancing diagnostic reliability.
2Productivity
If technicians use manual troubleshooting methods without DTCs, then diagnostic tool simplicity is maintained, but diagnostic time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated feedback by comparing actual diagnostic data with baseline data and highlighting deviations. This immediate feedback mechanism eliminates the need for technicians to manually interpret symptoms and consult technical service bulletins, significantly reducing diagnostic time while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical troubleshooting processes with automated computer-based data comparison. The computer automatically performs data analysis and generates diagnostic recommendations, substituting the time-consuming manual methods with efficient automated processing.
3Measurement precision
If DTC-based diagnostics are used, then diagnostic accuracy is sufficient for coded faults, but diagnostic precision deteriorates for subtle subsystem failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system shifts from detecting faults based on discrete DTC thresholds to analyzing continuous diagnostic parameters and their deviations from baseline values. This parameter-based approach enables detection of subtle subsystem failures that do not trigger traditional DTCs, enhancing both precision and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input unit for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information and communication with the vehicle, the processor controlling a recording of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, a memory storing a software including a database controlled by the processor, the memory storing baseline data of the vehicle and recorded diagnostic data in the database, the processor comparing the stored baseline data and recorded diagnostic data, and a display unit displaying information according to the comparison between the stored baseline data and recorded diagnostic data. The comparison can also be made on a separate computer storing the baseline data and receiving the recorded data from the diagnostic tool.