Virtual Vehicle Diagnostics Training With Simulated Fault Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles generate vast amounts of data that can be challenging for inexperienced technicians to analyze effectively, and historical databases often lack sufficient data for new vehicle models, necessitating advanced diagnostic skills that current training systems do not adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A virtual automotive diagnostic training system simulating vehicle-specific data and diagnostic systems, allowing students to practice on virtual vehicles, with instructor oversight and feedback, to develop diagnostic skills using conventional tools and assess their performance against prescribed metrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If historical databases are used for vehicle diagnostics, then diagnostic solutions can be provided for vehicles with existing data, but the database is of limited assistance when data does not match or correlation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic solution reliabilityVSAvoiddatabase adaptability to new vehicle models

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the vehicle's diagnostic system that replicates the behavior and data structures of the actual vehicle. This virtual vehicle copy allows students to practice diagnostics on a simulated version that mirrors real vehicle data flows and diagnostic codes, solving the problem of limited historical database coverage for new vehicle models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures virtual vehicles with known diagnostic conditions and data patterns before students begin training. By preparing the virtual environment in advance with specific fault scenarios, the system allows students to practice diagnostic procedures on predetermined conditions, building skills that transfer to real vehicles regardless of whether historical database matches exist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If students practice on real vehicles, then they gain hands-on experience, but they may make mistakes that could damage actual vehicles or create safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-on diagnostic practiceVSAvoidpotential damage to actual vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides a protective simulated environment that absorbs potential diagnostic errors before they can affect real vehicles. By cushioning students against the consequences of mistakes in a virtual setting, learners can freely explore diagnostic procedures and learn from errors without risking damage to actual vehicles or safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If instructors provide continuous guidance during diagnostics, then student performance improves, but the diagnostic process becomes more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestudent diagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddiagnostic training time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates automated feedback mechanisms that provide students with immediate information about their diagnostic decisions and actions. The system monitors student interactions with the virtual vehicle and provides real-time guidance, confirming correct procedures and alerting students to errors, thereby maintaining high diagnostic accuracy without requiring constant instructor intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual diagnostic system enables students to self-evaluate their diagnostic procedures through automated assessment features. The system tracks student actions, compares them against correct diagnostic procedures, and provides self-correction opportunities, allowing students to learn independently while maintaining diagnostic accuracy without continuous instructor oversight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260073813A1Vehicle diagnostic digital training system

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 INNOVA ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

An automotive diagnostic digital training system comprising a virtual vehicle including a data simulating processor and a database in communication with the data simulating processor and having simulated, vehicle-specific vehicle data stored thereon. The data simulating processor is configured to access simulated vehicle data stored on the database and generate a signal including a desired set of simulated vehicle data. A student workstation is disposable in communication with the virtual vehicle. The student workstation includes a handheld diagnostic device configured to communicate with the virtual vehicle to receive the simulated, vehicle-specific vehicle data therefrom and generate a student input signal representative of a student diagnostic decision. An instructor controller is disposable in communication with the virtual vehicle and the student workstation, with the instructor controller being configured to provide instructor input regarding the desired set of simulated, vehicle-specific vehicle data and review the student input.