Universal Wire Harness With Adapter Plugs for ECM Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanics face the challenge of needing multiple wire harnesses for each unique plug configuration of engine control modules in diesel engines, complicating the connection of diagnostic computers.
Innovation Solution
A ribbon cable with a power connection port, service tool connection port, and adaptable plugs for various engine control module plugs, along with terminating resistor plugs to manage voltage, facilitating communication between diagnostic computers and multiple engine control modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wire harnesses are used for each unique plug configuration, then compatibility with different engine control modules is achieved, but device complexity and the number of components required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single universal wire harness design that can connect to multiple different engine control module plug configurations. The harness incorporates adaptable connection mechanisms including sliding connectors and interchangeable adapter plugs that allow one harness to serve multiple functions across different diesel engine models, eliminating the need for maintaining separate harnesses for each plug type.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire harness is divided into modular segments including a main body and interchangeable adapter plugs. Each adapter plug is designed for a specific plug configuration (e.g., 6-pin, 12-pin, 16-pin configurations), allowing mechanics to selectively attach the appropriate adapter to the universal harness body, thereby achieving compatibility with various engine control modules using a single base harness.
2Device complexity
If a single wire harness is designed to accommodate multiple plug configurations, then the number of components is reduced, but the adaptability and compatibility with different plug shapes and configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire harness incorporates dynamic and adjustable connection elements, including sliding connectors that can extend or retract to accommodate different plug positions, and interchangeable adapter plugs that can be attached or removed based on the specific engine control module being serviced. This dynamic design allows the single harness to adapt to various plug configurations without compromising compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses adapter plugs as intermediary components between the universal wire harness body and the various engine control module plugs. These adapter plugs act as mediators that translate between the standardized harness connection points and the diverse plug configurations found in different diesel engines, maintaining full compatibility while using a single harness design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptable connection mechanisms are added to achieve universal compatibility, then versatility increases, but the ease of operation and connection speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire harness is pre-configured with multiple adapter plugs attached or readily available in a pre-assembled kit format. Mechanics can select and attach the appropriate adapter plug before approaching the engine control module, or even have multiple adapters pre-attached to different ends of the harness. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-the-spot adapter selection and attachment, significantly speeding up the connection process while maintaining universal compatibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a single wire harness device to connect to any engine control module, allowing simultaneous communication and programming across different configurations, enhancing troubleshooting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of terminating resistor plugs is electrically couplable to the ribbon cable wherein the pair of terminating resistor plugs is configured to absorb a voltage travelling through the ribbon cable to inhibit the voltage from re-circulating through the ribbon cable
Data Source
AI summary
A wire harness device for connecting a diagnostic computer to a variety of engine control modules includes a ribbon cable. A power connection port is electrically coupled to the ribbon cable. A service tool connection port is electrically coupled to the ribbon cable to connect a diagnostic computer. A plurality of adaptor plugs is electrically couplable to the ribbon cable. Each adaptor plug includes an associated engine control module plug to connect an associated engine control module and to facilitate communication between the engine control module and the diagnostic computer. An adaptor port is electrically coupled to the ribbon cable to receive the adaptor plug. A pair of terminating resistor plugs is electrically couplable to the ribbon cable to absorb a voltage travelling through the ribbon cable. A pair of terminating resistor ports is electrically coupled to the ribbon cable to receive the pair of terminating resistor plugs.