Measuring and testing – Simulating operating condition – Marine
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-06
2001-05-15
Dombroske, George (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Simulating operating condition
Marine
C701S029000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230554
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to diagnostic systems for motor vehicles. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and system for determining a performance characteristic of a selected vehicle component based upon temperature, load, road grade and time.
There are a variety of commercially available diagnostic tools available to assist technicians in servicing vehicles. A variety of sensors and mechanisms have been developed to assist in monitoring the performance of vehicle components. Such sensors include speed sensors, for example, which assist in monitoring the rotational speed of a wheel axle and temperature sensors that provide indication of temperatures within vehicle fluids and lubrications.
Although a variety of such sensors are available, there use has not been exploited to the fullest possible extent. For example, rotational speed sensors and oil pressure sensors typically only provide information while the vehicle is in motion. When a vehicle is brought into a service establishment, a service technician does not have the benefit of the information obtained by those sensors since the last time that the vehicle has been in for service. Moreover, there are situations where combinations of sensor information can be useful but this feature has not been implemented in any useful way.
This invention provides an improved system and method for monitoring performance characteristics of vehicles utilizing a plurality of detected variables. Additionally, this invention provides the ability to record such information over time and later provide that information to a service technician to enhance the ability to efficiently and effectively diagnose potential vehicle problems and appropriately service the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general terms, this invention is a system for monitoring the performance of a selected vehicle component taking into account a plurality of variables. The system includes a first sensor supported on the vehicle that detects a temperature of the selected vehicle component. A second sensor is supported on the vehicle and detects a load supported by the vehicle. This second sensor is especially useful in heavy duty vehicles such as trucks, which carry loads of widely varying amounts. A third sensor detects the grade of the road surface along which the vehicle is traveling. An electronic controller communicates with each of the sensors and utilizes the three different variables to determine a performance characteristic of the selected vehicle component. The electronic controller also determines a rate of change of the performance characteristic relative to time and provides an output indicating that rate of change.
In the preferred embodiment, a display is provided within the vehicle for the driver to visibly observe the monitored performance characteristic and the rate of change of that characteristic relative to time. Additionally, the preferred embodiment includes a memory module within the electronic controller that stores data regarding the performance characteristic, the detected variables and the rate of change of the performance characteristic relative to time. When the vehicle is brought in for service, the electronic controller preferably communicates with an external computer device through a communication port supported on the vehicle so that a service technician has access to all of the data within the memory module of the electronic controller.
A system designed according to this invention provides improved diagnostic capabilities for a service technician and gives better performance information that otherwise is not available by utilizing information from single sensors alone. Taking into account the combined effects of temperature, load and road grade, for example, provides more realistic and useful data for a service technician to quickly diagnose a potential problem on a vehicle.
The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiments. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5552987 (1996-09-01), Barger et al.
patent: 5648898 (1997-07-01), Moore-McKee et al.
patent: 5754965 (1998-05-01), Hagenbuch
patent: 6038498 (2000-03-01), Briffle et al.
patent: 6052644 (2000-04-01), Murakami et al.
Carlson & Gaskey & Olds
Dombroske George
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC
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