Trouble finder for testing an electrical system of a vehicle for

Electricity: measuring and testing – Fault detecting in electric circuits and of electric components – In vehicle wiring

Patent

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Details

324500, G01R 3102

Patent

active

048780251

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a trouble finder for testing an electrical system, especially the type which may be found in vehicles.
Most vehicles of today, such as trucks, private cars etc. have complex electric systems, for instance for the lighting of different devices. Anyone who has some time being in contact with troubleshooting in faulty electric systems has quickly realized the extent of the problem.
Typical errors which are difficult to find include short-circuiting in the wiring systems. Short-circuiting appears typically in the form of damage caused by squeezing and abrasion.
The new trouble finder is preferably to be used for tracing errors in electric systems of vehicles such as trucks and towed vehicles. A special problem of towed vehicles is that they require an external power supply for operation and control.
The use of an external power supply suggests that the towed vehicle should either be connected to a driving vehicle or that some sort of external current source must be used, e.g. batteries or transformers. Moreover, heavy trailers of trucks require great space which often makes connections of a trailer and driving vehicle impossible.
Today's workshops have solved the problem by utilizing in the first place heavy batteries usually transported on a cart or the like. It is then possible to connect the voltage required by the system by means of temporary cables. In a workshop hall, hoses and cables are usually lying on the floor which involves an awkward handling if the batteries are transported by carts. Troubleshooting with batteries also increases the risk of overheating, and consequently burns on occur cables since fuses are not used.
An alternative method of troubleshooting includes the use of transformers adapted to the required voltage level. Short-circuiting is then detected as blown fuses in the equipment. Transformers deliver alternate current and therefore cannot be used when tracing errors for instance in electric magnets, direct current motors, relays etc, which require continuous voltage. Several fuses are required in the troubleshooting as the repairer must proceed by trial and error and turn on voltage each time when a short-circuit is found not to be eliminated. Furthermore, the repairer must move in the course of the work between the equipment and the place where troubleshooting is being performed each time a fuse has blown. Finally, the repairer will not get any indication where the error is. With a trailing length that may amount to 18 m it is realized that a large part of the work is required for moving about and that the working time is prolonged.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present product is intended to eliminate these problems in location of faults and to add three further functions that may come in handy during the work with electric systems. These three functions include a built-in current limit relay test, a precision voltmeter and a function for locating ground connection.
The new trouble finder has none of the above short-comings occurring in connection with known techniques. The trouble finder of the present invention comprises a transformer; a rectifier coupled to an output of the transformer; an oscillator powered by the rectifier; a regulator powered by the rectifier; means for connecting an output of the oscillator to an input of the regulator; first and second output terminals for connection to the system under test; an ammeter connecting the voltage regulator to the first output terminal; a voltmeter connecting the first and second output terminals; a protection unit coupled to the regulator; a sensitivity unit, coupled to the first and second output terminals, arranged to sense voltage across the output terminals; a potentiometer coupled to the sensitivity unit; and an oscillator unit for limiting the output current of the regulator unit when the electric system short circuits.
According to the present invention repairer connects the trailer contact to the equipment after adjustment in order to control thereafter the respe

REFERENCES:
patent: 4187504 (1980-02-01), Cantrell
patent: 4243934 (1981-01-01), Brasfield

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