Testing apparatus and method for vehicle starting and charging system
First Claim
1. An apparatus configured for testing a vehicle starting and charging system comprising:
- a test module capable of identifying problems at an electrical component level within the vehicle starting and charging system, the test module includes a built-in voltage regulator to control field current and a low level software for making voltage and current measurements of the vehicle starting and charging system; and
a diagnostic device connected to the test module, wherein the diagnostic device is directly connected to a battery, wherein the battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for testing a vehicle starting and charging system is provided in which a smart test module is connected to a remote device such as a battery tester, a scan tool, a personal computer or a personal digital assistant. The remote device is connected to a power source, which power source additionally provides power to the smart test module via the remote device. An alternator and/or a starter motor assembly is connected to the smart test module. The smart test module is capable of controlling the alternator field current and making voltage and current measurements at prescribed test points in the vehicle starting and charging system.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. An apparatus configured for testing a vehicle starting and charging system comprising:
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a test module capable of identifying problems at an electrical component level within the vehicle starting and charging system, the test module includes a built-in voltage regulator to control field current and a low level software for making voltage and current measurements of the vehicle starting and charging system; and
a diagnostic device connected to the test module, wherein the diagnostic device is directly connected to a battery, wherein the battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. - View Dependent Claims (3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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2. (canceled)
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4. (canceled)
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6. (canceled)
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17. (canceled)
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19. A method of testing a vehicle starting and charging system comprising:
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providing a test module capable of identifying problems at an electrical component level within the vehicle starting and charging system, the test module having a built-in voltage regulator to control field current and a low level software for making voltage and current measurements of the vehicle starting and charging system;
connecting the test module to a diagnostic device;
connecting the diagnostic device directly to a battery, such that the battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; and
connecting the vehicle starting and charging system to the test module. - View Dependent Claims (20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 36)
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21. (canceled)
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23. (canceled)
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29. A system for testing a vehicle starting and charging system comprising:
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means for testing the vehicle starting and charging system by identifying problems at an electrical component level of the vehicle starting and charging system, wherein the means for testing includes a built-in voltage regulator to control field current and a low level software for making voltage and current measurements of the vehicle starting and charging system;
means for connecting the testing means to a diagnostic device;
means for powering the testing means by directly connecting the powering means to the diagnostic device; and
means for connecting the vehicle starting and charging system to the testing means. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 37)
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Specification