Antilock Braking System Diagnostic Tool and Method

• US 20100121519A1
• Filed: 11/07/2008
• Published: 05/13/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Inventors: Tabbey, Michael P., Mayes, Randy L., Fountain, Gregory J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,170,742 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 17/221 Procedure or apparatus for checking or keeping in a correct functioning condition of brake systems hydraulic pressure systems in general F15B19/00, F15B21/04; testing structures or apparatus G01M
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 2270/406 Test-mode; Self-diagnosis
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/1706 for single-track vehicles, e.g. motorcycles
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/885 using electrical circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/90 using a simulated speed signal to test speed responsive control means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005

Abstract

A method of diagnosing, installing, repairing and/or maintaining an antilock braking system (ABS) unit in a motorcycle. The method includes connecting a diagnostic tool to an ABS unit of a motorcycle, communicating with the ABS unit using the diagnostic tool and informing a mechanic utilizing the diagnostic tool about a component in the ABS unit. Also, a tool for diagnosing, installing, repairing and/or maintaining an antilock braking system (ABS) unit in a motorcycle.

Claims

1. A method of diagnosing an anti-lock braking system (ABS) unit, the method comprising:

connecting a diagnostic tool to an ABS unit of a motorcycle;

communicating with the ABS unit using the diagnostic tool; and

informing a mechanic utilizing the diagnostic tool about a component in the ABS unit.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

instructing the mechanic concerning how to carry out a diagnostic test through the diagnostic tool.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

requesting input from the mechanic through the diagnostic tool.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the requesting step comprises:

requesting the mechanic to identify a portion of the ABS unit the mechanic wishes to diagnose.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the communicating step comprises:

verifying that a proper component is included in the ABS unit.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the communicating step comprises:

verifying that a components included in the ABS unit is properly aligned.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the requesting step comprises:

requesting the mechanic to input information concerning whether a brake lever collapsed pursuant to release thereof.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein the instructing step comprises:

requesting the mechanic to check for at least one of an incorrect calibration in the ABS unit, a fluid leak, a defective pump, a reversed line and a defective valve.

9. The method of claim 3, wherein the requesting step comprises:

requesting the mechanic to pump a brake lever and to subsequently inform the diagnostic tool of whether a pulsation as a result thereof.

10. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

asking whether the mechanic wishes to re-diagnose the portion.

11. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

asking whether the mechanic wishes to diagnose another portion of the ABS unit.

12. The method of claim 5, wherein the verifying step comprises:

comparing the component against a vehicle identification number (VIN) for compatibility.

13. The method of claim 2, wherein the instructing step further comprises:

instructing the mechanic concerning how to conduct a bleeding procedure.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

enabling the ABS unit to function pursuant to pursuant to a diagnostic test having been successfully completed.

15. A diagnostic tool, comprising:

an interface configured to be connected to an anti-lock braking system (ABS) unit of a motorcycle;

circuitry connected to the interface and configured to diagnose the ABS unit; and

a user interface connected to the circuitry and configured to inform a user about a component in the ABS unit.

16. The diagnostic tool of claim 15, wherein the user interface is further configured to instruct the user concerning how to carry out a diagnostic test.

17. The diagnostic tool of claim 15, wherein the circuitry is configured to prevent the ABS unit from operating when a diagnostic test carried out using the diagnostic tool is interrupted.

18. The diagnostic tool of claim 15, wherein the circuitry is configured to prevent the ABS unit from operating when a diagnostic test carried out using the diagnostic tool fails.

19. The diagnostic tool of claim 15, wherein the user interface is further configured to request feedback from the user.

20. A diagnostic tool, comprising:

means for connecting the diagnostic tool to an anti-lock braking system (ABS) unit of a motorcycle;

means for communicating with the ABS unit using the diagnostic tool; and

means for informing a mechanic utilizing the diagnostic tool about a component in the ABS unit.