Alternator Tester Having Belt Slip Detection

• US 20140278159A1
• Filed: 03/12/2014
• Published: 09/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, Inc. (Robert Bosch GmbH)
• Original Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC (Robert Bosch GmbH)
• Inventors: Chinnadurai, Manokar
• Application Number:
  US14/206,690
• Publication Number:
  US 20140278159A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/58
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/007 using microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/34 Testing dynamo-electric machines
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 2203/09 Motor speed determination based on the current and/or voltage without using a tachogenerator or a physical encoder

Abstract

A diagnostic tool for testing the performance of a component of a vehicle includes a processor configured to process test information from an alternator component of the vehicle and control and activate the alternator component. The diagnostic tool further includes a memory configured to store the test information of the alternator component and software that operates the alternator component of the vehicle, and a sensor configured to sense the output voltage of the alternator and ensure that the diagnostic tool is properly operating the alternator component.

Claims

1. A diagnostic tool for testing the performance of a component of a vehicle, comprising:

a processor that processes test information from an alternator component of the vehicle and controls and activates the alternator component during an alternator test;

a memory that stores the test information of the alternator component and software that operates the alternator component of the vehicle;

a motor having a pulley that is connected to the alternator;

a first load component controlled by the processor to put a first load on the alternator during testing; and

an analog to digital converter (ADC) that provides an output voltage of the alternator, wherein the processor determines a ripple frequency from the output voltage.

2. The diagnostic tool according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to:

determine the ripple frequency before the first load is applied;

determine the ripple frequency after the first load is applied;

calculate a difference between the ripple frequencies before and after the first load is applied; and

determine if the first difference exceeds a predetermined percentage.

3. The diagnostic tool according to claim 2, wherein if the difference exceeds the predetermined percentage than the alternator test is stopped.

4. The diagnostic tool according to claim 2, wherein if the difference does not exceed the predetermined percentage than the alternator test is continued.

5. The diagnostic tool according to claim 1 further comprising:

a second load component controlled by the processor to put a second load on the alternator during testing.

6. The diagnostic tool according to claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to:

determine the ripple frequency after the first load is applied;

determine the ripple frequency after the second load is applied;

calculate the difference between the ripple frequencies of the first and second loads; and

determine if the difference exceeds a predetermined percentage.

7. The diagnostic tool according to claim 6, wherein if the difference exceeds the predetermined percentage than the alternator test is stopped.

8. The diagnostic tool according to claim 1 further comprising:

a display that displays information to a user; and

a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader that reads information from an RFID chip regarding the alternator.

9. A method of testing an alternator, comprising the steps of:

starting an alternator drive motor with a processor of an alternator tester;

receiving a voltage output from an analog to digital converter with the processor;

determining a first ripple frequency from the voltage output with the processor;

determining a second ripple frequency after a first load is applied by a first load component that is controlled by the processor;

calculating a first difference between the first and second ripple frequencies by the processor; and

determining if the first difference exceeds a predetermined percentage by the processor.

10. The testing method of claim 9, wherein if the first difference exceeds the predetermined percentage than the alternator test is stopped.

11. The testing method of claim 9, wherein if the first difference does not exceed the predetermined percentage than the alternator test is continued.

12. The testing method of claim 11 further comprising:

determining a third ripple frequency after a second load is applied by a second load component that is controlled by the processor;

calculating a second difference between the second and third ripple frequencies by the processor; and

determining if the second difference exceeds the predetermined percentage by the processor.

13. The testing method of claim 12, wherein if the second difference exceeds the predetermined percentage than the alternator test is stopped.

14. A diagnostic tool for testing the performance of a component of a vehicle, comprising:

a processor that processes test information from an alternator component of the vehicle and controls and activates the alternator component during an alternator test;

a memory that stores the test information of the alternator component and software that operates the alternator component of the vehicle;

a motor that drives the alternator during the test;

a power supply that supplies power to the motor during testing;

a first load component controlled by the processor, wherein the first load applies a first load on the alternator during testing; and

an analog to digital converter (ADC) that provides an output voltage of the alternator, wherein the processor determines a ripple frequency from the output voltage.

15. The diagnostic tool according to claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to:

determine the ripple frequency before the first load is applied;

determine the ripple frequency after the first load is applied;

calculate a difference between the ripple frequencies before and after the first load is applied; and

determine if the difference exceeds a predetermined percentage.

16. The diagnostic tool according to claim 15, wherein if the difference exceeds the predetermined percentage than the alternator test is stopped.

17. The diagnostic tool according to claim 15, wherein if the difference does not exceed the predetermined percentage than the alternator test is continued.

18. The diagnostic tool according to claim 14 further comprising:

a second load component controlled by the processor to put a second load on the alternator during testing.

19. The diagnostic tool according to claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to:

determine the ripple frequency after the first load is applied;

determine the ripple frequency after the second load is applied;

calculate the difference between the ripple frequencies of the first and second loads; and

determine if the difference exceeds a predetermined percentage.

20. The diagnostic tool according to claim 19, wherein if the difference exceeds the predetermined percentage than the alternator test is stopped.