Electrical fault recognition system for vehicles

• US 6,144,903 A
• Filed: 08/03/1998
• Issued: 11/07/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC (Meritor, Inc. (Nevada))
• Original Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC (Meritor, Inc. (Nevada))
• Inventors: Tousignant, Alan E.
• Primary Examiner(s): LOUIS JACQUES, JACQUES H
• Application Number:
  US09/128,514
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• Field of Search: 701/29, 701/31, 701/34, 701/33, 361/86, 361/96, 361/18, 361/90, 361/78, 324/522, 324/771, 324/429, 714/14, 714/22, 320/136, 340/636, 340/459, 340/693.1
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 17/007 Wheeled or endless-tracked vehicles G01M17/08 takes precedence

Abstract

An electrical fault recognition control is incorporated into a vehicle. The control includes a sensor which monitors the current and voltage draw from the battery, and identifies faults in the power draw. When a fault is detected, systems which are then actuated are identified and stored. By comparing the systems which are actuated over a plurality of anomalies, the control is able to identify which system is likely to be failing. A signal may then be sent to the operator.

Claims

1. A method of determining a failing electrical system on a vehicle comprising the steps of:

(1) monitoring the power draw from the power supply of the vehicle to the several components;

(2) identifying a power fault in the power draw;

(3) identifying electrically controlled systems which are actuated when the power fault occurs;

(4) storing information with regard to the identified systems of step (3); and

(5) determining a failing system by utilizing a series of fault readings, said determination including identifying which systems are actuated over said series of fault readings.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein step (1) includes reading both the current and voltage draw.

3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein a control utilizes a diagnostic method of eliminating which system may be failing when a fault is read, by turning off systems, and continuing to monitor for faults.

4. A control system for a vehicle comprising:

a plurality of electrical systems drawing power from a power source;

a power source supplying power to said systems;

a sensor for sensing the current and voltage draw from said power source;

a control for communicating with said sensor, said control receiving signals with regard to electrical systems which are actuated on the vehicle, and said control being operable to identify a fault from said sensor, and store information with regard to systems which are actuated when a fault occurs, said control being operable for monitoring at least a plurality of faults, and identifying a potentially failing system, said identification including indenting which systems are actuated over said plurality of faults.

5. A system as recited in claim 4, wherein said control is provided with a diagnostic method wherein when a fault is identified, systems which are actuated are turned off one by one to identify a failing system.