Antilock braking system diagnostic tool and method

• US 8,170,742 B2
• Filed: 11/07/2008
• Issued: 05/01/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Inventors: Fountain, Gregory J., Mayes, Randy L., Tabbey, Michael P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson, Paul N
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wilhelm, Timothy
• Application Number:
  US12/266,612
• Publication Number:
  US 20100121519A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,271 Days
• Field of Search: 701 29- 35, 340/453, 340/461
• US Class Current: 701/34.4
• 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 vehicle;

communicating with the ABS unit using the diagnostic tool;

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

preventing the ABS unit from operating when a diagnostic test carried out using the diagnostic tool is interrupted.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

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

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

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

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

instructing the mechanic concerning how to conduct a bleeding procedure.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

requesting input from the mechanic through the diagnostic tool.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the requesting step comprises:

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

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

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

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

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

9. The method of claim 5, wherein the requesting step further comprises:

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

10. The method of claim 5, wherein the requesting step further comprises:

requesting the mechanic to pump a brake lever and to subsequently input into the diagnostic tool whether a pulsation occurred as a result thereof.

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

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

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the verifying step further comprises:

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

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

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

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

enabling the ABS unit to function pursuant to the 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 vehicle;

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

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

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

18. A diagnostic tool, comprising:

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

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

19. A diagnostic tool, comprising:

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

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

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

means for processing configured to prevent the ABS unit from operating when a diagnostic test carried out using the diagnostic tool is interrupted.