Method and system for wirelessly charge a diagnostic tool

• US 9,553,471 B2
• Filed: 03/15/2013
• Issued: 01/24/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC (SPX Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC (SPX Corporation)
• Inventors: Chinnadurai, Manokar, Selkirk, Reed
• Primary Examiner(s): Rodas, Richard Isla
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHARIEF, MOHAMMED JAMEEL
• Application Number:
  US13/835,082
• Publication Number:
  US 20140266024A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,411 Days
• Field of Search: 320/108, 320/106, 320/112, 320/113, 320/114, 320/115, 324/426, 340/425.5, 340/428, 340/438
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 5/00 Details or components of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operations performed and not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B25H 3/00 Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents B65D83/00; nail dispensers B25C3/00
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/20 using microwaves or radio frequency waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/30 using light, e.g. lasers
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/80 involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices

Abstract

An electrical charging system including a storing vessel for storing a diagnostic tool and a wireless charging system integrated with the storing vessel for wirelessly charging the diagnostic tool when the diagnostic tool is placed within the storing vessel.

Claims

1. An electrical charging system, comprising:

a storing vessel for storing a diagnostic tool; and

a wireless charging system integrated with the storing vessel for wirelessly charging the diagnostic tool when the diagnostic tool is placed within the storing vessel, the wireless charging system having a charging interface that provides a unified interface with the diagnostic tool;

the wireless charging system comprising;

a communication module having an application programming interface and configured to communicate with the diagnostic tool to receive vehicle diagnostic information including a diagnostic trouble code, the communication module further configured to communicate with a user'"'"'s smartphone to illustrate a charging of the diagnostic tool;

a tool module configured to identify the diagnostic tool that is being charged and to store and interpret the diagnostic information received from the diagnostic tool; and

an output module that comprises a power circuitry for outputting a power signal to wirelessly charge the diagnostic tool based at least in part on information of the diagnostic tool;

wherein the information of the diagnostic tool includes an electrical specification of the diagnostic tool.

2. The electrical charging system of claim 1, wherein the storing vessel is a carrying case.

3. The electrical charging system of claim 1, wherein the storing vessel is a tool box.

4. The electrical charging system of claim 3, wherein the tool box comprises a plurality of compartments for storing the diagnostic tool.

5. The electrical charging system of claim 4, wherein the wireless charging system is integrated with each of the plurality of compartments.

6. The electrical charging system of claim 1, wherein the storing vessel is a tool cabinet.

7. The electrical charging system of claim 1, wherein the storing vessel is a tool cart.

8. The electrical charging system of claim 1, wherein the storing vessel comprises a portable power source to allow a continuous charging of the diagnostic tool.

9. The electrical charging system of claim 8, wherein the portable power source is integrated with the storing vessel.

10. The electrical charging system of claim 1, wherein the storing vessel comprises a power cord for connecting the wireless charging system to an external power source.

11. The electrical charging system of claim 1, wherein the charging interface provides the unified interface with at least one of the following:

an inductive type charging system, an optical type charging system, a microwave type charging system, and an electrical type charging system.

12. The electrical charging system of claim 1, wherein diagnostic tool further comprises a charging converter for converting received power signals into a standard format for charging the diagnostic tool.

13. The electrical charging system of claim 12, wherein the charging converter converts the received power signals to a higher voltage potential or a lower voltage potential.

14. A wireless charging system comprising:

a communication module that comprises a transceiver for communicating with a diagnostic tool and receiving information from the diagnostic tool and a user;

a power module that comprises a computer processor for receiving power signals from a power source; and

an output module that comprises a power circuitry for outputting a power signal to wirelessly charge the diagnostic tool based at least in part on information of the diagnostic tool; and

a charging interface that provides a unified interface for the diagnostic tool,

wherein the information of the diagnostic tool includes an electrical specification of the diagnostic tool and vehicle diagnostic information including a diagnostic trouble code, and the communication module further configured to communicate with a user'"'"'s smartphone to illustrate a charging of the diagnostic tool.

15. The wireless charging system of claim 14, wherein the communication module comprises a display and an input device to provide an interface for the user.

16. The wireless charging system of claim 14, further comprising a tool module for storing information of the diagnostic tool.

17. The wireless charging system of claim 16, wherein the information of the diagnostic tool further includes at least one of the following:

diagnostic tool type, serial number, manufacturer, date of production or shipment, previous charging records, port connections, electrical configuration/layout, diagnostic specification, maintenance information, serial number, lot number, warranty information and a manufacture data code.

18. A wireless charging system comprising:

a communication module that comprises a transceiver for receiving information from a diagnostic tool, wherein the information from the diagnostic tool comprises information of the diagnostic tool and diagnostic information stored by the diagnostic tool including a diagnostic trouble code, the communication module further configured to communicate with a user'"'"'s smartphone to illustrate a charging of diagnostic tool;

a power module that comprises a computer processor for receiving power signals from a power source;

a tool module configured to identify the diagnostic tool that is being charged and to store and interpret the diagnostic information from the diagnostic tool; and

an output module that comprises a power circuitry for outputting a power signal to wirelessly charge the diagnostic tool based at least in part on the information of the diagnostic tool;

wherein the information of the diagnostic tool includes an electrical specification of the diagnostic tool.