TOOL INTERFACE CONNECTOR WIRELESS ADAPTER COMPACT DESIGN

• US 20110106371A1
• Filed: 10/08/2010
• Published: 05/05/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC (SPX Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC (SPX Corporation)
• Inventors: Beal, Charles Warren, Jardine, Lee
• Granted Patent: US 9,589,395 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/33
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/0416 Connectors, terminals G01R1/0425 and G01R1/0433 take precedence; with measurement function for battery poles G01R31/364
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/006 on road vehicles, e.g. automobiles or trucks testing of ignition installations peculiar to internal combustion engines F02P17/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2205/02 using a vehicle scan tool
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/20 for testing or measuring purposes
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/26 for vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/065 with built-in electric apparatus

Abstract

A vehicular diagnostic tool interface device that may be connected to a vehicular diagnostic tool, typically through an available port thereof, that enhances the functionality of the overall tool. The interface device is configured in such a manner as to provide physical protection to more sensitive components such as, for example, wireless transceivers. The interface device is also configured to minimize the distance that it protrudes from the diagnostic tool. Also, a method of operating such a vehicular diagnostic tool.

Claims

1. A vehicular diagnostic tool interface device, comprising:

a first connector interfaceable with a vehicular diagnostic tool;

a communications component; and

a signal carrier extending between the first connector and the communications component, wherein the signal carrier is configured to transport a signal between the first connector and the communications component and wherein the signal carrier includes;

a substantially horizontal portion extending substantially parallel to the first connector; and

a substantially vertical portion extending substantially perpendicularly to the first connector.

2. The vehicular diagnostic tool interface device of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a DB25 connector.

3. The vehicular diagnostic tool interface device of claim 1, wherein the signal carrier comprises a plurality of pins.

4. The vehicular diagnostic tool interface device of claim 1, wherein the signal carrier comprises:

a first pin portion electronically connected to and extending from the first connector;

a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) electronically connected to the first pin portion; and

a second pin portion electronically connected to the PCBA and to the communications component, wherein the PCBA extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first connector.

5. The vehicular diagnostic tool interface device of claim 1, wherein the communications component comprises a wireless communication transceiver.

6. The vehicular diagnostic tool interface device of claim 1, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with a tire pressure sensor located on a vehicle.

7. The vehicular diagnostic tool interface device of claim 1, further comprising:

a second connector interfaceable with a vehicular diagnostic cable, wherein the second connector is electronically connected to the first connector.

8. The vehicular diagnostic tool interface of claim 7, wherein a portion of the second connector is positioned substantially parallel to a portion of the communications component.

9. The vehicular diagnostic tool interface of claim 8, wherein the second connector is positioned substantially collinearly with the first connector.

10. The vehicular diagnostic tool interface of claim 8, wherein the second connector is positioned above the communications component when the first connector is physically attached to the vehicular diagnostic tool and when the vehicular diagnostic tool is being held by a user in an operable position.

11. The vehicular diagnostic tool interface of claim 1, wherein the substantially vertical portion comprises a flylead.

12. A method of operating a vehicular diagnostic tool, the method comprising:

forwarding a signal from the vehicular diagnostic tool through a first connector that is interfaced with the vehicular diagnostic tool;

passing the signal from the first connector and through a substantially horizontal portion of a signal carrier extending substantially parallel to the first connector;

using a substantially vertical portion of the signal carrier extending substantially perpendicularly to the first connector to forward the signal from the substantially horizontal portion of the signal carrier to a communications component; and

transmitting the signal to a remote location using the communications component.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

incorporating a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) within the substantially vertical portion of the signal carrier.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

selecting a wireless communication transceiver as the communications component.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

selecting the remote location to include a tire pressure sensor located on a vehicle.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

selecting the first connector to include a DB25 connector.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

connecting a vehicular diagnostic cable to a second connector that is electronically connected to the first connector.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

positioning the second connector substantially collinearly with the first connector.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

positioning the second connector substantially parallel with the communications component.

20. A vehicular diagnostic tool interface device, comprising:

means for connecting with a vehicular diagnostic tool;

means for communicating with a device remote to the vehicular diagnostic tool;

means for forwarding a signal between the means for connecting and the means for communicating, wherein the means for forwarding includes;

a substantially horizontal portion extending substantially parallel to the means for connecting; and

a substantially vertical portion extending substantially perpendicularly to the means for connecting.