US6144903A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrical fault recognition system for vehicles
Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC
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Filing: 1998-08-03
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Granted: 2000-11-07
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Expires: 2018-08-03
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan E. Tousignant
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 05:25
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M17/00; G01M17/007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
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.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
92 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as recited in claim 1, wherein step (1) includes reading both the current and voltage draw.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
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.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
118 words
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.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
118 words
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.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
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.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-11-07 | 2004-05-08 | 2004-11-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-11-07 | 2008-05-08 | 2008-11-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-11-07 | 2012-05-08 | 2012-11-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |