Devices and methods for determining a vehicle alternator condition
US11473545B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2022 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02N2300/306
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices and systems for determining an alternator condition in a motor vehicle are provided. The method includes performing a plurality of micro wakeups to capture voltage values during a cranking event, determining the maximum cranking voltage and its timestamp, detecting an ignition signal, determining the maximum device voltage and its timestamp, and determining a potential alternator undercharging condition if a duration between the maximum cranking voltage timestamp and the maximum device voltage timestamp is greater than an undercharging indicator duration threshold. Advantageously, an alternator may be repaired or replaced before it fails thus averting having the motor vehicles inoperable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.