# US 2023/0054729 A1 · Diagnostic tool for anti-lock braking systems > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2023/0054729 A1 - Document ID: US20230054729A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 17/809,918 - Filed: 2022-06-30 - Published: 2023-02-23 - Earliest claimed: 2021-08-18 - Assignees: Ian R. Vinci; Peter R. Vinci; Peter Vinci - Inventors: Ian R. Vinci; Peter R. Vinci; Peter Vinci; Richard A. Frantz - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20230054729A1 ## CPC - 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)} - B60T 8/885: {using electrical circuitry} - B60T 2270/10: ABS control systems - B60T 2270/406: Test-mode; Self-diagnosis - B60T 2270/415: Short-circuit, open circuit failure - B60T: VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL (electrodynamic brake systems for vehicle, in general B60L; brakes per se, i.e. devices where braking effect occurs, including ultimate brake actuators, F16D); ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES ## Abstract A diagnostic tool connected to an anti-lock braking system (ABS system) is described. The diagnostic tool is capable of powering on the ABS system and measuring the load current of the ABS system while the ABS system starts up. This startup load current signature is then compared to what is considered a normal startup load current signature. Such a comparison allows the diagnostic tool to determine whether the ABS system is functioning properly or whether there is a fault with the ABS system. Additional features on the diagnostic tool also allow the tool to communicate with the ABS system via power-line communications (PLC communications) and to determine whether there are any issues with those communications. Finally, the diagnostic tool is able to receive and translate any stored or active ABS fault codes generated by the ABS system and to display those fault codes to the user. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A diagnostic tool for an anti-lock braking system (ABS system), the diagnostic tool comprising: a power line capable of being connected to the ABS system; a power supply operative to supply power over the power line; a microcontroller; a current-voltage monitor in signal communication with the microcontroller and operative to measure a load current on the power supply; and a user interface in signal communication with the microcontroller; wherein, with the power line attached to the ABS system, the microcontroller is operative to: cause the power supply to power on the ABS system; receive data from the current-voltage monitor representing a startup load current signature of the ABS system during startup; analyze the startup load current signature to determine whether the ABS system is powering on normally or abnormally; and cause one or more indications to display on the user interface based at least in part on the analysis. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein the power line terminates in a trailer-type connector comprising a power pin and a ground pin. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller comprises: memory; logic circuitry coupled to the memory; and input and output circuitry coupled to the logic circuitry. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein, with the power line attached to the ABS system, the microcontroller is further operative to store the startup load current signature. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein parameters of a normal startup load current signature of the ABS system are preprogrammed into the microcontroller. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The diagnostic tool of claim 5, wherein analyzing the startup load current signature comprises comparing the startup load current signature with the parameters of the normal startup load current signature. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein, with the power line attached to the ABS system, the microcontroller is further operative to conduct power-line communications (PLC communications) with the ABS system over the power line. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The diagnostic tool of claim 7, wherein, with the power line attached to the ABS system, the microcontroller is further operative to determine whether PLC communications with the ABS system is normal or abnormal. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The diagnostic tool of claim 8, wherein determining whether PLC communications with the ABS system is normal or abnormal comprises sending a PLC command to the ABS system and determining if a response is an expected response. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The diagnostic tool of claim 8, wherein determining whether PLC communications with the ABS system is normal or abnormal comprises utilizing checksum values to verify data integrity. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The diagnostic tool of claim 7, wherein, with the power line attached to the ABS system, the microcontroller is further operative to command the ABS system to transmit any existing ABS fault codes via PLC communications. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The diagnostic tool of claim 11, wherein, with the power line attached to the ABS system, the microcontroller is further operative to display the any existing ABS fault codes on the user interface. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The diagnostic tool of claim 12, wherein a translation table for ABS fault codes for the ABS system is preprogrammed into the microcontroller. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The diagnostic tool of claim 13, wherein, with the power line attached to the ABS system, the microcontroller is further operative to display a translation of the any existing fault codes on the user interface. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein the current-voltage monitor comprises: a shunt resistor on the power line; and monitor circuitry operative to measure voltage and current at the shunt resistor and send data representative of those electrical parameters to the microcontroller. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The diagnostic tool of claim 1, further comprising: a relay contact on the power line operative to create an open and closed state in the power line; and a relay coil operative to control the relay contact, the relay coil controlled at least in part by the microcontroller. ### Claim 17 A system comprising: a vehicle comprising an ABS system; and a diagnostic tool comprising: a power line connected to the ABS system; a power supply operative to supply power over the power line; a microcontroller; a current-voltage monitor in signal communication with the microcontroller and operative to measure a load current on the power supply; and a user interface in signal communication with the microcontroller; wherein the microcontroller is operative to: cause the power supply to power on the ABS system; receive data from the current-voltage monitor representing a startup load current signature of the ABS system during startup; analyze the startup load current signature to determine whether the ABS system is powering on normally or abnormally; and cause one or more indications to display on the user interface based at least in part on the analysis. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The system of claim 17, wherein the vehicle comprises a semitrailer. ### Claim 19 (depends on 17) The system of claim 17, wherein the ABS system comprises an electronic control unit. ### Claim 20 (depends on 17) The system of claim 17, wherein the ABS system performs self-tests upon being powered up that affect the load current of the ABS system.