SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VISUALLY INDICATING A SENSOR STATUS

A sensor status indicator (SSI) assembly comprises a sensing interface configured to be communicatively coupled to a wiring harness of a sensor and receive a sensor signal therefrom. The sensor signal indicates a sensor status corresponding to a status of an apparatus to which the sensor is coupled. The SSI assembly also includes at least one visual indicator; and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensing interface and the at least one visual indicator. The controller is configured to interpret the sensor signal to determine the sensor status, and activate the at least one visual indicator to generate a visual signal corresponding to the sensor status.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to sensing systems for visually indicating status of sensors.

BACKGROUND

Many systems such as vehicles, power-generation equipment and other systems include many subsystems such as engines, aftertreatment systems, filters, etc. Various sensors are used to determine operational status of such subsystems. For example, many vehicles include filter assemblies that include a filter (e.g., air filters, fuel filters, lubricant filters, water filters, etc.) for removing particulates from a fluid (e.g., air, air/fuel mixture, lubricant, water, etc.). Over time, the particulates accumulate in the filter leading to clogging of the filter and increase in backpressure on the fluid flowing through the filter. Such filters may include a bypass valve to allow the fluid to bypass the filter once the pressure is greater than a pressure threshold. Such situations allow unfiltered fluid to flow into a respective system which is undesirable.

To prevent such occurrences, filters assemblies often include a sensor configured to sense a status of the filter. For example, a pressure sensor may be configured to measure a pressure within the filter assembly which may correspond to a status of a filter, e.g., indicate a fresh filter, filter about to fail, or filter failed. In conventional systems, such sensors are generally coupled via a wiring harness to a controller of the system (e.g., an electronic control module (ECM)) and generate a fault code which is stored in a memory of the ECM and/or indicated on a display (e.g., a dash display of the vehicle) as a general indication (e.g., a check engine light). To determine the status of such sensors, a fault code reader needs to be coupled to the controller to determine the sensor status. Such fault code readers are generally expensive and/or may only available at repair shops, which increases the cost of diagnosing the status of the filter, or any other system that includes a sensor coupled thereto.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein relate generally to systems and methods for visually indicating a status of a sensor and in particular, to sensor status indicator assemblies communicatively coupled to a wiring harness of one or more sensors. The sensor status indicator assemblies are configured to receive and interpret a sensor signal from the sensor, and generate a visual signal corresponding to the sensor status.

In a set of embodiments, a sensor status indicator (SSI) assembly comprises a sensing interface configured to be communicatively coupled to a wiring harness of a sensor and receive a sensor signal therefrom. The sensor signal indicates a sensor status corresponding to a status of an apparatus to which the sensor is coupled. The SSI assembly also includes at least one visual indicator; and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensing interface and the at least one visual indicator. The controller is configured to interpret the sensor signal to determine the sensor status, and activate the at least one visual indicator to generate a visual signal corresponding to the sensor status.

In another set of embodiments, a method for visual indication of a sensor status of a sensor comprises communicatively coupling a SSI assembly to a wiring harness of a sensor coupled to an apparatus. The sensor status indicator assembly comprises a sensing interface communicatively coupled to the wiring harness and configured to receive a sensor signal therefrom. The sensor signal indicates a sensor status corresponding to a status of the apparatus. The sensor status indicator assembly also comprises at least one visual indicator, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensing interface and the at least one visual indicator. A visual signal produced by the at least one visual indicator is recorded. The visual signal corresponds to the status of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described herein relate generally to system and methods for visually indicating a status of a sensor and in particular, to sensor status indicator assemblies communicatively coupled to a wiring harness of one or more sensors. The sensor status indicator assemblies are configured to receive and interpret a sensor signal from the sensor, and generate a visual signal corresponding to the sensor status.

In a number of conventional systems, sensors for measuring a status of an apparatus (e.g., a pressure sensor coupled to a filter assembly and configured to measure a pressure therein) are generally coupled via a wiring harness to a controller of the system (e.g., an electronic control module (ECM)) and generate a fault code which is stored in a memory of the ECM and/or indicated on a display (e.g., a dash display of the vehicle) as a general indication (e.g., a check engine light). To determine the status of such sensors, a fault code reader is generally coupled to the controller which is configured to read fault codes stored in the controller and determine the sensor status. Such fault code readers are generally expensive and/or may only available at repair shops, which increases the cost of diagnosing the status of the filter, or any other system that includes a sensor coupled thereto.

Embodiments of the SSI assemblies described herein may provide several benefits including, for example: (1) providing easy to read visual indication of a sensor status which corresponds to a status of an apparatus to which the SSI assembly is coupled; (2) providing easy and low cost installation and adaptation to existing wiring harnesses of existing sensors as well as allowing easy replacement; (3) avoiding modification of existing sensors for integrating visual indicators (e.g., LEDs), thereby circumventing the development of new sensors; (4) allowing inspection at point-of-service rather than a separate location and without using a fault code reader, thereby providing cost savings by avoiding costly diagnostics; and (5) allowing unique configuration of SSI assemblies to allow receiving signals from a plurality of sensors (e.g., 2, 3 or even more), for example, to calculate a difference relative to a stored value.

FIG. 1is a schematic illustration of a sensing system100including a SSI assembly120, according to an embodiment. The sensing system100is configured to sense the status of an apparatus10, for example, to determine if the apparatus10working properly, is about to fail or has failed. In some embodiments, the apparatus10may comprise a filter assembly comprising a filter (e.g., an air filter, a fuel filter, a lubricant filter, a water filter, an exhaust gas particulate matter filter, or any other suitable filter). In such embodiments, the status of the filter assembly may correspond to the filter working properly (i.e., not clogged), the filter about to fail (i.e., substantially clogged) or filter failed (e.g., filter completely clogged). In other embodiments, the apparatus10may be a component of an aftertreatment system, for example, an oxidation catalyst, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, an ammonia slip catalyst or any other aftertreatment component whose status is to be monitored. In still other embodiments, the apparatus10may comprise an engine or an engine subsystem.

The sensing system100comprises a sensor112coupled to the apparatus10. The sensor112is configured to sense a status of the apparatus10and generate a sensor signal. The sensor signal indicates a sensor status of the sensor112corresponding to the status of the apparatus10. In embodiments in which the apparatus10comprises a filter assembly, the sensor112may comprise a pressure sensor configured to determine a pressure within the filter assembly, and generate a sensor signal indicating a sensor status corresponding to the status of the filter assembly. For example, the sensor signal may include a pressure signal which indicates a pressure of the filter assembly (e.g., a pressure difference across the filter assembly). As previously described herein, as the filter gets increasingly clogged, the backpressure exerted on the fluid by the filter as the fluid passes therethrough increases correspondingly such that a larger pressure of the fluid is required to pass through the filter. Very high pressures may occur when the filter is sufficiently clogged and cause failure of the filter assembly (e.g., via breaking or cracking of the filter, or a housing of the filter assembly). A bypass valve may be provided in the filter assembly and configured to allow the fluid to bypass the filter assembly at sufficiently high pressures so as to prevent damage to the filter assembly. This however, results in unfiltered fluid to be delivered to a downstream system which is undesirable.

The pressure exerted by the fluid on the filter which corresponds to the pressure within the filter assembly may be measured by the sensor112and is indicative of the status of the filter assembly. The sensor112generates a sensor signal which indicates a sensor status corresponding to a status of the filter assembly and may be used to diagnose the filter assembly. For example, a sensor status corresponding to the pressure of the filter assembly being less than a pressure threshold range may indicate that the filter is not clogged and working properly. A sensor status corresponding to the pressure being within the pressure threshold range may indicate that the filter is substantially clogged and is about to fail. Similarly, a sensor status corresponding to the pressure being greater than the predetermined threshold range may correspond to filter being completely blocked or otherwise having failed. In other embodiments, a sensor status corresponding to pressure being below a low pressure threshold may indicate that the filter or the filter assembly has failed (e.g., the filter has cracked).

Referring again toFIG. 1A, a wiring harness114is coupled to the sensor112and is configured to communicate the sensor signal therefrom to a central controller (e.g., an ECM). The sensor signal may be logged in a memory of the ECM for later reading by a fault reader or displayed on a display (e.g., a dash display).

The SSI assembly120is communicatively coupled to the wiring harness114and is configured to read the sensor signal from the wiring harness114. The SSI assembly120includes a sensing interface129, a plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cand a controller170communicatively coupled to the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cand the sensing interface129. The SSI assembly120includes an assembly housing122, which houses the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cand the controller170. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1A, the sensing interface129is integrated with the assembly housing122. In other embodiments, the sensing interface129may be positioned remote from the assembly housing122(e.g., as described with respect to the SSI assembly220,320,620and720). In still other embodiments, the sensing interface129may be disposed inside a connector that mates with the sensor112, for example via leads, pins, wiring, etc.

The sensing interface129is communicatively coupled to the wiring harness114to receive a sensor signal (e.g., an analog signal such as current, voltage or frequency) therefrom, the sensor signal indicating the sensor status corresponding to a status of the apparatus10. In some embodiments, the sensing interface129may include pins or electrical wires electrically coupled to the wiring harness114. For example, the sensing interface129may include pins inserted through a protective sheath of the wiring harness114to contact an underlying electric lead of the wiring harness that transmits the sensor signal. Alternatively, the sensing interface129may include an electrical wire and a portion of the protective sheath of the wiring harness may be stripped off to connect the electrical wire to the underlying electrical lead of the wiring harness114.

In other embodiments, the sensing interface129may include a wireless receiver configured to sense the sensor signals transmitted through the electrical lead of the wiring harness without physically connecting the sensing interface to the electrical lead. For example, the sensing interface129may include an inductive sensor, a current clamp (e.g., hall effect sensor, a transformer or a vane type coil) or any other wireless sensor positioned around the wiring harness114(e.g., clipped to a portion of the wiring harness or positioned around the wiring harness114) and configured to detect the sensor signal transmitted through the wiring harness114.

The plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cmay include any suitable visual indicator that can generate a visual signal corresponding to the sensor signal in response to an indicator signal from the controller170. The controller170is configured to interpret the sensor signal to determine the sensor status. The controller170is also configured to activate at least one visual indicator of the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cto generate a visual signal corresponding to the sensor status.

For example, the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cmay include light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to generate different visual signals, for example, different colors indicating a specific sensor status corresponding to a specific status of the apparatus10. In other embodiments, the SSI assembly120may include a single LED configured to generate a visual signal comprising different colors corresponding to the sensor status. In still other embodiments, the SSI assembly120may include an LED or LCD display for displaying the sensor status using any other visual signal. For example, the visual signal may include a bar which progressively increases in height based on a life or operational efficiency of the apparatus10(e.g., increasing height of the bar corresponding to increase in clogging of a filter) or displaying in alphabets or symbols the status of the sensor (e.g., OPERATIONAL, FAILING, FAILED, etc.).

In embodiments in which the apparatus10includes a filter assembly, a first visual indicator132a(e.g., a first LED) of the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cmay include a green LED configured to be activated when the pressure signal generated by the sensor112corresponds to the pressure of the filter assembly being less than the pressure threshold range indicating that the filter assembly is working property (i.e., the filter is not clogged). A second visual indicator132b(e.g., a second LED) of the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cmay include a yellow LED configured to be activated when the pressure signal generated by the sensor112corresponds to the pressure of the filter assembly being within the pressure threshold range indicating that the filter assembly is about to fail (i.e., the filter is substantially clogged). Similarly, a third visual indicator132cof the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cmay comprise a red LED configured to be activated when the pressure signal generated by the sensor112corresponds to the pressure of the filter assembly being greater than the pressure threshold range or below the low pressure threshold indicating that the filter assembly has failed (i.e., the filter is completely clogged or has cracked, respectively).

In some embodiments, the controller170may also be configured to determine an operational status of the sensor112based on the sensor signal. For example, the controller170may determine that the sensor112has malfunctioned if large or fast moving transients are observed in the sensor signal, or conversely, negligible changes are observed in the sensor signal over long operational periods of the apparatus10.

In particular embodiments, the controller170may be included in a control circuitry. For example,FIG. 1Bis a schematic block diagram of a control circuitry171that comprises the controller170, according to an embodiment. The controller170comprises a processor172, a memory174, or any other computer readable medium, and may also include a communication interface126. Furthermore, the controller170includes a sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand an indicator control circuitry174b.It should be understood that the controller170shows only one embodiment of the controller170and any other controller capable of performing the operations described herein can be used.

The processor172can comprise a microprocessor, programmable logic controller (PLC) chip, an ASIC chip, or any other suitable processor. The processor172is in communication with the memory174and configured to execute instructions, algorithms, commands, or otherwise programs stored in the memory174.

The memory174comprises any of the memory and/or storage components discussed herein. For example, memory174may comprise a RAM and/or cache of processor172. The memory174may also comprise one or more storage devices (e.g., hard drives, flash drives, computer readable media, etc.) either local or remote to controller170. The memory174is configured to store look up tables, algorithms, or instructions.

In one configuration, the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174bare embodied as machine or computer-readable media (e.g., stored in the memory174) that is executable by a processor, such as the processor172. As described herein and amongst other uses, the machine-readable media (e.g., the memory174) facilitates performance of certain operations to enable reception and transmission of data. For example, the machine-readable media may provide an instruction (e.g., command, etc.) to, e.g., acquire data. In this regard, the machine-readable media may include programmable logic that defines the frequency of acquisition of the data (or, transmission of the data). Thus, the computer readable media may include code, which may be written in any programming language including, but not limited to, Java or the like and any conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program code may be executed on one processor or multiple remote processors. In the latter scenario, the remote processors may be connected to each other through any type of network (e.g., CAN bus, etc.).

In another configuration, the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174bmay be embodied as one or more circuitry components including, but not limited to, processing circuitry, network interfaces, peripheral devices, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc.

In some embodiments, the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174bmay take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (IC), discrete circuits, system on a chip (SOCs) circuits, microcontrollers, etc.), telecommunication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of “circuit.” In this regard, the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174bmay include any type of component for accomplishing or facilitating achievement of the operations described herein. For example, a circuit as described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, and so on.

Thus, the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174bmay also include programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. In this regard, the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174bmay include one or more memory devices for storing instructions that are executable by the processor(s) of the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174b.The one or more memory devices and processor(s) may have the same definition as provided below with respect to the memory174and the processor172.

In the example shown, the controller170includes the processor172and the memory174. The processor172and the memory174may be structured or configured to execute or implement the instructions, commands, and/or control processes described herein with respect the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174b.Thus, the depicted configuration represents the aforementioned arrangement where the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174bare embodied as machine or computer-readable media. However, as mentioned above, this illustration is not meant to be limiting as the present disclosure contemplates other embodiments such as the aforementioned embodiment where the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174b,or at least one circuit of the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174bare configured as a hardware unit. All such combinations and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The processor172may be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital signal processor (DSP), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits (e.g., the sensor signal analysis circuitry174aand the indicator control circuitry174b) may comprise or otherwise share the same processor which, in some example embodiments, may execute instructions stored, or otherwise accessed, via different areas of memory). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be structured to perform or otherwise execute certain operations independent of one or more co-processors. In other example embodiments, two or more processors may be coupled via a bus to enable independent, parallel, pipelined, or multi-threaded instruction execution. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The memory174(e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, hard disk storage, etc.) may store data and/or computer code for facilitating the various processes described herein. The memory174may be communicably connected to the processor172to provide computer code or instructions to the processor172for executing at least some of the processes described herein. Moreover, the memory174may be or include tangible, non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the memory174may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein.

The sensor signal analysis circuitry174amay be configured to interpret the sensor signal received from the sensor112(e.g., a voltage, current, frequency or any other analog signal) and determine a sensor status therefrom. The indicator control circuitry174bis configured to generate an indicator signal (e.g., current, voltage or frequency) to activate at least one of the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cbased on the sensor status determined from the sensor signal, as previously described herein.

The communication interface126may include wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, communication interfaces, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with the sensing interface129, optionally an external controller180For example, the communication interface126may include a controller sensor for receiving the sensor signal. In some embodiments, the communication interface126may be structured to communicate via local area networks or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet, etc.) and may use a variety of communications protocols (e.g., IP, LON, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), ZigBee, radio, cellular, near field communication, etc.) with the external controller. In other embodiments, the communication interface126may include a wired interface (e.g., a CAN bus, a serial interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface) to allow coupling of the controller170to the external controller180(e.g., an ECM, a data logger, a dash display, etc.).

For example, the external controller180may be coupled to a display182and/or a server184. The communication interface126may be selectively activated, for example, via an activation signal from the external controller180or a remote control (e.g., a garage opener, or a remote ignition type signal generator) and communicate a sensor status signal to the external controller180. The external controller180may be configured to interpret and/or communicate the sensor status signal to the display182to show the sensor status on the display182(e.g., via a web interface or dedicated application). The display182maybe integrated with the external controller180(e.g., in a hand held device) or located remotely from the external controller180. Furthermore, the external controller180may be configured to communicate the sensor status signal to the server184, for example, to enable remote monitoring or data logging on the server184. In other embodiments, the communication interface126may be used to receive software updates (e.g., via BTLE) from the external controller, for example, for reprogramming the controller170or resetting the SSI assembly120.

In some embodiments, the controller170may be configured to determine an average sensor status over a period of time and communicate the average sensor status to the server184or display182via the communication interface126. In other embodiments, the controller170may be configured to determine an anomalous or outlier sensor status (e.g., corresponding to failure of the apparatus10or the sensor112) and communicate the anomalous sensor status to the server184or the display182.

In some embodiments, the SSI assembly120may be configured to draw electrical power directly from the wiring harness114. In such embodiments, the sensing interface129may include pins or wires electrically coupled to the wiring harness114as previously described herein to draw electrical power therefrom for powering the SSI assembly120in addition to determining the sensor signal therefrom. In other embodiments in which the sensing interface129includes an inductive coupling, the SSI assembly120may include an inductive power generator configured to inductively generate electrical power using the electrical signal passing through the wiring harness114.

In the above described embodiments, the SSI assembly120may be continuously powered ON. Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cmay always be activated based on the sensor status of the sensor112. In some embodiments, the SSI assembly120may include a switch134(e.g., a toggle switch or button) which may be selectively engaged by a user to activate or deactivate the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c.In some embodiments, a remote control (e.g., a garage opener, or a remote ignition type signal generator) may be used to turn on a system (e.g., a vehicle) including the apparatus10and the SSI assembly120for a short period of time (e.g., 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 seconds) to enable the SSI assembly120to measure the sensor signal and indicate the sensor status to a user via at least one of the visual indicators132a/b/c.In other embodiments, the system (e.g., a vehicle) may be turned ON for longer periods of time, for example, when the SSI assembly120is being reset. In particular embodiments, the SSI assembly120may be remotely activated by an activation signal, for example, a BTLE activation signal received via the communication interface126.

In some embodiments, the SSI assembly120may also include a power source128configured to provide power to the SSI assembly120. The power source128may include, for example, a battery (e.g., a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery). In such embodiment, the SSI assembly120or at least the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cmay generally be in an OFF or inactive configuration, for example, to save power. The SSI assembly120may be selectively turned ON, for example, via the switch134or via an activation signal received via the communication interface126.

In some embodiments, a sensing interface of a SSI assembly may be positioned remotely from other components of the SSI assembly. For example,FIG. 2is a schematic illustration of a SSI assembly220, according to another embodiment. The SSI assembly220includes the housing assembly122, the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c,the controller170, and may optionally also include the communication interface126, the power source128and the switch134. The SSI assembly220comprises a sensing interface229communicatively coupled to the wiring harness114of the sensor112, for example physically connected to an electrical lead of the wiring harness or wirelessly (e.g., inductively) coupled thereto. The sensing interface229is positioned remotely from the assembly housing122, and a sensing interface lead236electrically couples the sensing interface229to the controller170. The sensing interface lead236may include a CAN bus, a serial or analog transmission wire, etc. Remotely positioning the sensing interface229from the assembly housing122may allow positioning of the assembly housing122and thereby, the visual indicators132a/b/cat a more convenient location relative to the sensing interface229, for example, to facilitate observation by a user. In some embodiments, the sensing interface229may be disposed inside a connector that mates with the sensor112, for example via leads, pins, wiring, etc.

In some embodiments, a single SSI assembly may be used to determine the sensor status of two or even more sensors. For example,FIG. 3is a schematic illustration of a SSI assembly320, according to another embodiment. The SSI assembly220includes the housing assembly122, the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c,the controller170and the switch134, and may optionally also include the communication interface126and the power source128. The SSI assembly320comprises a first sensing interface329communicatively coupled to the wiring harness114of the sensor112which is coupled to the apparatus10, for example physically connected to an electrical lead of the wiring harness or inductively coupled thereto. The first sensing interface329is positioned remotely from the assembly housing122, and a first sensing interface lead336electrically couples the first sensing interface329to the controller170.

The SSI assembly320also comprises a second sensing interface339also remotely positioned from the assembly housing122. The second sensing interface339is communicatively coupled to a second wiring harness314of a second sensor312which is operably coupled to a second apparatus20(e.g., a second filter assembly). In some embodiments, each of first sensing interface329may be disposed inside a first connector that mates with the sensor112, and the second sensing interface339may be disposed inside a second connector that mates with the second sensor312, for example via leads, pins, wiring, etc. In some embodiments, the switch134may be configured to be switched between the first sensing interface329and the second sensing interface339selectively by a user. For example, in a first configuration (e.g., a first position), the switch134may communicatively couple the controller170to the first sensing interface329to allow processing of the sensor signal therefrom. In the first configuration, the visual signal displayed by the visual indicators132a/b/ccorrespond to the sensor status of the sensor112.

In a second configuration (e.g., a second position), the switch134may communicatively the couple the controller170to the second sensor312. The second sensor generates a second sensor signal indicating a second sensor status corresponding to a status of the second apparatus20to which the second sensor312is coupled. The controller170may receive the second sensor signal from the second sensor312, interpret the second sensor signal to determine the second sensor status, and activate at least one of the visual indicators132a/b/cto generate a visual signal corresponding to the second sensor status. In some embodiments, the switch134may also be movable into a third configuration (e.g., a third position) in which the switch134deactivates the SSI assembly120(e.g., the controller170, the communication interface126and the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c) or at least the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c(e.g., turns the SSI assembly120or at least the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cOFF). In some embodiments, the switch134may include a dual function button. In such embodiments, engaging the button for a first time period may communicatively couple the first sensing interface329to the controller170and engaging the button for a second time period longer than the first time period may communicatively couple the second sensing interface339to the controller170.

In some embodiments, an SSI assembly may include an activation sensor configured to sense a predetermined sensor signal threshold before activating one or more visual indicators or providing power to a controller of the SSI assembly, for example, to conserve power. For example,FIG. 4is a schematic illustration of a SSI assembly420, according to an embodiment. The SSI assembly420comprises the assembly housing122, the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c,the controller170, and may optionally also include the communication interface126, the power source128and/or the sensing interface129. In other embodiments, the SSI assembly420may include the sensing interface229coupled to the controller170via the sensing interface lead236.

The SSI assembly420also includes an activation sensor442. The activation sensor442may be configured to measure a sensor status signal received from a sensor (e.g., the sensor112) and in response to the sensor status signal being above a sensor status threshold, below a sensor status threshold, within a predetermined sensor status threshold range or any suitable combination thereof, activate the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cor the controller170, for example, to conserve power. In some embodiments, in which the sensor (e.g., the sensor112) includes a pressure sensor, the activation sensor442may include a pressure switch. In such embodiments, the activation sensor442may be configured to activate the visual indicators132a/b/cor the controller170(e.g., communicatively couple the visual indicators132a/b/cto the controller170or communicatively couple the power source128to the controller170to selectively allow transmission of electrical power thereto) in response to the sensor status corresponding to a pressure being within a predetermined threshold range, above a predetermined threshold or below a low pressure threshold, as previously described herein. In other embodiments, the activation sensor442may include a MEMS sensor, a capacitive sensor, a transistor or any other solid state sensor which may serve as a gate for activating the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c,for example, to supply electrical power thereto when a sensor signal (e.g., a pressure) signal is present, thereby conserving power.

In some embodiments, a SSI assembly may also be coupled to an external power source or an external controller. For example,FIG. 5is a schematic illustration of a SSI assembly520, according to an embodiment. The SSI assembly520comprises the assembly housing122, the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c,the controller170, and may optionally also include the communication interface126, the power source128and/or the sensing interface129. In other embodiments, the SSI assembly520may include the sensing interface229coupled to the controller170via the sensing interface lead236.

The SSI assembly520also comprises a communication lead544(e.g., a CAN bus or an analog or digital transmission line) coupled to an external system550. In some embodiments, the external system550may comprise an external power source (e.g., a vehicle battery or alternator) configured to provide electric power to the SSI assembly520, for example, for powering the controller170, the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cand/or recharge the power source128. In other embodiments, the external system550may comprise an external controller (e.g., an ECM) configured to communicate with the controller170, for example, to receive data corresponding to the sensor status from the SSI assembly520, reset the controller170or reprogram the controller170. In particular embodiments, the SSI assembly520may include a communication interface, for example, a CAN interface, a serial interface, a USB interface or any other suitable interface provided in the assembly housing122for selectively allowing coupling of the controller170to the external system550. In still other embodiments, the external system550may comprise a telematics system, a data logger and/or a display (e.g., a dash display of a vehicle).

FIG. 6is a schematic illustration of a SSI assembly620, according to another embodiment. The SSI assembly620comprises the assembly housing122, the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c,the controller170, and may optionally also include the communication interface126and the power source128. The SSI assembly620also includes the sensing interface229positioned remotely from the assembly housing122and communicatively coupled to the controller170positioned in the assembly housing122via the sensing interface lead236. The SSI assembly620further comprises a first communication lead644communicatively coupling the controller to an external system (e.g., the external system550, as previously described herein). Furthermore, a second communication lead646couples the sensing interface229to the external system or any other external system described herein, so as to allow communication between the external system and the sensing interface229. In particular embodiments, any one of the first or second communication lead644or646may be excluded such that the remaining communication lead644or646may serve to allow communication between the external system and each of the controller170and the sensing interface229.

FIG. 7is a schematic illustration of a SSI assembly720, according to yet another embodiment. The SSI assembly720comprises the assembly housing122, the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c,the controller170, and may optionally also include the communication interface126and the power source128. The SSI assembly620also includes the first sensing interface329and the second sensing interface339positioned remotely from the assembly housing122and communicatively coupled to the controller170positioned in the assembly housing122via the first sensing interface lead336and the second sensing interface lead338. The SSI assembly720comprises a first communication lead744communicatively coupling the controller to an external system (e.g., the external system550, as previously described herein). Furthermore, a second communication lead746couples the first sensing interface329and a third communication lead748couples the second sensing interface339to the an external system (e.g., the external system550or any other external system described herein), so as to allow communication between the external system and the controller170as well as each of the sensing interfaces329and339. In particular embodiments, any one of the first, second or third communication leads744,746or748may be excluded such that the remaining communication lead may serve to allow communication between the external system and each of the controller170and the sensing interfaces329and339.

FIG. 8is a schematic flow diagram of a method800for visual indication of a sensor status of sensor, according to an embodiment. The method800comprises communicatively coupling a SSI assembly (e.g., the SSI assembly120,220,320,420,520,620,720) including at least one visual indicator (e.g., the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c) to a wiring harness (e.g., the wiring harness114) of a first sensor (e.g., the first sensor112) coupled to an apparatus (e.g., the apparatus10), at802. For example, the sensing interface129or229of the SSI assembly120,220is coupled to the wiring harness114.

In some embodiments, the SSI assembly (e.g., the SSI assembly320,720) may include a first sensing interface (e.g., the first sensing interface329) and a second sensing interface (e.g., the second sensing interface339). In such embodiments, the method800may also include communicatively coupling the SSI assembly to a second wiring harness (e.g., the second wiring harness (e.g., the second wiring harness314) of a second sensor (e.g., the second sensor312) coupled to a second apparatus (e.g., the second apparatus20), at804. For example, the first sensing interface329may be coupled to the first wiring harness114and the second sensing interface339is coupled to the second wiring harness314.

In some embodiments, the SSI assembly is selectively activated, at806. For example, the switch134may be used to selectively activate the controller170or the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cto conserve power, as previously described herein. In other embodiments, the SSI assembly may be continuously activated, for example, in embodiments in which the SSI assembly draws electrical power from the wiring harness or an external power source.

At808, a visual signal produced by the at least one visual indicator is recorded, the visual signal corresponding to a status of the apparatus. For example, a visual signal produced by at least one of the visual indicators132a/b/cis recorded (e.g., a visually observed by a user or recorded in a data logger or memory of an external controller or server) and indicates a sensor status corresponding to a status of the apparatus to which the sensor is coupled.

In some embodiments, in which the SSI assembly includes two sensing interfaces coupled to respective wiring harnesses, the method800may also include reconfiguring the SSI assembly to cause the at least one visual indicator to generate visual signal corresponding to the second sensor, at810. For example, the switch134may be engaged to communicatively couple the second sensing interface339to the controller170and disconnect the first sensing interface329therefrom. This allows the controller170to determine the second sensor status of the second sensor and activate at least one of the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/cbased on the second sensor status which corresponds to a status of the second apparatus20. At812, the visual signal produced by the at least one visual indicator (e.g., at least one of the plurality of visual indicators132a/b/c) corresponding to the status of the second apparatus (e.g., the second apparatus20) is recorded (e.g., observed visually or stored in a data logger).

In some embodiments, the SSI assembly is reset, at814. For example, an external controller (e.g., the external system550) may communicate a reset signal to the SSI assembly520through the communication lead544or wirelessly (e.g., via BTLE) to reset the controller170of the SSI assembly520or reprogram the controller170.