Since introducing Mitchell Diagnostics in 2017, Mitchell International, Inc., an Enlyte company, has received three patents for collision repair diagnostics.
The most recent patent---11,462,061---was awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in October and announced by Mitchell during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The company received its first auto diagnostics patent in 2018 and the second in 2021. The third patent covers the unique methods of using cloud-based technology to bring OEM procedures directly to repair technicians using a diagnostic scan tool.
“The company has continued to enhance its platform with patented and patent-pending technologies designed to assist repairers in meeting the needs of today’s complex vehicles,” said Jack Rozint, Mitchell’s SVP of repair sales. “Our Mitchell Diagnostics patents are just one example of the many things that Mitchell is doing to support the collision industry in delivering proper, safe and efficient repairs on today’s advanced vehicles, helping to enhance profitability and customer satisfaction.”
Rozint said the latest patent covers key diagnostic workflow enhancements. These include the use of server-based technology to directly link Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from the scan tool to the associated OEM repair procedure for that code.
With Mitchell Diagnostics, this is accomplished via connection of the scan devices to Mitchell’s cloud-based workflow infrastructure.
This feature was deployed in 2020 through an integration between Mitchell Diagnostics and Mitchell TechAdvisor.
“Linking the DTCs from the scan tool to the associated repair procedure can reduce the time it takes to blueprint and perform collision repairs,” said Rozint. “It can also support technicians in their delivery of a proper and safe repair since they have direct access to the relevant OEM procedures without having to look them up manually.”
When available, the repair procedures are delivered back to the technician on the scan device. Also included is a way for collision repair facilities to systematically document that the necessary diagnostic and repair procedures were performed. Rozint said allowing shops to upload and easily share diagnostic reports with insurance partners can help expedite claims processing and payment. In addition, repairers have the option to make those reports accessible to vehicle owners so they know the work was completed to OEM standards.
Mitchell Diagnostics was launched in 2017 for the collision repair and automotive claims markets. Through the Diagnostics as a Service (DaaS) platform and integration with Mitchell’s cloud-based solutions, repairers can receive assignments, perform scans, access more than 1,000 dynamic calibration routines, take photos, write estimates, link directly to OEM repair procedures based on DTCs, order parts and manage repair orders. They can also upload standardized scan and calibration reports as well as invoices to share with insurers.
The company said Mitchell Diagnostics has been used to perform more than 4 million pre-, in-process and post-scans, as well as more than 50,000 dynamic and static calibrations.
At this year’s SEMA Show, Mitchell showcased enhancements made to Mitchell Diagnostics.
“The need for diagnostics in collision repair is growing as vehicles get more complex and manufacturers make Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) standard on most new models,” said Rozint. “With our DaaS platform and cloud-based technologies, shops have the tools they need to safely return collision-damaged vehicles to the road. They can also bring work that they used to sublet in-house, introducing new revenue opportunities for their businesses.”
The company also shared with SEMA Show attendees the enhancements made to Mitchell Cloud Estimating. These include support for the repair of electric vehicles (EVs) and a newly introduced product---Mitchell Cloud Estimating TruckMax---for estimating collision damage to medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
He said the patent-pending EV enhancements are especially timely due to the dramatic growth in EV sales and include new features designed to streamline estimate writing for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Looking ahead, Rozint said the company’s focus remains on providing innovative technology that supports proper, safe and efficient collision repairs.
For more information, visit www.mitchell.com/solutions/auto-physical-damage.
Stacey Phillips Ronak