Vehicle tire inflation compressor for powered data ports
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsMartin Patrick Spindler, William Craig Keller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device and method for dispensing air and/or sealant to a tire of a vehicle. Power supply for the air compressor is obtained via powered USB instead of the typical 12 V cigarette lighter connector. The position of the tire which is being inflated can also be determined via the data interface of the USB port. By communication between a compressor control module and the vehicle systems interface, the compressor can automatically switch off when the recommended tire pressure has been reached. The control module can be located in the USB power cord plug, and can provide for changes in voltage to the compressor to maximize power and inflation rate and/or efficiency.
Claims20
A device for dispensing air and/or sealant to a tire of a vehicle, the vehicle including a powered data communication port, the device comprising:
- a compressor;
- and
- a control module configured to connect to the powered data communication port to power the compressor, wherein the control module is configured to change a voltage output from the powered data communication port to the compressor during operation and/or estimate a remaining fill time for the tire,
- wherein the control module is configured to switch the voltage output at or near a predetermined amperage draw by the compressor, such that the compressor is configured to operate
- at a higher inflation rate at a first voltage, and
- at a lower inflation rate at a second voltage.
A device for dispensing air and/or sealant to a tire of a vehicle, the vehicle including a powered data communication port, the device comprising:
- a compressor;
- a dispenser outlet connected to the compressor;
- a power supply cord including a first end that is connected or connectable to the dispenser and a second end opposite the first end, the second end including a connector element configured to connect to the powered data communication port to obtain power;
- and
- the connector element including a control module configured to control a power supply to a pressure source through the power supply cord, the control module including a logic circuit configured to receive information about tire pressure originating from vehicle tire pressure sensors and/or an electronic system of the vehicle, wherein the control module is configured to adjust a voltage to the compressor according to a tire pressure and/or an amperage draw of the compressor,
- wherein the control module is configured to estimate a current tire pressure and/or a remaining fill time from a power consumption of the compressor.
A method for dispensing air and/or sealant to a tire of a vehicle via a tire repair device, wherein a compressor is connected to the tire, and a connector element is connected to a data communication port of the vehicle, the method comprising:
- a control module in the connector element operating the tire repair device dispensing via the data communication port of the vehicle;
- the control module operating the compressor at a first voltage;
- and
- the control module operating the compressor at a second voltage that is different from the first voltage,
- wherein operating the compressor at the first voltage provides an initial inflation rate, and
- wherein the control module is configured to lower from the first voltage to the second voltage upon reaching a predetermined maximum amperage draw for the compressor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.