System and method for controlling illumination of a center cover in a vehicle wheel

Abstract

A system includes a wheel including a center cover having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary. The second portion includes a light source and a power storage module. The system also includes a generator configured to generate electrical power and output the electrical power to at least the power storage module, a power converter coupled between the power storage module and the light source, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive a signal indicating that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance, and in response to receiving the signal, control the power converter to output power generated by the generator and stored in the power storage module to the light source. Other exemplary systems and methods for controlling a light source in a wheel of a vehicle are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure.

[0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling illumination of a center cap in a vehicle wheel, and more particularly to controlling a light source for illuminating a stationary indicia in the center cap of the wheel and powering the light source with generated electrical power. Background Art

[0003] The vehicle includes a tire and a wheel positioned within the tire. Each wheel typically includes a rim and a center cap located in the center of the rim. The center cap typically covers the fasteners (e.g., bolts, nuts, etc.) that attach the wheel to the hub assembly of the vehicle and may include indicia associated with the vehicle (e.g., markings, etc.). In some vehicles, the entire wheel can rotate with its associated tire when the vehicle moves. In other vehicles, a portion of the wheel can rotate while another portion of the wheel remains stationary. For example, the rim can rotate or remain stationary while the center cap remains stationary or rotates. Summary of the invention

[0004] A system for controlling at least one light source in a wheel of a vehicle includes a wheel, the wheel including a center cap having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary when the wheel rotates. The second portion includes at least one light source and a power storage module. The system also includes a generator coupled to the power storage module and configured to generate electrical power and output the electrical power to at least the power storage module, a power converter coupled between the power storage module and at least one light source, and a control module in communication with the power converter. The control module is configured to receive a signal indicating that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance, and in response to receiving the signal, control the power converter to output the electrical power generated by the generator and stored in the power storage module to at least one light source.

[0005] In other features, the control module is configured to control at least one light source to output a defined light sequence based on the received signal.

[0006] In other features, the signal is a first signal and the defined light sequence is a first defined light sequence, and the control module is configured to receive a second signal indicating a message related to a characteristic of the vehicle and control at least one light source to output a second defined light sequence based on the second signal.

[0007] In other features, the first portion of the center cover includes a housing and a shaft coupled to the housing, the light source and power storage module being located within the housing.

[0008] In other features, the second portion of the center cover includes a logo associated with the vehicle, and the control module is configured to control the light source to illuminate the logo.

[0009] In other features, the housing includes a body and a transparent face attached to the body, and the transparent face is positioned adjacent to the logo.

[0010] In other features, the at least one light source comprises one or more LEDs.

[0011] In other features, the generator includes at least one magnet coupled to a rotating component of the first portion and at least one coil coupled to a stationary component of the second portion.

[0012] In other features, the power storage module includes a battery and / or a supercapacitor.

[0013] In other features, the control module includes a communication module in communication with a virtual key module associated with the vehicle, the communication module configured to receive the signal via the virtual key module.

[0014] A method of controlling at least one light source in a wheel of a vehicle is disclosed. The wheel includes a center cap having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary when the wheel rotates. The second portion includes a light source and a power storage module. The method includes receiving a signal indicating that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance, and in response to receiving the signal, controlling a power converter to output electrical power generated by a generator and stored in the power storage module to the light source.

[0015] In other features, the method further comprises controlling the light source to output a defined light sequence based on the received signal.

[0016] In other features, the signal is a first signal and the defined light sequence is a first defined light sequence, the method further comprising receiving a second signal indicative of a message related to a characteristic of the vehicle and controlling the light source to output a second defined light sequence based on the second signal.

[0017] In other features, the first portion of the center cover includes a housing and a shaft coupled to the housing, the light source and power storage module being located within the housing.

[0018] In other features, the second portion of the center cap includes a logo associated with the vehicle, and controlling the light source to output the defined light sequence includes controlling the light source to illuminate the logo.

[0019] In other features, the housing includes a body and a transparent surface attached to the body, the transparent surface being located adjacent the logo.

[0020] In other features, the generator includes at least one magnet coupled to a rotating component of the first portion and at least one coil coupled to a stationary component of the second portion.

[0021] In other features, the power storage module includes a battery and / or a supercapacitor.

[0022] A system for controlling at least one light source in a wheel of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a wheel having a center cap having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary when the wheel rotates. The second portion includes at least one light source and a battery. The system also includes a generator configured to generate electrical power and output the electrical power to at least the battery, a power converter coupled between the battery and the at least one light source, and a control module. The generator includes at least one magnet coupled to a rotating component of the first portion and at least one coil coupled to a stationary component of the second portion. The control module is configured to: receive a signal indicating that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance; in response to receiving the signal, control the power converter to provide the electrical power generated by the generator and stored in the battery to the at least one light source; and control the at least one light source to output a defined light sequence based on the received signal.

[0023] In other features, the signal is a first signal and the defined light sequence is a first defined light sequence, and the control module is configured to receive a second signal indicating a message related to a characteristic of the vehicle and control at least one light source to output a second defined light sequence based on the second signal.

[0024] The present invention may also include the following aspects.

[0025] 1. A system for controlling at least one light source in a wheel of a vehicle, the system comprising:

[0026] a wheel comprising a center cap having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary when the wheel rotates, the second portion comprising at least one light source and a power storage module;

[0027] a generator coupled to the power storage module, the generator being configured to generate electric power and output the electric power to at least the power storage module;

[0028] a power converter coupled between the power storage module and the at least one light source; and

[0029] a control module in communication with the power converter, the control module being configured to:

[0030] receiving a signal indicating that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance; and

[0031] In response to receiving the signal, the power converter is controlled to output the electric power generated by the generator and stored in the power storage module to the at least one light source.

[0032] 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to control the at least one light source to output a defined light sequence based on the received signal.

[0033] 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein:

[0034] The signal is a first signal and the defined light sequence is a first defined light sequence; and

[0035] The control module is configured to receive a second signal indicative of a message related to a characteristic of the vehicle and to control the at least one light source to output a second defined light sequence based on the second signal.

[0036] 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein:

[0037] The first portion of the center cover includes a housing and a shaft coupled to the housing; and

[0038] The light source and the power storage module are located in the housing.

[0039] 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein:

[0040] the second portion of the center cap includes an emblem associated with the vehicle; and

[0041] The control module is configured to control the light source to illuminate the sign.

[0042] 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein:

[0043] The housing includes a main body and a transparent surface attached to the main body; and

[0044] The transparent surface is located adjacent to the logo.

[0045] 7. A system according to Option 5, wherein the at least one light source comprises one or more LEDs.

[0046] 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the generator comprises at least one magnet coupled to a rotating component of the first portion and at least one coil coupled to a stationary component of the second portion.

[0047] 9. The system of Option 1, wherein the power storage module comprises a battery and / or a supercapacitor.

[0048] 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein:

[0049] The control module includes a communication module that communicates with a virtual key module associated with the vehicle; and

[0050] The communication module is configured to receive the signal via the virtual key module.

[0051] 11. A method of controlling at least one light source in a wheel of a vehicle, the wheel comprising a center cap having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary when the wheel rotates, the second portion comprising the light source and a power storage module, the method comprising:

[0052] receiving a signal indicating that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance; and

[0053] In response to receiving the signal, the power converter is controlled to output the electric power generated by the generator and stored in the power storage module to the light source.

[0054] 12. The method according to embodiment 11 further comprises: controlling the light source to output a defined light sequence based on the received signal.

[0055] 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein:

[0056] The signal is a first signal and the defined light sequence is a first defined light sequence; and

[0057] The method also includes receiving a second signal indicative of a message related to a characteristic of the vehicle and controlling the light source to output a second defined light sequence based on the second signal.

[0058] 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein:

[0059] The first portion of the center cover includes a housing and a shaft coupled to the housing; and

[0060] The light source and the power storage module are located in the housing.

[0061] 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein:

[0062] the second portion of the center cap includes an emblem associated with the vehicle; and

[0063] Controlling the light source to output the defined light sequence includes controlling the light source to illuminate a sign.

[0064] 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein:

[0065] The housing includes a main body and a transparent surface attached to the main body; and

[0066] The transparent surface is located adjacent to the logo.

[0067] 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the generator comprises at least one magnet coupled to a rotating component of the first portion and at least one coil coupled to a stationary component of the second portion.

[0068] 18. The method according to claim 11, wherein the power storage module comprises a battery and / or a supercapacitor.

[0069] 19. A system for controlling at least one light source in a wheel of a vehicle, the system comprising:

[0070] a wheel including a center cap having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary as the wheel rotates, the second portion including at least one light source and a battery;

[0071] a generator configured to generate electrical power and output the electrical power to at least the battery, the generator comprising at least one magnet coupled to a rotating component of the first portion and at least one coil coupled to a stationary component of the second portion;

[0072] a power converter coupled between the battery and the at least one light source; and

[0073] A control module configured to:

[0074] receiving a signal indicating that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance;

[0075] in response to receiving the signal, controlling the power converter to provide the electric power generated by the generator and stored in the battery to the at least one light source; and

[0076] The at least one light source is controlled based on the received signal to output a defined light sequence.

[0077] 20. The system of claim 19, wherein:

[0078] The signal is a first signal and the defined light sequence is a first defined light sequence; and

[0079] The control module is configured to receive a second signal indicative of a message related to a characteristic of the vehicle and to control at least one light source to output a second defined light sequence based on the second signal.

[0080] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the accompanying drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0082] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary vehicle system according to the present disclosure, the vehicle system including a generator for generating electric power and a control module for controlling lighting of a center cap in a wheel of the vehicle;

[0083] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of another exemplary vehicle system for generating electrical power and controlling illumination of a center cap in a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure;

[0084] Figure 3 According to the present disclosure, Figure 1 A functional block diagram of a vehicle's parts of the system;

[0085] Figure 4 According to the present disclosure, Figure 1 or Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary center cap employed in a system of;

[0086] Figure 5 According to the present disclosure, Figure 1 or Figure 2 A side view of another exemplary center cap used in the system of FIG.

[0087] Figure 6 According to the present disclosure Figure 5 an exploded isometric view of the center cap of ; and

[0088] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary control process for controlling illumination of a center cap in a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure.

[0089] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] A vehicle wheel includes a center cap having an indicia (e.g., a logo, etc.) for identifying, for example, the manufacturer of the vehicle, the interests of the vehicle owner, etc. In some examples, the wheel includes a portion that rotates when the vehicle moves and another portion that remains stationary when the vehicle moves. For example, the rotating portion of the center cap may rotate with the vehicle tire, while the stationary portion of the center cap (e.g., the logo, etc.) may remain stationary when the vehicle moves. In some cases, it may be desirable to illuminate the logo before the vehicle begins to move, while the vehicle is moving, and / or after the vehicle stops.

[0091] Systems and methods according to the present disclosure include solutions for illuminating logos and / or other desired portions of a center cap. Such illumination can be achieved using a light source powered by electrical power generated at or near the wheel by, for example, the movement of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle system can include: a wheel having a center cap, the center cap having a light source and a power storage module (e.g., a battery, etc.); a generator that generates electrical power and outputs the electrical power to at least the power storage module; a power converter that is coupled between the power storage module and the light source; and a control module that receives a signal (e.g., indicating that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance, a message related to the characteristics of the vehicle, etc.), and then controls the power converter to output the electrical power generated by the generator and stored in the power storage module to the light source. In this way, the power generated and stored on the vehicle can be used to illuminate the light source, for example, according to a plurality of different light sequences.

[0092] Reference now Figure 1 , a functional block diagram of an exemplary vehicle system 100 is shown. The vehicle system 100 may be used in any suitable vehicle having a wheel with a center cap, such as an electric vehicle (e.g., a pure electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, etc.), an internal combustion engine vehicle, etc. In addition, the vehicle system may be applicable to an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, or a non-autonomous vehicle.

[0093] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle system 100 generally includes a control module 102, a generator 104, and a center cover 106 for a wheel. The center cover 106 includes a power storage module 108, a power converter module 110, and a light source 112. Figure 1The vehicle system 100 is shown and described herein as having one center cap 106 associated with one wheel of the vehicle, but it should be understood that the vehicle system 100 may include multiple wheels (e.g., two wheels, four wheels, etc.), each wheel having a center cap having similar features to the center cap 106. In addition, while the vehicle system 100 is shown and described herein as having one power storage module and one light source, it should be understood that the vehicle system 100 may include multiple power storage modules and / or multiple light sources, if desired.

[0094] exist Figure 1 In the example of, center cap 106 is generally located at the center portion of the wheel. In such an example, center cap 106 can cover the fasteners (e.g., bolts, nuts, etc.) that attach the wheel to the hub assembly of the vehicle.

[0095] The center cover 106 may include a rotating portion and a stationary portion. When the vehicle moves, the rotating portion of the center cover 106 rotates with the wheel, and when the wheel rotates and the vehicle moves, the stationary portion of the center cover 106 remains stationary (e.g., static, etc.). In some examples, the stationary portion of the center cover 106 may include a power storage module 108, a power converter module 110, a light source 112, one or more logos (e.g., markings, etc.), and / or components associated with the power storage module 108, the power converter module 110, and / or the light source 112 (e.g., circuit boards, light guides, etc.). The rotating portion of the center cover 106 may include, for example, a housing and an axle for attaching the center cover 106 (e.g., the housing of the center cover 106) to the wheel (e.g., the rim of the wheel). In this way, while a portion of the center cover 106 may rotate, another portion (e.g., the logo) remains flush with the world and floats when the vehicle moves, thereby providing a dynamic center cover.

[0096] The stationary portion of the center cover 106 can be held stationary in a variety of ways. For example, the center cover 106 can include a counterweight that is typically attached directly to the stationary portion and / or indirectly attached to the stationary portion through other intermediate components (e.g., plates, brackets, etc.). In such examples, the counterweight can be sized to ensure that the stationary portion (e.g., a logo) remains stationary when the vehicle moves. Alternatively, the stationary portion of the center cover 106 can be held stationary by attaching the stationary portion to a fixed steering knuckle of the vehicle's suspension. In other examples, the stationary portion of the center cover 106 can be held stationary by using a gyroscope and a controllable drive motor, or a gyroscope and a controllable fluid actuator.

[0097] like Figure 1As shown, the generator 104 is coupled to the power storage module 108 of the center cover 106 for providing power to the power storage module 108. For example, the generator 104 generates electric power and outputs the generated electric power to the power storage module 108. In such an example, the power storage module 108 can store the electric power for later use in the system 100. In various embodiments, the generator 104 can additionally (or alternatively) output the generated electric power to the power converter module 110, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0098] Electrical power can be generated by the generator 104 in various ways. For example, the generator 104 can include one or more magnets coupled to a rotating component of the center cover 106 and one or more coils coupled to a stationary component of the center cover 106. For example, the magnets can be coupled to a rotating housing of the center cover 106, a rotating shaft of the center cover 106, etc., and the coils can be coupled to a fixed plate (e.g., a base plate) near the rotating housing, the rotating shaft, etc. With this configuration, the magnets can rotate around the coils to generate current (e.g., similar to a stator).

[0099] In other examples, the generator 104 can rely on air movement to generate electrical power. For example, the generator 104 may include a fan in the wheel, and when the vehicle moves, the fan rotates due to air passing through the wheel (e.g., from the outside of the wheel to the inside of the wheel). This rotation of the fan (e.g., the blades of the fan) can be used to rotate the magnet around the coil, thereby generating an electric current. In another example, the generator 104 may include one or more solar panels, which are coupled near the wheel or another position on the vehicle for power generation. In another other example, the generator 104 may include one or more springs and an oscillating weight (e.g., a rotor) to generate electric current by the rotation of the wheel. Alternatively, the generator 104 may include a resonator in the hub assembly of the vehicle, a fender, a wireless charger of the hub assembly, a thermocouple connected near a heating member (e.g., a brake rotor, etc.), an energized rotor and a traction line, and / or other suitable means for generating electric current and / or otherwise supplying electric current.

[0100] exist Figure 1 In an example of the invention, the power storage module 108 is coupled to the generator 104 for receiving and storing power from the generator 104. In such an example, the power storage module 108 may be any suitable component for storing electrical power. For example, the power storage module 108 may include one or more batteries (e.g., rechargeable batteries), supercapacitors, Tesla coils, electrostatic holders, etc. In various embodiments, as described above, the power storage module 108 may be stationary and positioned in a rotating housing.

[0101] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the power converter module 110 is coupled to provide power to the light source 112 for lighting the light source 112. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the power converter module 110 is coupled between the power storage module 108 and / or the generator 104 and the light source 112. In such an example, the power converter module 110 can receive input (e.g., regulated or unregulated input) from the power storage module 108 and / or the generator 104, and then convert the received input into a regulated output for the light source 112 (e.g., one or more LEDs, etc.). In various embodiments, the power converter module 110 can include an optional (internal) control module that communicates with the control module 102, a power converter (e.g., a boost power converter, a buck converter, etc.) for providing a regulated output to the light source 112, and the like.

[0102] Figure 1 The control module 102 communicates with the power converter module 110. More specifically, the control module 102 may generate a signal 114 (e.g., a control signal) and transmit it to the power converter module 110 for controlling the power converter module 110. For example, the control module 102 may receive an input signal 116. In some examples, the input signal 116 may indicate that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance. For example, a physical key card held by a user, a key stored on a smart phone, etc., may be detected by a key computing module in the vehicle (e.g., a virtual key module and / or another suitable module that detects the proximity of the key to the vehicle) when the key card, smart phone, etc. are within a defined distance (e.g., ten meters, etc.). The key computing module may then provide the control module 102 with an input signal 116 indicating that the key card, smart phone, etc. are nearby. In such an example, the key computing module may detect the key card, smart phone, etc., and / or provide the input signal 116 to the control module 102 via low-energy wireless communication such as Bluetooth communication. In response to receiving signal 116, control module 102 may then control power converter module 110 (via output signal 114) to output electrical power generated by generator 104 and / or stored in power storage module 108 to light source 112. In this way, light source 112 is activated (e.g., turned on) to illuminate center cap 106.

[0103] In some examples, the control module 102 can control the light source 112 to output a defined light sequence. For example, the control module 102 can generate a signal 118 (e.g., a control signal) and transmit it to the light source 112 for generating the light sequence. In other examples, the control module 102 can control the light source 112 by providing a signal 114 to the power converter module 110. In either case, the control module 102 can control the light source 112 to output a defined light sequence based on the received signal 116. For example, when the control module 102 receives an input signal 116 indicating that a smart key, smart phone, etc. is nearby, the control module 102 can generate a signal 118 and transmit it to the light source 112 to control the light source according to a defined walk-away light sequence. For example, the light source 112 (e.g., one or more LEDs) can periodically flash in a defined pattern, change color in a defined pattern, etc.

[0104] In other examples, the control module 102 may receive an input signal 116 indicating that a key fob, smart phone, etc. is detected but outside a defined distance. This may indicate that a user in possession of the key fob, smart phone, etc. is walking away from the vehicle. In such an example, the control module 102 may generate and transmit a signal 118 to the light source 112 to control the light source according to another defined light sequence (e.g., a walk-away light sequence).

[0105] In yet other examples, the control module 102 may generate and transmit a signal 118 to the light source 112 and / or generate and transmit a signal 114 to the power converter module 110 for generating yet another defined light sequence. For example, the control module 102 may receive an input signal 116 and / or another signal indicating a message related to a characteristic of the vehicle. In such an example, the control module 102 may receive the signal 116 from a key computing module, an engine control module (ECM), and / or one or more sensors in the vehicle. For example, the signal may represent a vehicle maintenance recommendation (e.g., oil change, tire rotation, etc.), a vehicle condition (e.g., one of the tires has low air pressure, the engine oil is low, etc.). Then, based on the received signal, the control module 102 may control the light source 112 to output a defined light sequence to notify the approaching user of the message. For example, the light source 112 may flash a specific color for one vehicle maintenance recommendation, another color for another vehicle maintenance recommendation, a specific pattern for one vehicle condition, another pattern for another vehicle condition, and the like.

[0106] Figure 2 Another exemplary vehicle system 200 is shown that may be employed in any suitable vehicle having wheels with center caps. Figure 2 The vehicle system 200 is substantially similar to Figure 1For example, the vehicle system 200 includes Figure 1 The control module 102, the generator 104, the power storage module 108, the power converter module 110 and the light source 112 all function in a similar manner as described above. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , power storage module 108 includes one or more batteries, and light source 112 includes one or more LEDs. Figure 2 The light source 112 is described as including one or more LEDs, but it should be understood that the light source 112 may include other suitable components for providing light (in addition to or in place of LEDs), such as one or more mirrors, black light glow, cold light, etc.

[0107] like Figure 2 As shown, vehicle system 200 also includes a voltage regulator 220 coupled between generator 104 and power converter module 110. In such an example, voltage regulator 220 regulates the voltage associated with the power generated by generator 104 and then provides the regulated voltage to power converter module 110. Power converter module 110 can then convert the received regulated voltage (if necessary) to a different voltage for the battery and / or LEDs.

[0108] in addition, Figure 2 The control module 102 is shown to include a communication module 222 and a controller 224 coupled to the communication module 222. In this example, the communication module 222 may be a Bluetooth communication module (e.g., a Bluetooth chip) or another suitable low-energy wireless communication module that communicates with a key computing module (e.g., a virtual key module), as explained herein. Figure 2 As shown, the communication module 222 can communicate with the key computing module via the antenna 226. In such an example, the communication module 222 can receive one or more input signals (e.g., Figure 1 The controller 224 (eg, a microcontroller, etc.) may generate one or more output signals (eg, Figure 1 signal 114 and / or signal 118), as explained herein.

[0109] like Figure 2As shown, the controller 224 of the control module 102 is coupled to the switch device 228. For example, the switch device 228 can be a Hall switch or another suitable switch. In such an example, the switch device 228 can be controlled to couple the magnet as needed. For example, when the switch device 228 is closed, the magnet can be used to put a specific center cap of the vehicle into a pairing mode so that the vehicle (e.g., the control module 102) can find and link to the specific center cap instead of other center caps in the area. When the switch device 228 is disconnected, the magnet can be disconnected, so that the center cap exits its pairing mode. With such a configuration, each center cap of the vehicle can be assigned (e.g., by the control module 102, based on user input, etc.) a defined position, such as in front of the driver, behind the passenger, etc. In this way, the control module 102 can control the light source 112 of one or more specific center caps (at a specific wheel, position, etc.) to output a defined light sequence, as described above.

[0110] In various embodiments, Figure 1 A vehicle system 100, Figure 2 The vehicle system 200 and / or portions thereof may be implemented in any suitable vehicle. For example, Figure 3 A side view of an exemplary vehicle 300 is shown, the vehicle including a body 330 disposed on a frame, wheels 332, 334 coupled to the frame, and Figure 1 More specifically, the vehicle 300 is shown as including a control module 102 and Figure 1 There are two center covers 106. One of the center covers 106 is connected to the front wheel 332, and the other center cover 106 is connected to the rear wheel 332. Figure 3 As shown, each center cap 106 includes a logo 336 associated with the vehicle 300 (e.g., the manufacturer of the vehicle). In such an example, when the vehicle 300 moves and passes by a light source (e.g., Figure 1 When the light source 112 of the vehicle 300 is illuminated, the logo 336 in each center cap 106 can remain stationary, as explained herein. In addition, although not shown, the vehicle 300 includes two wheels, each wheel having a light on an opposite side of the vehicle 300. Figure 1 The center cover 106.

[0111] Figure 4-6 It shows that Figure 1-2 The exemplary center caps 400, 500 used in the systems 100, 200 of FIG. Figure 4The center cover 400 includes a housing in which various components are positioned. Specifically, the housing includes a body 438 and a face 440 coupled to the body 438. In such an example, the face 440 can be formed of a completely transparent or translucent material. Within the housing, the center cover 400 includes a logo 436 positioned adjacent to the face 440 and a light guide assembly positioned adjacent to and on the opposite side of the logo 436. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 4 , the light guide assembly includes a lens 442 (eg, a light distribution substrate) and a light guide 444 located within the lens 442. The center cover 400 also includes a support for a control module (eg, Figure 1 436) and an LED 412 that illuminates the logo 436 via a light guide assembly, as explained herein. Additionally, adjacent to the circuit board 410, the center cap 400 includes a battery 408 (e.g., a LiFePO battery, etc.), a stabilizing ballast / weight 448, a generator assembly 404, and a rotating generator shaft 446 coupled to the body 438 of the housing. Brackets 450 may be employed to secure various stationary components (e.g., the generator assembly 404, the battery 408, the circuit board 410, the light guide assembly, the logo 436, etc.) to the stabilizing weight 448. In this configuration, the housing (including its body 438 and face 440) and the generator shaft 446 may rotate with the wheels (when the vehicle is moving), while the remaining components may remain stationary due to the stabilizing weight 448.

[0112] exist Figure 5-6 In the embodiment, the center cover 500 includes Figure 4 The center cover 500 may include components similar to those of the center cover 400. For example, the center cover 500 includes a housing having a body 438 and a face 440 coupled to the body 438. The face 540 may be formed at least in part of a fully transparent or translucent material. The center cover 500 also includes a logo 536 located on the base 554 and adjacent to the face 540, a light guide assembly 544 positioned adjacent to the logo 536 and on the opposite side of the logo 536, and a light guide assembly 544 for supporting a control module (e.g., Figure 1 or Figure 2 The center cap 500 includes a circuit board 510 and LEDs for the control module 102 of the vehicle. Adjacent the circuit board 510, the center cap 500 includes one or more ultracapacitors 508 for storing electrical power, a stabilizing ballast / weight 548, and a generator assembly 504. In addition, the center cap 500 includes a rotating generator shaft 546 coupled to the body 538 of the housing, and a gear 552 and ball bearing 550 for effectively rotating the housing when the vehicle is moving.

[0113] In various embodiments, Figure 4-6 The center cover 400, 500 can form a housing for isolating the components therein from the environment. For example, Figure 4-6The body 438, 538 and the face 440, 540 of the center cover 400, 500 can form a seal therebetween to enclose the moving parts and electronic components within the center cover 400, 500. In such an example, moisture, dust, and / or other undesirable materials can be prevented from entering the center cover 400, 500.

[0114] Figure 7 It shows that Figure 1 The exemplary control process 700 for controlling the light source 112 in the vehicle wheel is used by the vehicle system 100 of the embodiment of the present invention. Although the exemplary control process 700 is related to the control module 102, Figure 1 100, but the control process 700 may be performed by, for example, Figure 2 Another suitable system of the system 200 is adopted. The control process 700 can start when the system is powered on and / or at another suitable time.

[0115] like Figure 7 As shown, control begins at 702, where the control module 102 determines whether a key signal is received. For example, the control module 102 may receive a signal indicating that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance (e.g., ten meters, etc.). In such an example, a physical key card owned by a user, a key stored on a smart phone, etc., may be detected by a key computing module (e.g., a virtual key module) in the vehicle when the key card, smart phone, etc. are within the defined distance. The key computing module may then provide a signal to the control module 102 indicating that the key card, smart phone, etc. are nearby. If no signal is received, control returns to 702. However, if a signal is received, control proceeds to 704.

[0116] At 704, the control module 102 controls the power converter module 110 to output power to the light source 112. In such an example, the power converter module 110 can provide the electrical power generated by the generator 104 and / or the electrical power stored in the power storage module 108. Control then proceeds to 706, where the control module 102 activates the light source 112 according to a defined light sequence based on the received signal, as explained herein. Control then proceeds to 708.

[0117] At 708, the control module 102 determines whether another signal is received. For example, the control module 102 may receive a signal indicating a message related to a characteristic of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle maintenance recommendations, vehicle condition, etc.), as explained herein. If no signal is received, control may end, such as Figure 7 However, if a signal is received at 708, control proceeds to 710. At 710, the control module 102 activates the light source 112 according to another defined light sequence based on the received vehicle message signal, as explained herein. Control may then end.

[0118] The foregoing description is essentially only illustrative, and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because after studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that without changing the principles of the present disclosure, one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously). In addition, although each of the embodiments is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in the features of any one of the other embodiments and / or combined with the features of any one of the other embodiments, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the replacement of one or more embodiments with each other remains within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] Various terms are used to describe the spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on top," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "directly," when the relationship between a first and a second element is described in the above disclosure, the relationship may be a direct relationship in which no other intervening elements exist between the first and second elements, but may also be an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements exist (spatially or functionally) between the first and second elements. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be interpreted to mean a logic (A ORB OR C) using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0120] In the drawings, the direction of the arrows, as indicated by the arrows, generally represents the flow of information (e.g., data or instructions) of interest to the illustration. For example, when element A and element B exchange various information, but the information sent from element A to element B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow may be directed from element A to element B. The unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is sent from element B to element A. In addition, for information sent from element A to element B, element B may send a request for the information or a confirmation of receipt of the information to element A.

[0121] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" or the term "controller" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0122] The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuit may include a wired or wireless interface connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof. The functions of any given module of the present disclosure may be distributed in multiple modules connected via interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow load balancing. In a further example, a server (also referred to as a remote or cloud) module may perform some functions on behalf of a client module.

[0123] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class, a data structure and / or an object. The term "shared processor circuit" includes a single processor circuit that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuit" includes a processor circuit that executes some or all code from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor circuit. References to multi-processor circuits include multi-processor circuits on discrete dies, multi-processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term "shared memory circuit" includes a single memory circuit that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuit" includes a memory circuit that stores some or all code from one or more modules in combination with additional memory.

[0124] The term "memory circuit" is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein does not include transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term "computer-readable medium" may be considered to be both tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital magnetic tape or hard drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0125] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions implemented in a computer program. The above-mentioned function blocks, flow chart components and other elements are used as software specifications, which can be converted into computer programs by routine work of skilled technicians or programmers.

[0126] The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include or rely on stored data. The computer program may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of the special-purpose computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of the special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0127] A computer program may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated by a compiler from source code; (iv) source code executed by an interpreter; (v) source code compiled and executed by a just-in-time compiler, etc. By way of example only, a computer program may be used from languages ​​including C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language Revision 5), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Visual Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and The syntax of the language is used to write source code.

Claims

1. A system for controlling at least one light source in a wheel of a vehicle, the system include: a wheel comprising a center cap having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary when the wheel rotates, the second portion comprising at least one light source and a power storage module; a generator coupled to the power storage module, the generator being configured to generate electric power and output the electric power to at least the power storage module; a power converter coupled between the power storage module and the at least one light source; and a control module in communication with the power converter, the control module being configured to: receiving a signal indicating that a key associated with the vehicle is within a defined distance; as well as In response to receiving the signal, the power converter is controlled to output the electric power generated by the generator and stored in the power storage module to the at least one light source.

2. The system according to claim 1, in, The control module is configured to control the at least one light source to output a defined light sequence based on the received signal.

3. The system according to claim 2, in: The signal is a first signal and the defined light sequence is a first defined light sequence; as well as The control module is configured to receive a second signal indicative of a message related to a characteristic of the vehicle and to control the at least one light source to output a second defined light sequence based on the second signal.

4. The system according to claim 1, in: The first portion of the center cover includes a housing and a shaft coupled to the housing; and The light source and the power storage module are located in the housing.

5. The system according to claim 4, in: the second portion of the center cap includes an emblem associated with the vehicle; and The control module is configured to control the light source to illuminate the sign.

6. The system according to claim 5, in: The housing includes a main body and a transparent surface attached to the main body; and The transparent surface is located adjacent to the logo.

7. The system according to claim 5, in, The at least one light source comprises one or more LEDs.

8. The system according to claim 1, in, The generator includes at least one magnet coupled to a rotating component of the first portion and at least one coil coupled to a stationary component of the second portion.

9. The system according to claim 1, in, The power storage module includes a battery and / or a supercapacitor.

10. The system according to claim 1, in: The control module includes a communication module that communicates with a virtual key module associated with the vehicle; and The communication module is configured to receive the signal via the virtual key module.

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