System and method for controlling a vehicle air compressor

Abstract

The invention provides a system and a method for controlling an air compressor of a vehicle. A vehicle is disclosed having an air compressor, an air storage tank, and a sensor. The air compressor may supply compressed air to the air storage tank, and the air storage tank may supply the compressed air to an external tool. The sensor may be configured to receive information associated with the external tool and transmit the information to a vehicle processor. The processor may determine tool specifications and expected tool usage characteristics based on the information associated with the external tool. The processor may also calculate a target pressure of compressed air in the air storage tank based on the tool specification and the expected tool usage characteristic. In addition, the processor may operate an air compressor to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the target pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle having a built-in air compressor, and more particularly to a system and method for controlling air pressure and operation of a built-in vehicle air compressor. Background Art

[0002] Many modern vehicles used for off-road or sporting purposes include features that enable users to use their vehicles for a variety of activities in addition to just transportation. For example, modern trucks or sport utility vehicles (SUVs) enable recreational or utility tools to be connected to the vehicle and powered by the vehicle's energy. In addition, many modern vehicles include a cargo or luggage compartment that can be used as a storage area or shelter during off-road trips. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure describes a vehicle having a built-in air compressor with an air storage tank. The air compressor may be configured to supply compressed air that may be used to operate an external tool to perform one or more operations, such as inflating / deflating a tire, operating a power tool, clearing debris, and / or the like. The vehicle may include an air compressor control system ("system") that may be configured to control air compressor operation based on the type of external tool that may be operated using the compressed air and the operation being performed by a user using the external tool.

[0004] The vehicle may include a user interface panel into which a user may connect an external tool. The user interface panel may be in fluid communication with an air storage tank, which may be configured to store compressed air received from an air compressor. In operation, the air compressor may supply compressed air to the air storage tank, which in turn may supply the compressed air to the external tool via the user interface panel. In addition, the system may be communicatively connected to the air compressor via a wired or wireless connection, thereby enabling the system to control air compressor operation.

[0005] When the user connects the external tool to the user interface panel and activates the air compressor (e.g., by sending an activation command via a user device, a vehicle infotainment system, a gesture command, an audio command, etc.), the system can determine information associated with the external tool and the operation being performed by the user. The information associated with the external tool and the operation can include, for example, tool specifications, maximum / minimum operating pressures, desired operating pressure ranges, etc. The system can determine the information described above based on user input, images captured by vehicle cameras, radar sensors, lidar sensors, etc., and / or details associated with multiple tools and tool operations stored in system memory or an external server.

[0006] In response to determining information associated with the external tool and the operation being performed by the user, the system can calculate an initial air pressure of the compressed air in the storage tank (or storage tank pressure). In some aspects, the initial air pressure can be the sum of the maximum operating pressure and a predefined buffer pressure value. In response to calculating the initial air pressure, the system can cause the air compressor to operate to fill the storage tank with compressed air at the initial air pressure.

[0007] During tool operation, the system may continuously monitor the real-time tool use pressure (i.e., the air pressure at which the external tool may operate), and may increase or decrease the buffer pressure value based on the real-time tool use pressure to ensure that the external tool operates at close to 100% uptime (e.g., 99+% uptime). Specifically, the system may compare the real-time tool use pressure with a desired operating pressure range, and when the system determines that the external tool may be operating below the desired operating pressure range, the system may increase the buffer pressure value. Similarly, when the system determines that the external tool may be operating within the desired operating pressure range and achieving more than 99.5% uptime, the system may decrease the buffer pressure value (e.g., to save vehicle energy).

[0008] The system may also be configured to continuously monitor the storage tank pressure while the external tool may be attached to the user interface panel, and calculate the difference between the storage tank pressure and the desired operating pressure range. When the system determines that the difference may be less than a predefined threshold, the system may cause the air compressor to operate at full capacity. The system may also be configured to output an alarm notification when the system determines that the external tool may be operating below the desired operating pressure range even after causing the air compressor to operate at full capacity. In some aspects, the system may output the alarm notification by illuminating or flashing an external vehicle light.

[0009] The present disclosure discloses a system and method for controlling a built-in vehicle air compressor. With a built-in vehicle air compressor, a user may not need to carry and use a separate portable air compressor to operate an external tool, thereby enhancing user convenience. In addition, the system controls the air compressor operation so that the external tool can operate with close to 100% uptime. In addition, when the vehicle air compressor may not be able to meet the pressure requirements of the external tool, the system provides timely notification to the user, thereby enhancing the user experience of using the vehicle air compressor.

[0010] These and other advantages of the present disclosure are provided in detail herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the accompanying drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. The elements and / or components in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably, depending on the context.

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary environment is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0013] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary system for controlling operation of a vehicle air compressor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0014] Figure 3 An embodiment of outputting an alert notification from a vehicle according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0015] Figure 4 A flow chart depicts an exemplary first method of controlling operation of a vehicle air compressor according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 A flow chart depicts an exemplary second method of controlling operation of a vehicle air compressor according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown and which are not intended to be limiting.

[0018] Figure 1 An environment 100 is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. The environment 100 may include a vehicle 102, which may take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as, for example, an automobile, a work vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a truck, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. Figure 1 In the depicted exemplary aspect, vehicle 102 is a truck. Vehicle 102 may be a manually driven vehicle and / or may be configured to operate in a partially autonomous mode, and may include any powertrain, such as, for example, a gasoline engine, one or more electric actuation motors, a hybrid powertrain, etc.

[0019] The vehicle 102 may include a truck bed 104, which may be configured to store one or more objects, equipment, etc. The vehicle 102 may also include an air compressor (in Figure 2 210) with a built-in or attached buffer tank or air storage tank (in Figure 2The air compressor may supply compressed air to the air storage tank when the compressed air is operable / powered, and the air storage tank may be configured to store the compressed air supplied by the air compressor. In some aspects, the air compressor and the air storage tank may be packaged below the truck bed 104 or inside the side wall of the truck bed. In other aspects, the air compressor and the air storage tank may be packaged at any other location in the vehicle 102. The air compressor may be powered by using energy from the vehicle (e.g., energy from the vehicle's battery or energy / electricity drawn from the vehicle's engine).

[0020] The air compressor and air storage tank may be in fluid communication with a panel 106 (or user interface console) that may be mounted on the vehicle 102. Figure 1 In the depicted exemplary aspect, panel 106 is mounted on the side wall of a truck bed. Panel 106 can receive compressed air from an air storage tank and can supply the compressed air to external tools, accessories, etc. A user (not shown) can connect an external tool / accessory to panel 106 to receive compressed air from the air storage tank.

[0021] Specifically, the outlet 108 of the panel 106 can be attached to a conduit 110 that can supply compressed air from an air storage tank. A user can attach an external tool / accessory to the conduit 110 to receive compressed air from the air storage tank to perform one or more tasks. For example, a user can inflate or deflate a tire by using compressed air, such as Figure 1 112 in FIG. 114. In addition, the user can use a power tool (e.g., a nail gun) by using compressed air, as shown in FIG. 114. In addition, the user can use compressed air to inflate an inflatable cushion, as shown in FIG. 116. Figure 1 The depicted use case examples are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. A user may use compressed air received from an air storage tank to perform Figure 1 Various other activities not depicted (e.g., cleaning up debris, operating wrenches, etc.).

[0022] In some aspects, the vehicle 102 may also include a compressor control system (in Figure 2108 (shown as a compressor control system 218 in the figure), the compressor control system can control the operation of the air compressor based on the type of external tool connected to the outlet 108 by the user (via the conduit 110) and the type of operation being performed by the user using the external tool. Specifically, the compressor control system ("system") can control the operation of the air compressor to increase or decrease the pressure of the compressed air in the air storage tank (and therefore increase or decrease the tank pressure) based on the type of tool and the type of operation being performed by the user (e.g., inflating a tire or an inflatable mat, operating a high-powered pneumatic tool, etc.). For example, when the user may be using a 70 pounds-force per square inch (psi) / 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) tool (such as an air sander that may be expected to be operated for a relatively long duration), the system may cause the air compressor to operate to fill the air storage tank with compressed air at a pressure of 140-160 psi. On the other hand, when the user may be inflating a tire, the system may cause the air compressor to operate to fill the air storage tank with compressed air at a relatively lower pressure, which may require the tool to be operated for a short duration. The process of controlling the operation of the air compressor based on the tool and the type of operation will be discussed later in conjunction with the description below. Figure 2 Describe in detail.

[0023] In some aspects, the system may determine the type of tool and the type of operation being performed by the user based on input provided by the user. For example, the user may input information associated with the type of tool and the type of operation on a vehicle infotainment system or a user device, which may transmit the information to the system. In other aspects, the system may determine the type of tool and the type of operation solely by using one or more vehicle sensors. For example, the system may use an external vehicle camera, a radio detection and ranging (radar) sensor, a light detection and ranging (lidar) sensor, and / or the like and an image processing algorithm to determine the tool that may be attached to the panel 106 by the user and the type of operation being performed.

[0024] In additional aspects, the system can enable the user to optionally connect one or more external storage tanks 118 to the panel 106 to receive and / or provide compressed air. When, for example, the user may need additional amounts of compressed air (over and above the amount of compressed air that can be provided by the internal air storage tanks), the user can connect the external storage tanks 118 to the panel 106. In some aspects, in addition to controlling the operation of the air compressor, the system can also control the flow of compressed air to / from the external storage tanks 118.

[0025] Combined with the following Figure 2 Describe the functional details of the system.

[0026] The vehicle 102 and / or user may implement and / or perform operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the vehicle owner's manual and safety guidelines.

[0027] Figure 2 A block diagram of a system 200 for controlling the operation of a vehicle air compressor according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figure 2 When Figure 3 .

[0028] System 200 may include a vehicle 202, which may be combined with the above Figure 1 The system 200 may also include a user device 204 and one or more servers 206 communicatively coupled to the vehicle 202 via one or more networks 208. The user device 204 may be associated with a vehicle user and may include a mobile device, tablet computer, laptop computer, smart watch, or any other device with communication capabilities.

[0029] The server 206 may be configured to store information associated with a plurality of tools and a plurality of operations that may be performed using the tools. The tools may include, but are not limited to, nail guns, air brushes, wrenches, tire inflators, and / or the like. The operations that may be performed using the tools may include, but are not limited to, inflating an air cushion, inflating and / or deflating a tire, blowing away debris, winterizing, and / or similar operations. In some aspects, the information associated with a plurality of tools and operations stored in the server 206 may include tool specifications (corresponding to different brands, models, etc. of tools) and expected tool usage characteristics associated with each tool for different types of operations. The tool specifications may include, for example, an expected maximum cfm associated with the tool and an expected operating pressure range (maximum, minimum, and / or acceptable). The expected tool usage characteristics may include, for example, an expected operating pressure range (maximum, minimum, and / or acceptable) associated with each tool for different types of operations, an expected duration (e.g., continuous use or rapid transient use) that each tool is operable for different types of operations, and / or similar usage characteristics. In some aspects, the server 206 may transmit information associated with a plurality of tools and a plurality of operations to the vehicle 202 at a predefined frequency. In other aspects, when the vehicle 202 sends a request to the server 206 seeking information, the server 206 may transmit the information to the vehicle 202 .

[0030] The network 208 illustrates an example communication infrastructure in which the connected devices discussed in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may communicate. The network 208 may be and / or include the Internet, a private network, a public network, or other configurations operating using any one or more known communication protocols, such as, for example, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11, and cellular technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPDA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and Fifth Generation (5G), to name a few examples.

[0031] The vehicle 202 may include a plurality of units, including but not limited to an air compressor 210 with a built-in or attached storage tank 212, a sensor suite 214, an infotainment system 216, a compressor control system 218, a telematics control unit (TCU) 220, an air controller 222, and the panel 106. The plurality of units may be communicatively coupled to each other via a wired (e.g., via a bus) or wireless communication connection. As described above in conjunction with Figure 1 As depicted, the user may optionally attach an external storage tank 118 to the panel 106 when the user requires additional compressed air.

[0032] As above combined Figure 1 As described, the air compressor 210 may be configured to supply compressed air at a predefined pressure to the storage tank 212. The storage tank 212 may receive compressed air from the air compressor 210 and may store the compressed air, which may be provided to an external tool (such as a power tool) via the outlet 108 based on tool usage requirements. Figure 2 In some aspects, the compressor control system 218 (or system 218) can control the flow of compressed air from the storage tank 212 to the external tool by using the air controller 222. Specifically, the air controller 222 can receive input from the system 218 to control the flow of compressed air from the storage tank 212 to the outlet 108 and thus to the external tool.

[0033] The panel 106 may include a plurality of components, including but not limited to the outlet 108, an external tank outlet and inlet 226, a display 228, one or more air pressure knobs / buttons, a start / stop button, a power outlet (not shown), and / or the like. The external tank outlet and inlet 226 may enable a user to connect an external storage tank 118 to the panel 106. The display 228 may display operating parameters (e.g., air pressure, cfm, etc.) of the air compressor 210 and / or the storage tank 212. The start / stop button may enable a user to manually start or stop the air compressor operation, and the air pressure knob / button may enable a user to input a desired air pressure. The user may use the power outlet to power any external device (if necessary).

[0034] In some aspects, the user may additionally start / stop air compressor operation and provide additional air compressor operation inputs to the vehicle 202 via the infotainment system 216 and / or the user device 204 (which may transmit the inputs to the vehicle 202 via the network 208). For example, the user may input a desired air pressure and / or air compressor operation mode on the infotainment system 216 and / or the user device 204. The air compressor operation mode may include, for example, an inflation mode, in which the user may input a target air pressure, and the air supply from the storage tank 212 may be automatically shut off by the system 218 (via the air controller 222) when the target air pressure may be reached. As another example, the air compressor operation mode may include a continuous air mode, in which compressed air may be continuously provided from the storage tank 212 to the external tool, and the user may control the air pressure via the air pressure knob / button.

[0035] In additional aspects, the user may provide details of the external tool (e.g., model, brand, and / or specifications) and / or the operation being performed by the user (e.g., inflating an air cushion, inflating and / or deflating a tire, blowing away debris, winterizing, and / or the like) to the vehicle 202 via the infotainment system 216 and / or the user device 204.

[0036] The TCU 220 may be configured and / or programmed to provide vehicle connectivity to wireless computing systems on and off the vehicle 202 and may include a navigation (NAV) receiver for receiving and processing GPS signals, module (BLEM), Wi-Fi transceiver, UWB transceiver, and / or other wireless transceivers (such as BLEM) that may be configured for wireless and cellular communications between the vehicle 202 and other systems (e.g., user device 204, server 206, etc.), computers, and modules. Figure 2 The TCU 220 may also enable the system 218 to wirelessly connect (e.g., via BLE or UWB) with one or more vehicle components (e.g., the panel 106, the air compressor 210, the air controller 222, the sensor suite 214, and / or the like).

[0037] The sensor suite 214 may include one or more sensors, including, but not limited to, an interior / exterior / center high mounted stop light (CHMSL) camera 230, a radar sensor 232, a lidar sensor 234, a tank pressure sensor 236, an outlet valve pressure sensor 238, a temperature sensor, a weight sensor (not shown), and / or the like. In some aspects, the tank pressure sensor 236 may be configured to measure the real-time air pressure in the storage tank 212, and the outlet valve pressure sensor 238 may be configured to measure the real-time tool use air pressure (or the pressure of the compressed air output from the outlet 108), at which the external tool may operate. In some aspects, the infotainment system 216 may be part of the sensor suite 214. In other aspects, the infotainment system 216 may be separate from the sensor suite 214, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0038] In some aspects, system 218 may be part of a vehicle computer (not shown) for the vehicle and may be mounted in the vehicle engine compartment (or elsewhere in vehicle 202 ). System 218 may include one or more processors 240 and memory 242 .

[0039] The processor 240 may be configured to communicate with one or more memory devices (eg, memory 242 and / or Figure 2 The processor 240 may utilize the memory 242 to store programs and / or store data in code to execute various aspects of the present disclosure. The memory 242 may be a non-temporary computer-readable memory that stores air compressor control program code. The memory 242 may include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.), and may include any one or more non-volatile memory elements (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0040] In some aspects, memory 242 may be configured to store input received from sensor suite 214, infotainment system 216, and user device 204. Memory 242 may also be configured to store information associated with multiple power tools and multiple operations that vehicle 202 may receive from server 206, as described above.

[0041] like Figure 2 The system architecture of the vehicle 202 depicted may omit certain computing, electronic and / or mechanical modules. It should be readily understood that Figure 2The architectures depicted in are examples of possible implementations according to the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting or exclusive.

[0042] In operation, a user may activate a start button included in the panel 106, or provide an air compressor activation command via gesture control, a touch screen command, or an audio command to the user device 204 or the infotainment system 216 to activate the air compressor 210. In response to the user performing the actions described above, the panel 106, the user device 204, or the infotainment system 216 may transmit a trigger signal to the processor 240. The trigger signal may indicate to the processor 240 that the user desires to operate the air compressor 210.

[0043] The processor 240 may obtain a trigger signal, and may initiate an air compressor information identification process in response to obtaining the trigger signal. Specifically, in response to obtaining the trigger signal, the processor 240 may power on the air compressor 210, and may use wired or wireless communication with the air compressor 210 to determine the air compressor model, capacity, etc. In addition, the processor 240 may obtain input from the sensor suite 214 (specifically the camera 230 and / or the radar sensor 232) to determine the storage tank size (if not received directly from the air compressor 210 via wired or wireless communication). The processor 240 may additionally use the input obtained from the sensor suite 214 to determine whether the external storage tank 118 is attached to the panel 106. When the external storage tank 118 may be attached to the panel 106, the processor 240 may also determine the external storage tank size by using the input obtained from the sensor suite 214. In an exemplary aspect, the processor 240 may use one or more image processing algorithms (which may be pre-stored in the memory 242 ) and images of the storage tank 212 and / or the external storage tank 118 obtained from the camera 230 to determine the size of the storage tank 212 and / or the external storage tank 118 .

[0044] Although the above description describes the processor 240 determining aspects of the compressor model, capacity, etc., and storage tank size by using input from the sensor suite 214 or via wired / wireless communication with the air compressor 210, in some aspects, such capacity and size information may be pre-stored in the memory 242. In this case, the processor 240 may retrieve the capacity and size information from the memory 242 in response to receiving the trigger signal. In some aspects, the capacity and size information may include, for example, the maximum air pressure that the air compressor 210 can deliver, the storage tank capacity (volume, maximum pressure, etc.), and / or similar information.

[0045] In additional aspects, in response to obtaining a trigger signal, the processor 240 may establish a wireless connection (e.g., via the TCU 220) or a wired connection (e.g., via a controller area network (CAN) or a local interconnect network (LIN) bus) with the air compressor 210 and the air controller 222 to control the operation of the air compressor (e.g., control the pressure of the air in the storage tank 212) and the flow of compressed air from the air compressor 210 and / or the storage tank 212.

[0046] In response to activating the air compressor 210 and the processor 240 establishing a wired / wireless connection with the air compressor 210 and the air controller 222 as described above, the user may connect the external tool to the outlet 108. In some aspects, the user may additionally input details of an operation that the user may perform with the external tool (e.g., inflating a tire or air cushion, using a high-powered air tool, etc.), as well as tool details (e.g., tool specifications, brand, model, etc.). In some aspects, the user may input the operation and tool details on a user interface of the user device 204 or the infotainment system 216, and the processor 240 may obtain the input from the user device 204 or the infotainment system 216.

[0047] In other aspects, the processor 240 may obtain input from the sensor suite 214 (e.g., input from the camera 230, the radar sensor 232, and / or the lidar sensor 234) and determine the type of external tool connected to the outlet 108 and details of the operation being performed by using the obtained input. For example, the processor 240 may obtain an image of the external tool and the operation being performed from the camera 230, and may execute one or more image processing algorithms (which may be pre-stored in the memory 242) to determine the type, brand, model, etc. of the tool connected to the outlet 108 and details of the operation (e.g., the user may be inflating a tire or an air cushion, or using a high-powered pneumatic tool, etc.).

[0048] In yet another aspect, when a user connects an external tool with the outlet 108 and wirelessly links the external tool with the vehicle 202 , the external tool may transmit tool details (eg, tool specifications, brand, model, etc.) to the vehicle 202 / processor 240 .

[0049] In yet another aspect, if the processor 240 obtains the tool brand and / or model from one of the methods described above, the processor 240 may determine the tool specifications (e.g., maximum cfm and desired operating pressure range) by using a tool data structure that may be stored in the memory 242 or the server 206. In this case, the tool data structure may include tool specifications associated with multiple tools. The processor 240 may associate the obtained tool brand and / or model with the tool brand and model included in the tool data structure to determine the external tool specifications.

[0050] In a similar manner, when the processor 240 determines operation details (e.g., whether the user is inflating a tire or air cushion or using a high-powered pneumatic tool, etc.) based on images obtained from the camera 230 or user input, the processor 240 can determine expected tool usage characteristics associated with the tools and operations by using information associated with multiple power tools and multiple operations that the server 206 can provide to the vehicle 202 / processor 240, as described above. As described above, the expected tool usage characteristics may include, for example, an expected operating pressure range (maximum, minimum, and / or acceptable), an expected operation duration, and / or the like associated with the tool for the determined operation.

[0051] In response to determining the tool brand, model, specifications, etc. and details of the operation being performed by the user (e.g., expected tool usage characteristics) through one or more of the methods described above, the processor 240 can calculate the optimal expected air pressure (or first target pressure) of the compressed air that can be stored in the storage tank 212 when the user begins operating the external tool.

[0052] Specifically, the processor 240 may use the tool specifications and the expected tool use characteristics to determine a maximum operating pressure associated with the external tool for the operation being performed by the user. In an exemplary aspect, the maximum operating pressure may be higher for grinding or drilling operations (i.e., continuous expected tool use) and may be lower for tire inflation (i.e., rapid transient expected tool use). In addition, the processor 240 may determine a predefined buffer pressure (e.g., a predefined first buffer pressure) based on the expected tool use characteristics. For example, for expected tool use requiring continuous drilling, cutting, sanding, etc., the predefined first buffer pressure may be higher (e.g., in the range of 40-60 psi). On the other hand, for rapid transient expected tool use, the predefined first buffer pressure may be lower (e.g., in the range of 10-20 psi). In some aspects, the processor 240 may use a mapping of multiple predefined buffer pressures to tool use characteristics (which may be pre-stored in the memory 242) to determine the predefined first buffer pressure based on the determined expected tool use characteristics.

[0053] Although the above description describes aspects in which the predefined first buffer pressure may be based on expected tool usage characteristics (or vary based on the expected tool usage characteristics), in some aspects, the predefined first buffer pressure may be a predefined percentage (e.g., 10% or 20%) of the maximum operating pressure associated with the external tool for the operation being performed by the user.

[0054] In response to determining the maximum operating pressure and the predefined first buffer pressure, the processor 240 may determine / calculate the first target pressure by adding the predefined first buffer pressure to the maximum operating pressure. Then, when the user starts to operate the external tool, the processor 240 may cause the air compressor to operate to fill the storage tank 212 with compressed air at the first target pressure. In this way, the processor 240 ensures that the storage tank pressure (i.e., the air pressure in the storage tank 212) is higher than the maximum operating pressure.

[0055] By causing the air compressor 210 to fill the storage tank 212 with compressed air at a pressure higher than the maximum operating pressure (i.e., by adding the predefined first buffer pressure to the maximum operating pressure), the processor 240 ensures that the air compressor 210 / storage tank 212 optimally meets the user's tool usage requirements without any downtime. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that if the tank pressure drops, or if the air compressor 210 cannot meet the pressure requirements of the tool, the user may not be able to optimally perform the desired operation with the external tool (and may experience downtime). The processor 240 eliminates or significantly reduces the probability of downtime by adding the predefined first buffer pressure to the maximum operating pressure of the external tool for the intended tool use. In addition, when the user operates the external tool, the processor 240 can increase or decrease the buffer pressure based on the expected operating pressure range of the external tool for the intended tool use to ensure that the user achieves close to 100% (e.g., 99+%) uptime, as described below.

[0056] When the user uses the external tool, the processor 240 can continuously (or at a predefined frequency) obtain the real-time tool-used air pressure from the outlet valve pressure sensor 238, and can compare the real-time tool-used air pressure with the expected operating pressure range (which can be part of the expected tool usage characteristics, as described above). When the processor 240 determines that the real-time tool-used air pressure may be continuously (or for more than a predefined duration) less than the expected operating pressure range, the processor 240 can increase the predefined first buffer pressure. In other words, when the processor 240 determines that the external tool may be continuously operated below the expected operating pressure range, the processor 240 can increase the predefined first buffer pressure.

[0057] The processor 240 may increase the predefined first buffer pressure to ensure that the air pressure (or storage tank pressure) in the storage tank 212 is high enough to achieve optimal external tool operation. Specifically, in response to determining that the real-time tool use air pressure may be continuously less than the desired operating pressure range, the processor 240 may increase the first target pressure by the first predefined pressure value to reach the second pressure. The processor 240 may then cause the air compressor to operate to fill the storage tank 212 with compressed air at the second pressure. In some aspects, the first predefined pressure value may be a preset pressure value that may be stored in the memory 242. In other aspects, the first predefined pressure value may be a predefined percentage of the predefined first buffer pressure.

[0058] In response to increasing the first target pressure to the second pressure, the processor 240 may again continuously obtain the real-time tool-used air pressure from the outlet valve pressure sensor 238, and may compare the real-time tool-used air pressure with the desired operating pressure range. In response to determining that the real-time tool-used air pressure may still be less than the desired operating pressure range even after the storage tank 212 is filled with compressed air at the second pressure, the processor 240 may also increase the second pressure by a second predefined pressure value to reach a third pressure. In other words, when the processor 240 determines that the external tool may continue to operate below the desired operating pressure range, the processor 240 may increase the second pressure to the third pressure. In response to increasing the second pressure to the third pressure, the processor 240 may operate the air compressor to fill the storage tank 212 with compressed air at the third pressure.

[0059] In a similar manner, the processor 240 may iteratively cause the air compressor 210 to increase the pressure of the compressed air in the storage tank 212 (up to the maximum pressure of the storage tank 212) until the processor 240 determines that the external tool is operating within the desired operating pressure range 99+% of the time. In other words, the processor 240 may iteratively increase the pressure of the compressed air in the storage tank 212 until the external tool is operating with 99+% uptime.

[0060] In another aspect, when the processor 240 determines that the external tool can operate at a normal operating time close to 100% (e.g., 99.5+%), the processor 240 can reduce the pressure of the compressed air in the storage tank 212 (i.e., reduce the predefined buffer pressure). Specifically, when the processor 240 determines that the real-time tool use air pressure can be within the desired operating pressure range for a time exceeding a predefined duration (e.g., exceeding 99.5% of the tool operation duration) when the storage tank may be filled with compressed air at the second pressure or the third pressure, the processor 240 can reduce the second pressure or the third pressure by a third predefined pressure value to reach a fourth pressure. The processor 240 can then operate the air compressor to fill the storage tank 212 with compressed air at the fourth pressure.

[0061] For example, in some cases, the real-time tool use air pressure may be within a desired operating pressure range for more than a predefined percentage of the operating time (ie, the operating pressure is within the desired pressure range 99% of the time the tool is in use).

[0062] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, processor 240 reduces the storage tank pressure (specifically resulting in reduced air compression operations) to conserve vehicle energy.

[0063] In the manner described above, the processor 240 may increase or decrease the buffer pressure to ensure that the storage tank pressure (or the pressure of the compressed air in the storage tank 212) is sufficient to achieve working operation with 99+% uptime. The processor 240 may additionally store a buffer pressure value (e.g., an "optimal" buffer pressure) associated with the operating tool and the operation being performed by the user in the memory 242 for storage purposes, at which the external tool can operate with 99+% uptime. When the user may use the same tool and perform the same operation in the future, the processor 240 may reference the stored optimal buffer pressure and perform air compressor operation based on the optimal buffer pressure. The processor 240 may additionally transmit the optimal buffer pressure value to the server 206 (via the TCU 220) so that other vehicles that may be part of a fleet of vehicles can reference the optimal buffer pressure value when a tool similar to the external tool may be connected to the vehicle to perform a similar operation.

[0064] In additional aspects, the processor 240 may continuously (or at a predefined frequency) obtain the real-time storage tank pressure (or the real-time air pressure in the storage tank 212) from the tank pressure sensor 236 while the user may be operating the external tool. In response to obtaining the real-time storage tank pressure, the processor 240 may calculate the difference between the real-time storage tank pressure and the desired operating pressure range (e.g., the average value of the desired operating pressure range or the minimum pressure of the desired operating pressure range). When the processor 240 determines that the calculated difference may be less than a predefined threshold, the processor 240 may cause the air compressor 210 to operate at full capacity. In some aspects, the predefined threshold may vary based on the tool specifications and the operation being performed by the user using the external tool. In other aspects, the predefined threshold may be a preset value (e.g., 25, 30, or 35 psi) that may be pre-stored in the memory 242. In yet another aspect, the predefined threshold may be a predefined percentage of the desired operating pressure range.

[0065] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, when the real-time storage tank pressure drops below a predefined threshold, processor 240 operates air compressor 210 at full capacity to ensure that the user does not experience any downtime while operating the external tool.

[0066] In another aspect, in response to operating the air compressor 210 at full capacity, the processor 240 may obtain the real-time tool air pressure from the outlet valve pressure sensor 238, and may compare the real-time tool air pressure with the desired operating pressure range. When the processor 240 determines that the real-time tool air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range even though the air compressor 210 may be operating at full capacity, the processor 240 may output an alarm notification. In other words, when the processor 240 determines that the external tool may be operating below the desired operating pressure range even though the air compressor 210 may be operating at full capacity, the processor 240 may output an alarm notification.

[0067] In some aspects, the processor 240 may output an alert notification by causing exterior vehicle lights (e.g., brake lights, CHMSL lights, rear or side display lights, trunk RGB lights, and / or the like) to illuminate or flash in a predefined pattern or color, such as Figure 3 20 (wherein light 302 is illuminated). For example, when the external tool may be operating below the desired operating pressure range, the light may be illuminated in red. In additional aspects, when the external tool may be operating close to the desired operating pressure range, the light may be illuminated in yellow, and when the external tool may be operating within the desired operating pressure range, the light may be illuminated in green. In other aspects, the processor 240 may output an alert notification by transmitting a notification to the user device 204 and / or the infotainment system 216 via the TCU 220. The notification may indicate to the user that the air compressor 210 may not be able to meet the use requirements of the external tool.

[0068] In further aspects of the present disclosure, the processor 240 may obtain the real-time tank pressure at a predefined frequency (e.g., routinely) even though the external tool may not be connected to the outlet 108. When the processor 240 determines that the real-time tank pressure may be less than a predefined tank pressure threshold (which may vary with ambient temperature), the processor 240 may output a leak notification. The processor 240 may output the leak notification by transmitting the leak notification to the user device 204 and / or the infotainment system 216 via the TCU 220. The leak notification may indicate to the user that a leak may potentially exist in the air compressor 210 and / or the storage tank 212, and therefore, may require repair.

[0069] Figure 4 A flow chart of a first method 400 of controlling the operation of an air compressor according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figures 1 to 3 The previous figures are used to describe Figure 4 The following process is exemplary and is not limited to the steps described below. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than shown or described herein, and may include the steps in an order different from the order described in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0070] The method 400 begins at step 402. At step 404, the method 400 may include obtaining, by the processor 240, a trigger signal. As described above, the trigger signal may indicate to the processor 240 that the user desires to operate the air compressor 210. At step 406, the method 400 may include determining, by the processor 240, tool specifications and expected tool usage characteristics based on information input / obtained from the sensor suite 214. At step 408, the method 400 may include calculating, by the processor 240, a first target pressure for compressed air in the storage tank 212 based on the tool specifications and the expected tool usage characteristics. At step 410, the method 400 may include causing, by the processor 240, the air compressor to operate to fill the storage tank 212 with compressed air at the first target pressure.

[0071] Method 400 may end at step 412 .

[0072] Figure 5 A flow chart of a second method 500 of controlling the operation of an air compressor according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figures 1 to 4 The previous figures are used to describe Figure 5 The following process is exemplary and is not limited to the steps described below. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than shown or described herein, and may include the steps in an order different from the order described in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0073] The method 500 begins at step 502. At step 504, the method 500 may include determining, by the processor 240, a desired operating pressure range associated with the external tool based on the tool specifications and expected tool usage characteristics (i.e., the operations being performed by the user by using the external tool). At step 506, the method 500 may include determining, by the processor 240, a real-time tool use air pressure based on input obtained from the outlet valve pressure sensor 238. At step 508, the method 500 may include determining, by the processor 240, that the real-time tool use air pressure may be less than the desired operating pressure range.

[0074] At step 510, the method 500 may include, in response to determining that the real-time tool air pressure may be less than the desired operating pressure range, increasing the first target pressure by a first predefined pressure value to reach a second pressure by the processor 240. At step 512, the method 500 may include causing the processor 240 to operate the air compressor to fill the storage tank 212 with compressed air at the second pressure.

[0075] Method 500 may end at step 514 .

[0076] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in this specification to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when features, structures, or characteristics are described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, those skilled in the art will recognize such features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0077] In addition, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed in one or more of the following: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and programs described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to specific system components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same function.

[0078] It should also be understood that the word "example" as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting in nature. More specifically, the word "example" as used herein indicates one of several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0079] Computer-readable media (also referred to as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. A computing device may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above) and stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0080] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes may be practiced by performing the described steps in an order different from that described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0081] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Upon reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent. The scope should not be determined with reference to the above description, but rather with reference to the entire scope of the appended claims and equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and expected that the technology discussed herein will develop in the future, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In short, it should be understood that the present application is capable of modification and change.

[0082] Unless otherwise expressly indicated to the contrary in this article, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by the skilled person described herein. Specifically, unless the claims state an express limitation to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as "one", "the", "said" and the like should be interpreted as describing one or more of the indicated elements. Unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in other ways within the context when used, conditional language such as, in particular, "can", "may", "can" or "may" is generally intended to express that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include certain features, elements and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require each feature, element and / or step in any way.

[0083] In one aspect of the present invention, a method includes: determining that after filling an air storage tank with compressed air at a second pressure, a real-time tool air usage pressure is less than a desired operating pressure range; in response to determining that the real-time tool air usage pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range, increasing the second pressure by a second predefined pressure value to reach a third pressure; and operating an air compressor to fill the air storage tank with the third pressure.

[0084] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes: calculating a difference between a real-time air storage tank pressure obtained from a sensor and an average value of the desired operating pressure range; determining that the difference is less than a predefined threshold; and operating the air compressor at maximum capacity in response to determining that the difference is less than the predefined threshold.

[0085] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes: determining that after the air compressor is operated at the maximum capacity, the real-time tool air usage pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range; and outputting an alarm notification in response to determining that after the air compressor is operated at the maximum capacity, the real-time tool air usage pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range.

[0086] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes: determining a time during which the real-time tool usage air pressure continues to be within the desired operating pressure range for more than a predefined duration after the air compressor is operated to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the second pressure; in response to determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure continues to be within the desired operating pressure range for more than the predefined duration, reducing the second pressure by a third predefined pressure value to reach a fourth pressure; and operating the air compressor to fill the air storage tank with the fourth pressure.

[0087] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: obtain a trigger signal; in response to obtaining the trigger signal, determine the tool specifications and expected tool usage characteristics of the external tool based on information obtained from a sensor and associated with an external tool connected to an air storage tank of an air compressor, wherein: the air compressor is configured to supply compressed air, the air storage tank is configured to receive the compressed air from the air compressor and store the compressed air, and the air storage tank is configured to supply the compressed air to the external tool; calculate a target pressure of the compressed air in the air storage tank based on the tool specifications and the expected tool usage characteristics; and cause the air compressor to operate to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the target pressure.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: an air compressor configured to supply compressed air; an air storage tank configured to receive the compressed air from the air compressor and store the compressed air, wherein the air storage tank is configured to supply the compressed air to an external tool; a sensor configured to receive information associated with the external tool connected to the air storage tank; as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the air compressor, the air storage tank, and the sensor, wherein the processor is configured to: Get a trigger signal; in response to obtaining the trigger signal, determining tool specifications and expected tool usage characteristics based on the information associated with the external tool; calculating a first target pressure for the compressed air in the air storage tank based on the tool specifications and the expected tool usage characteristics; as well as An air compressor is operated to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the first target pressure.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a user interface configured to receive the information associated with the external tool from a user, and wherein the information includes the tool specifications and the expected tool usage characteristics.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a vehicle camera, a radar sensor, and a lidar sensor. 4 . The vehicle of claim 3 , wherein the information associated with the external tool includes an image of the tool and an image of a user using the external tool.

5. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to: determining a maximum operating pressure associated with the external tool based on the tool specifications and the expected tool usage characteristics; and The first target pressure is calculated by adding a predefined first buffer pressure to the maximum operating pressure.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining a desired operating pressure range associated with the external tool based on the tool specifications and the expected tool usage characteristics; determining a real-time tool use air pressure based on the information associated with the external tool; Determining that the real-time tool air pressure is less than the expected operating pressure range; In response to determining that the real-time tool air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range, increasing the first target pressure by a first predefined pressure value to reach a second pressure; as well as The air compressor is operated to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the second pressure.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining that after filling the air storage tank with the compressed air at the second pressure, the real-time tool use air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range; In response to determining that the real-time tool air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range, increasing the second pressure by a second predefined pressure value to reach a third pressure; as well as The air compressor is operated to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the third pressure.

8. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the sensor is further configured to determine a real-time air storage tank pressure, and wherein the processor is further configured to: calculating a difference between the real-time air storage tank pressure and an average value of the desired operating pressure range; determining that the difference is less than a predefined threshold; and The air compressor is operated at maximum capacity in response to determining that the difference is less than the predefined threshold.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining that after operating the air compressor at the maximum capacity, the real-time tool air use pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range; and In response to determining that after operating the air compressor at the maximum capacity, the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range, an alarm notification is output.

10. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining a time, after operating the air compressor to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the second pressure, that the real-time tool usage air pressure is within the desired operating pressure range for more than a predefined duration; In response to determining that the real-time tool use air pressure is within the desired operating pressure range for a time exceeding the predefined duration, reducing the second pressure by a third predefined pressure value to reach a fourth pressure; and The air compressor is operated to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the fourth pressure.

11. A method of operating an air compressor of a vehicle, the method comprising: A trigger signal is obtained by the processor; In response to obtaining the trigger signal, determining, by a processor, tool specifications and expected tool usage characteristics of the external tool based on information obtained from a sensor and associated with the external tool connected to the air storage tank, wherein: The air compressor is configured to supply compressed air, The air storage tank is configured to receive the compressed air from the air compressor and store the compressed air, and The air storage tank is configured to supply the compressed air to the external tool; calculating, by the processor, a first target pressure for the compressed air in the air storage tank based on the tool specifications and the expected tool usage characteristics; and The processor operates an air compressor to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the first target pressure.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a vehicle camera, a radar sensor, and a lidar sensor.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the information associated with the external tool includes a tool image and an image of a user using the external tool.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining a maximum operating pressure associated with the external tool based on the tool specifications and the expected tool usage characteristics; as well as The first target pressure is calculated by adding a predefined first buffer pressure to the maximum operating pressure.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining a desired operating pressure range associated with the external tool based on the tool specifications and the expected tool usage characteristics; determining a real-time tool use air pressure based on the information associated with the external tool; Determining that the real-time tool air pressure is less than the expected operating pressure range; In response to determining that the real-time tool air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range, increasing the first target pressure by a first predefined pressure value to reach a second pressure; as well as The air compressor is operated to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the second pressure.

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