Vehicle tire inflation compressor for power data port

Abstract

An apparatus (20) and method for dispensing air and / or sealant to tires of a vehicle. The power supply of the air compressor is obtained via a power supply USB rather than a typical 12V cigar lighter connector. The position of the tire being inflated may also be determined via a data interface of the USB port. Through communication between the compressor control module and the vehicle system interface, the compressor may be automatically turned off when the recommended tire pressure has been reached. The control module may be located in the USB power cord plug and may provide voltage variations to the compressor to maximize power and inflation rate and / or efficiency.

Description

Background Art Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing air and / or tire sealant via a pressure source, and more particularly to a portable vehicle tire inflation device that can be powered via a vehicle data port.

[0002] Description of the Prior Art

[0003] There are many different forms and designs of vehicle tire inflators known and currently available in the market. They are primarily used to introduce air and / or tire sealant into low-pressure tires or damaged tires. Portable tire inflators are powered by a common 12V direct current (DC) connector, such as the ubiquitous cigarette lighter plug for a vehicle cigarette lighter socket or receptacle (e.g., as defined in ANSI / SAE J563).

[0004] As vehicle technology and electronics advance, there is a constant need or desire for better vehicle accessories that interconnect with these new vehicle systems. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments are directed to a device for dispensing air and / or sealant (such as a mini compressor or inflator) having a pressure source that is powered and / or controlled via a data communications port and line (such as a powered Universal Serial Bus (USB) and USB line) rather than the usual 12V connector (cigarette lighter). While suitable for a variety of inflation needs, the device is particularly useful as a portable or emergency vehicle dispenser / inflator device and is powered and / or controlled via the vehicle's data communications port (e.g., USB).

[0006] In an embodiment, during inflation or dispensing, the state of the object being inflated (e.g., a vehicle tire) can be monitored and / or determined via a data interface to a vehicle USB port. Through communication between the compressor and the vehicle electronic system (e.g., RDC or ECU), the compressor can be shut down when the recommended tire pressure has been reached.

[0007] In some embodiments, additional comfort functions can be implemented, for example with the aid of the vehicle entertainment system. For example, the remaining filling time can be calculated and displayed on the screen of the inflator and / or via the vehicle user interface display. Or, depending on the course of the filling procedure, the lumped system can predict whether the tire can be repaired with the aid of a compressor. If necessary, a third party can be ordered to provide assistance without any delay.

[0008] These and other benefits can be obtained by a device for dispensing air and / or sealant to a tire of a vehicle, the device comprising a pressure source, a dispenser outlet connected to the pressure source, a connector element, and a control module in communication with each of the connector element and the pressure source. The connector element (e.g., a data and / or power line) is desirably configured to connect to a vehicle data communication port (e.g., USB or equivalent) to obtain inflation information and / or power. The data communication element is desirably a powered data communication port, whereby the control module can draw operating power for the dispensing device via the powered data communication port.

[0009] In an embodiment, the control module obtains tire inflation values ​​from a vehicle tire pressure monitoring system and / or other sensor systems (such as a vehicle load sensor). The device can automatically operate (e.g., turn on) when a low tire inflation value is received from a vehicle tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and automatically stop inflation when appropriate inflation is automatically determined.

[0010] In some embodiments, the control system for the compressor operates with the vehicle's human-machine interface (HMI) system. The vehicle HMI can display the inflation status, display graphical instructions, and / or allow control via the display, such as turning the compressor on / off or setting a desired pressure value.

[0011] In an embodiment, a device for dispensing air and / or sealant to a tire of a vehicle including a powered data communication port includes: a pressure source integrated with the device; and a control module configured to connect to the powered data communication port to power and control the pressure source. The control module may be in the device housing or in a connector element for the vehicle port, and may include logic circuitry configured to receive information about pressure and temperature originating from a vehicle tire pressure sensor and / or the vehicle's electronic system.

[0012] The device generally includes a power supply line having a plug that fits into a data communications port. In an embodiment, a control module is contained within the plug (USB) and is configured to provide and stop power from the powered data communications port through the power supply line to the pressure source.

[0013] Embodiments further include a device for distributing air and / or sealant to tires of a vehicle, the vehicle including a power supply data communication port. The device includes a pressure source, a distributor outlet connected to the pressure source, and a power supply line, the power supply line including a first end connected to or connectable to the pressure source and a second end opposite to the first end, the second end including a connector element, the connector element being configured to be connected to the power supply data communication port to obtain power. The connector element includes a control module, the control module being configured to control the power supply to the pressure source through the power supply line. Power and inflation data can be transmitted to the control module from the data communication port via the connector element. Preferably, the control module is completely contained within the connector element and contains all control logic, the control logic being configured to communicate with a computer system on the vehicle and provide operating power to the device for distributing air and / or sealant to the tires of the vehicle. In such embodiments, the power supply line can be a two-wire power cable without a data communication cable.

[0014] Embodiments include a tire inflation power / control system, such as a control module circuit / intelligence included in a USB plug that controls the power consumption of the compressor and / or determines pressure information for the tire based on the power consumption. Desirably, this control system is intelligent in that it can adjust the amperage and / or voltage, which can optimize usage and shorten fill time. In a particular embodiment, the control system determines / estimates the back pressure based on the power consumption of the inflator compressor, and can therefore determine the tire pressure. This information, along with the connection to the vehicle's TPMS, allows the control system to calculate / predict the remaining fill time and / or stop the system when the placard pressure is reached. In addition, the voltage can be switched / adjusted to remain within the optimal operating range for the compressor motor within the pressure range. Embodiments include defining multiple points based on motor efficiency curves for different voltages at which the supply voltage is changed.

[0015] Embodiments include an apparatus for dispensing air and / or sealant to tires of a vehicle having a powered data communications port, the apparatus comprising a compressor and a control module configured to connect to the powered data communications port to power the compressor. The control module is configured to vary a voltage output from the powered data communications port to the compressor during operation, and / or the control module is configured to estimate a remaining fill time for the tire. The control module includes logic circuitry, preferably in a plug head of a power cable, configured to receive information regarding pressure originating from a vehicle tire pressure sensor and / or an electronic system of the vehicle.

[0016] In an embodiment, the control module is configured to cause the compressor to operate at a first voltage during operation and then switch to a different second voltage. Depending on the need, the voltage switch can be an up switch or a down switch, and the voltage switch can be to a lower voltage when the compressor consumption is at or near a predetermined amperage draw (e.g., a maximum value). In an embodiment of the present invention, the compressor operates at a higher first power output and inflation rate at a first voltage, and operates at a lower power output and inflation rate at a second voltage. This allows for a faster inflation rate when tire back pressure is low. The switch from the first voltage to the second voltage is desirably preset based on the compressor motor design and efficiency.

[0017] In an embodiment, a device for distributing air and / or sealant to a tire of a vehicle includes a power supply line including a first end connected to or connectable to a dispenser and a second end opposite to the first end, the second end including a connector element configured to be connected to a vehicle power supply data communication port to obtain power. The connector element includes a control module configured to control the supply of power to a pressure source through the power supply line. The control module includes a logic circuit configured to receive information about tire pressure from a vehicle tire pressure sensor and / or an electronic system of the vehicle. The control module adjusts the voltage to the compressor according to the tire pressure and / or amperage draw of the compressor. Desirably, the control module adjusts the voltage to the compressor within the efficiency range of the compressor motor according to the determined tire pressure. For example, the control module can be configured to operate the compressor at a first voltage during operation to provide a higher power output and / or inflation rate, and then switch to a second voltage, wherein the second voltage provides a lower power and / or inflation rate within a predetermined compressor motor efficiency curve.

[0018] Embodiments further include a method for dispensing air and / or sealant to a tire of a vehicle. The method includes: connecting a tire inflation or repair device to the tire; connecting the tire repair device to a data communication port of the vehicle; and dispensing power to the tire repair device via the data communication port of the vehicle. The method may further include automatically monitoring and / or controlling tire inflation via data provided by the vehicle to the tire repair device via the data communication port.

[0019] Embodiments further include a method for dispensing air and / or sealant, the method comprising: connecting a tire repair device to a tire; connecting a connector element of a power supply line of the tire repair device to a data communication port of a vehicle, the connector element including a control module; and the control module in the connector element operating the tire repair device to dispense via the data communication port of the vehicle.

[0020] Embodiments further include a method for dispensing air and / or sealant to a tire of a vehicle, wherein a compressor is connected to the tire and a connector element is connected to a data communication port of the vehicle. The method includes: a control module in the connector element operating a tire repair device to dispense via the data communication port of the vehicle; the control module operating the compressor at a first voltage; and the control module operating the compressor at a second voltage different from the first voltage. In some embodiments, operating the compressor at the first voltage provides initial inflation power, and the control module reduces to the second voltage when a predetermined maximum amperage draw of the compressor is reached. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other features and objects of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 is a representative illustration of a dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention in combination with a vehicle.

[0023] Figure 2 A dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 A dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 A dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a tire inflation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 An exemplary table of voltage values ​​according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 7 is a graph comparing a fixed charging voltage with a step-variable charging voltage according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1An apparatus 20 for dispensing air and / or tire sealant into tires 42 of a vehicle 40 is shown according to an embodiment. The vehicle 40 is representatively shown to include four tires 42, each of which includes a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor 44. As currently known and implemented throughout the automotive industry, the TPMS sensor 44 communicates with a vehicle control computer system 46 (such as an electronic control unit (ECU) or equivalent system or subsystem) via any suitable connection (such as wirelessly). The vehicle 40 further includes a data communication port 48 (such as a powered USB port combined with the computer system 46) and an interface display 49 (such as a touch screen).

[0030] The device 20 includes a pressure source 22 that can be connected to a tire 44 through a dispenser outlet shown as an air hose 24 having any suitable end valve 26, such as a Schrader valve, for mating with a tire valve stub 45. The pressure source 22 is desirably implemented in the form of a compressor and can optionally be paired with a sealant tank 28 for dispensing air and tire sealant.

[0031] The device 20 further includes a module 30 that is configured to connect to a data communication port 48 of a vehicle 40 in order to power and / or control the pressure source 22. The module 30 is connected via a connector element 32 (such as a power line and / or a data line) to obtain inflation information and / or power. The connector element 32 has an end that is integrally connected (i.e., fixed) to the module 30, or can be a separate line with a plug that fits into a corresponding socket in the device 20. Any suitable data and / or power connection can be used, depending on the needs and vehicle components. Powered USB cables and sockets are preferred due to current inclusions in vehicle audio or other systems. Any suitable USB version and / or connector type can be used, such as standard, mini or micro A, B or C, etc. As will be understood, other suitable data and / or power connectors, such as Thunderbolt, can be used, depending on the needs. TM or Lightning TM cables or any combination of interfaces.

[0032] Embodiments use a powered USB or equivalent connection to supply power to the compressor in place of the conventional and common 12V-DC connector. Additionally or alternatively (i.e., along with the conventional 12V connector), data may be exchanged between the vehicle and the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the control module includes an integrated logic circuit, for example, for receiving information about pressure and temperature from a tire pressure sensor and / or ECU. This information may be used as a control parameter, such as for automatically controlling the device and the inflation process. The control algorithm may optionally be executed on a vehicle system, where the device receives simple operating instructions (e.g., on / off).

[0033] In some embodiments, communication between the vehicle's systems and the compressor device will make the manual pressure display of the pressure gauge on the compressor obsolete. Complete control of the compressor can be achieved through the vehicle and compressor electronics. A manual on / off switch can also be eliminated because the device automatically starts inflation as needed when connected and stops inflation when proper inflation is automatically determined. The ability to reduce pressure can also be eliminated because the compressor will not overfill the tire due to communication with the vehicle. In some embodiments, compressor control is achieved through the vehicle interface display 49, such as turning the compressor on / off and / or setting the desired pressure for inflation.

[0034] Figure 2 An apparatus 50 for dispensing air and / or tire sealant is shown according to one embodiment. Apparatus 50 may have internal components such as those described in US Pat. No. 9,914,271, which is incorporated herein by reference. Apparatus 50 includes a housing 52 formed by a bottom volume 54 and a cover 56. Figure 2 The device of FIG. 5 shows a dispensing device having conventional functional elements such as a switch 58 for turning the device on and off, a pressure gauge 60 for measuring the pressure built up by an internal pressure source, a pressure release button 62 for releasing excess pressure, and a rotary switch 64 for actuating a valve of an optional sealant tank. Between the volume 54 and the cover 56, a circumferential groove 66 is provided into which a USB or equivalent cable 70 for powering or operating the device and / or a hose 68 for dispensing air and / or tire sealant can be wound and stored.

[0035] exist Figure 2 , the USB cable 70 is fixed or integrated to the device 50 at one end, similar to most current 12V compressor power cables. Figure 3 Another embodiment is shown in which the dispensing device 80 has a separate USB cord 82 having a USB plug 84 that can be removably attached to a corresponding USB socket or receptacle 86 as a power supply port on the device 80. The socket 86 is shown as being in a side wall of the housing, but may be located anywhere on the device, such as a top surface, as desired or other design considerations.

[0036] Figure 3 Also showed no Figure 2 An arrangement of functional elements for user operation is shown. Figure 3 The device automatically operates with the vehicle system to turn the compressor and / or sealant on and off. The device 80 is shown with only an optional display screen 90, which can display information such as, but not limited to, pressure values, remaining inflation time, warning messages, sealant dosage, and / or other information.

[0037] In some embodiments, the power control logic is integrated with the connector element, such as within a connector plug of the power supply line, which fits into the power data communication port of the vehicle. In this way, the compressor device itself can be a "dumb" device that does not require any logic or other intelligent control features. The control module in the power supply line acts as a switch to enable / disable the pressure source (e.g., compressor) by introducing / stopping power from the power data communication port of the vehicle via the power data.

[0038] Figure 4 A dispensing device 100 is shown, which also has no Figure 2 Functional elements shown for user operation. Figure 4 The device 100 automatically operates with the vehicle system to turn the compressor and / or sealant on and off. The device 100 is shown with only an optional display screen 102, which can display information such as, but not limited to, pressure values, remaining inflation time, warning messages, sealant dosage, and / or other information. The device 100 includes a power supply line 110, wherein a first end 112 has a USB or equivalent plug corresponding to a USB port 114 on the device 100. Alternatively, the first end 112 can be integrated or "hard-wired" to the electromechanical components of the device 100 (i.e., the pressure source, any power valves / switches, and / or the optional display screen components / controls).

[0039] The power supply line 110 includes a second end 116 having a connector or plug 118, which is connected to the power data communication port of the vehicle. As shown, the plug 118 is also a USB connector for a USB port. The plug 118 at least partially and preferably entirely includes a control module for starting and stopping the electrical operating power to the device 100. As shown, the plug 118 includes an optional larger plug housing 120 to accommodate the control module 130. The control module is arranged between the USB connector 122 extending from the housing 120 and the power cable 124 extending to the device 100. In the case where all power control logic is on / in the plug, the cable 124 can be a standard two-wire cable, and the compressor device 100 can be a standard compressor of an applicable performance level (limited to the performance of the USB-PD power supply). This has the additional benefit of reducing the overall cost of the device and not requiring a shielded data / communication channel in the cable to the device. The cable for powering the compressor device is a standard cable, but the plug on the cable that enters the USB socket in the vehicle carries all the control logic for TPMS communication and power management, such as the control logic described above.

[0040] The automatic dispensing device of an embodiment of the present invention may include any necessary circuit systems, data processors, memory components, coded software instructions, and / or control algorithms to obtain vehicle and tire inflation data and values ​​through the vehicle data communication port. The vehicle system may additionally include necessary coordination software, logic circuits, etc. to send information obtained from the TPMS and / or load sensors or control instructions based on the TPMS and / or load sensors to the inflator for operation. In some embodiments, the dispensing device can determine that the puncture needs to be sealed based on the detected inflation rate or expected underinflation, and automatically dispense the sealant.

[0041] Embodiments include control systems and methods that allow for controlling the power consumption of the compressor and / or determining the compressor and / or tire pressure based on the power consumption. The control systems and methods of some embodiments preferably perform intelligent functions (such as adjusting voltage and / or amperage), which can optimize usage and shorten filling time (compared to current tire inflation devices that typically have a fixed voltage of 12V and a maximum of 15 amps).

[0042] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a tire inflation process according to some embodiments. Step 200 represents connecting a tire inflation and / or sealing device, such as described above. The distributor outlet is connected to the valve root of the tire, and the power cord is connected to the vehicle's power data communication port (e.g., USB). The vehicle is driven or started as needed, so that the vehicle systems (e.g., engine control unit (ECU), TPMS, etc.) operate normally to power and communicate with the inflation system. To further discuss Figure 5 , the control system is implemented as control circuitry within a USB plug for powering a data communications port.

[0043] In step 202, the USB plug control module determines an inflation value, such as but not limited to the current tire inflation value from the TPMS and / or the full or placard inflation value. The control system may also optionally determine secondary considerations, such as outside temperature and cargo / tow load, etc.

[0044] In step 204, the USB plug control module sends power to the inflatable device through the associated cable to power the compressor motor. In some embodiments, the power supply to the compressor is intelligent / adaptive and automatically adjusted by the control system. In step 206, the USB plug control module adjusts the voltage to the compressor motor, which in turn changes the power output of the compressor. Figure 6A table showing the power output of a compressor motor at example voltages / amperages is shown. As can be seen in this table, stepping up or down the voltage provides different amounts of power (watts) at different amperages. For example, some embodiments of the USB-based power delivery system allow for a variation of different voltage settings for a maximum current of 5 amps. Figure 6 In the example table of FIG. 1 , the system can switch between 48 volts, 36 volts, 28 volts, 20 volts, 15 volts, 9 volts, and 5 volts, and regulate the power output at any output between 25 watts and 240 watts. The specific voltage, amperage, and power values ​​can be varied as desired. The voltage can be adjusted up or down in step 206 according to a predetermined motor efficiency curve, and additional time can be selectively adjusted as desired in step 208. Figure 6 In the table of FIG. 1 , the lighter shaded values ​​represent the generally expected efficiency band within which most tire inflation compressors operate.

[0045] In some embodiments, the voltage is kept as close as possible to the optimum operating point of the motor within the pressure range. For example, the point at which the supply voltage is changed is pre-designed based on the motor efficiency curve for different voltages.

[0046] In some embodiments, the compressor starts at a higher operating voltage in step 204, and then reduces the voltage in step 206. For example, using a higher voltage at the initial inflation start provides an increased initial inflation rate. When the amperage approaches the maximum desired value and / or the compressor is reaching the maximum operating temperature, the voltage can be switched and reduced to reduce the power output and generally also reduce the amperage and operating temperature. By starting with a higher voltage and inflation rate, the total tire inflation time can be reduced, and as the back pressure increases, the voltage is reduced to return to a more efficient operation and avoid exceeding the maximum amperage and / or operating temperature.

[0047] The control system monitors the continued inflation in step 210 until the system determines that the desired inflation is obtained. The control module then shuts down the compressor in step 212. In some embodiments, the control system can calculate the back pressure based on the power consumption. This information, together with the vehicle TPMS, allows the system to calculate / predict the remaining fill time and / or stop the system when the placard pressure is reached. Each compressor has air flow characteristics based on the duty cycle (watts) and back pressure. This information can be used to determine / estimate the tire's pressure increase rate, tire air volume, and / or remaining inflation time.

[0048] In some embodiments, the compressor operates based on a pre-programmed algorithm for the specific compressor and its efficiency curve. However, depending on the level of communication allowed with the vehicle, the control system may take into account additional parameters such as, but not limited to, tire pressure adjusted for vehicle load or external conditions (temperature, precipitation, etc.), placard pressure override to compensate for pressure loss in the time span between when the compressor shuts off and when the vehicle begins to move, and / or temperature effects on sealant sealing time.

[0049] The present invention is further described in detail in conjunction with the following examples, which show or simulate various aspects involved in the practice of the present invention. It should be understood that it is desirable to protect all changes falling within the spirit of the present invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these examples.

[0050] Examples

[0051] Figure 7 Exemplary inflation curves are shown for three fixed voltage inflators (15V, 12V, and 13.8V) compared to a variable voltage inflator according to one embodiment. Figure 7 The effect of a variable compressor control cycle (7 amps maximum) on inflation time and current draw at a fixed voltage is shown. Overall, the step voltage (line 220) achieves approximately the same inflation time as the 13.8V compressor, but with limited current draw (-6.5%) while increasing filling performance (+20%). Also shown is the amperage drop at each voltage switch (line 230), allowing the inflator to remain below the maximum amperage. Inflation pressure is represented by line 240.

[0052] Thus, the present invention provides an advanced portable air and / or sealant dispensing device designed for use in vehicle systems.The dispensing device described herein reduces user errors and allows for less manufacturing expense due to fewer functional parts required.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described in the foregoing specification with respect to certain preferred embodiments of the invention and many details have been set forth for illustrative purposes, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain details described herein may be modified considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing air and / or sealant to tires of a vehicle, the vehicle including a powered data communications port, the device comprising: compressor; as well as a control module configured to connect to the power data communications port to power the compressor, wherein the control module is configured to vary a voltage output from the power data communications port to the compressor during operation, and / or the control module is configured to estimate a remaining fill time for the tire.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The control module includes logic circuitry configured to receive information regarding pressure originating from a vehicle tire pressure sensor and / or an electronic system of the vehicle.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The control module is configured to operate the compressor at a first voltage and then switch to a second, different voltage during operation.

4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein: The switch is to a lower voltage and occurs at or near a predetermined amperage draw of the compressor.

5. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein: The compressor operates at a first, higher power output and charging rate at the first voltage, and operates at a lower power output and charging rate at the second voltage.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The switch from the first voltage to the second voltage is preset according to compressor motor design and efficiency.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein: The control module estimates current tire pressure and / or the remaining filling time based on power consumption of the compressor.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a power supply cord having a plug that fits into the data communications port.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein: The control module is contained within the plug.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein: The control module is configured to provide and stop power from the power data communication port through the power supply line to the compressor.

11. The device of claim 8, further comprising a power supply port for receiving a second end of a power supply line.

12. The device of claim 8, wherein: The powered data communication port is a powered Universal Serial Bus (USB), and the device includes at least one of a USB power cable or a corresponding USB.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein: The control module obtains a charge value via the data communication port during dispensing.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein: The device automatically stops inflation when it automatically determines that inflation is appropriate.

15. An apparatus for dispensing air and / or sealant to tires of a vehicle, the vehicle including a powered data communications port, the apparatus comprising: compressor; a distributor outlet connected to the compressor; a power supply line comprising a first end connected or connectable to the distributor and a second end opposite the first end, the second end comprising a connector element configured to connect to the powered data communications port to obtain power; and The connector element includes a control module configured to control the supply of power to the pressure source through the power supply line, the control module including a logic circuit configured to receive information about tire pressure originating from a vehicle tire pressure sensor and / or an electronic system of the vehicle, wherein the control module adjusts the voltage to the compressor based on the tire pressure and / or the amperage draw of the compressor.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein: The control module adjusts voltage to the compressor within an efficiency range of a compressor motor based on the determined tire pressure.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein: The control module is configured to operate the compressor at a first voltage during operation to provide a higher power output and / or charging rate, and then switch to a second voltage, wherein the second voltage provides a lower power and / or charging rate within a predetermined compressor motor efficiency curve.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein: The vehicle data communication port is a powered Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the connector element includes a first USB connector including a control module located in a plug end of the USB connector.

19. A method for dispensing air and / or sealant to a tire of a vehicle, wherein: A compressor is connected to the tire and a connector element is connected to a data communication port of the vehicle, the method comprising: a control module in the connector element to operate tire repair device dispensing via the data communication port of the vehicle; The control module operates the compressor at a first voltage; and The control module operates the compressor at a second voltage different from the first voltage.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: Operating the compressor at the first voltage provides initial charging power, and the method further includes the control module decreasing to the second voltage when a predetermined maximum ampere draw of the compressor is reached.

Images