SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE AIR COMPRESSOR

Abstract

A vehicle is disclosed that includes an air compressor, an air storage tank, and a sensor. The air compressor can supply compressed air to the air storage tank, and the air storage tank can supply the compressed air to an external tool. The sensor can be configured to receive information associated with the external tool and send this information to a vehicle processor. The processor can determine a tool specification and expected tool usage characteristics based on the information associated with the external tool. The processor can further calculate a target pressure of compressed air in the air storage tank based on the tool specification and the expected tool usage characteristics. Finally, the processor can cause an air compressor to fill the air storage tank with compressed air at the target pressure.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle having an on-board air compressor, and more particularly to systems and methods for controlling air pressure and operation of the on-board vehicle air compressor. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Many modern vehicles used for off-road or sport-use purposes include features that allow users to use their vehicles for a variety of activities beyond pure transportation. For example, modern trucks or off-road sedans (SUVs) allow recreational or utility tools to be connected to the vehicles and powered by the vehicle's energy. Furthermore, many modern vehicles include cargo beds or cargo areas that can serve as storage areas or accommodations during off-road use. SUMMARY

[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, e.g., inflating / deflating tires, operating a power tool, removing 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 a type of external tool that may be operated using the compressed air and an operation performed by a user using the external tool.

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

[0005] When the user connects the external tool to the user interface panel and turns on the air compressor (e.g., by sending a turn-on command via a user device, vehicle infotainment system, gesture command, audio command, etc.), the system can determine information associated with the external tool and the operation performed by the user. The information associated with the external tool and operation can include, for example, a tool specification, maximum / minimum operating pressure, desired operating pressure range, 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 a plurality of tools and tool operations stored in system memory or an external server.

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

[0007] During tool operation, the system can continuously monitor the real-time tool usage pressure (i.e., the air pressure at which the external tool can be operated) and increase or decrease the buffer pressure value based on the real-time tool usage pressure to ensure that the external tool is operating with close to 100% availability (e.g., 99+% availability). In particular, the system can compare the real-time tool usage pressure with the desired operating pressure range and can increase the buffer pressure value if the system determines that the external tool may be operating below the desired operating pressure range. Likewise, the system can decrease the buffer pressure value (e.g., to conserve vehicle energy) if the system determines that the external tool may be operating within the desired operating pressure range and achieving an availability greater than 99.5%.

[0008] The system may be further configured to continuously monitor the storage tank pressure when the external tool is potentially attached to the user interface panel and calculate a difference between the storage tank pressure and the desired operating pressure range. The system may cause the air compressor to operate at full capacity if the system determines that the difference may be less than a predefined threshold. The system may be further configured to issue a warning notification if the system determines that the external tool may be operating below the desired operating pressure range even after the air compressor has been caused to operate at full capacity. In some aspects, the system may issue the warning notification by illuminating or flashing the vehicle's exterior lights.

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

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

[0011] The detailed description is presented with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical elements. Different elements and / or components than those illustrated in the drawings may be used for different embodiments, and some elements and / or components may not be present in different embodiments. The elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout the disclosure, the singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context. Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary environment in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed in this document may be implemented. Fig. 2 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary system for controlling operation of a vehicle air compressor in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 3 depicts an embodiment for issuing a warning notification from a vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 4 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary first method for controlling operation of a vehicle air compressor in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary second method for controlling operation of a vehicle air compressor in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The disclosure is described in more detail below in this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and is not intended to be limiting.

[0013] Fig. 1 depicts an environment 100 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 a car, a work vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a truck, a delivery van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. In the Fig. In the exemplary aspect depicted in Figure 1, vehicle 102 is a truck. Vehicle 102 may be a manually propelled vehicle and / or may be configured to operate in a semi-autonomous mode and may include any powertrain, such as a gasoline engine, one or more electrically actuated motors, a hybrid system, etc.

[0014] The vehicle 102 may include a cargo bed 104 that may be configured to store one or more objects, equipment, etc. The vehicle 102 may further include an air compressor (in Fig. 2 as air compressor 210) with a built-in or attached buffer tank or an air storage tank (in Fig. 2 as storage tank 212). The air compressor may supply compressed air to the air storage tank when the compressed air is operational / 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 air storage tank may be installed beneath the bed 104 or within a side wall of the bed. In other aspects, the air compressor and air storage tank may be installed anywhere else within the vehicle 102. The air compressor may be powered using vehicle energy (e.g., vehicle battery energy / energy / power drawn from the vehicle engine).

[0015] The air compressor and the air storage tank may be in fluid communication with a panel 106 (or a user interface console) that may be installed on the vehicle 102. In the Fig. In the exemplary aspect depicted in Figure 1, panel 106 is installed on a side wall of a truck bed. Panel 106 can receive compressed air from the 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 allow it to receive compressed air from the air storage tank.

[0016] In particular, an outlet 108 of the panel 106 may be attached to a line 110 that can supply the compressed air from the air storage tank. The user may attach an external tool / accessory to the line 110 to receive the compressed air from the air storage tank to perform one or more tasks. For example, the user may inflate or deflate a tire using the compressed air, as shown in view 112 in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the user can use a power tool (e.g., a nail gun) using the compressed air, as shown in view 114. Furthermore, the user can use the compressed air to inflate an air mattress, as shown in view 116. In Fig. The use cases illustrated in Figure 1 are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The user may use the compressed air received from the air storage tank for a variety of other activities (e.g., removing dirt, operating a screwdriver, etc.) that are described in Fig. 1 are not shown.

[0017] In some aspects, the vehicle 102 may further include a compressor control system (in Fig. 2 as compressor control system 218) that can control air compressor operation based on a type of external tool connected by the user to the outlet 108 (via line 110) and a type of operation performed by the user using the external tool. In particular, the compressor control system ("System") can control air compressor operation to increase or decrease a pressure of compressed air in the air storage tank (and thus increase or decrease the tank pressure) based on the type of tool and the type of operation performed by the user, e.g., inflating tires or an air mattress, operating a high-power air tool, etc.For example, the system may cause the air compressor operation to fill the air storage tank with compressed air at a pressure of 140-160 pounds-force per square inch (psi) when the user may be using a 70 psi / 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) tool, such as an air grinder, which may be expected to operate for a relatively longer period of time. On the other hand, the system may cause the air compressor operation to fill the air storage tank with compressed air at a relatively lower pressure when the user may be inflating tires, which may require tool operation for a short period of time. The process for controlling air compressor operation based on the tool and operation type is discussed later below in conjunction with . Fig. 2 described in more detail.

[0018] In some aspects, the system may determine the tool type and the type of operation being performed by the user based on inputs provided by the user. For example, the user may enter information associated with the tool type and the type of operation on a vehicle infotainment system or user device, which may transmit the information to the system. In other aspects, the system may determine the tool type and the type of operation itself using one or more vehicle sensors. For example, the system may use exterior vehicle cameras, radio detection and ranging (radar) sensors, light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors, and / or the like, and image processing algorithms to determine the tool that may be attached to the panel 106 by the user and to determine the type of operation being performed.

[0019] In additional aspects, the system may allow the user to optionally connect one or more external storage tanks 118 to the panel 106 to receive and / or provide the compressed air. The user may connect the external storage tank 118 to the panel 106 if, for example, the user may require an additional amount of compressed air (beyond the amount of compressed air the built-in air storage tank can provide). In some aspects, in addition to controlling air compressor operation, the system may control the flow of compressed air to / from the external storage tank 118.

[0020] Functional details of the system are given below in conjunction with Fig. 2 described.

[0021] The vehicle 102 and / or the user may implement and / or perform operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the user manual and safety guidelines.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 depicts a block diagram of a system 200 for controlling an operation of a vehicle air compressor according to the present disclosure. In describing Fig. 2 can be Fig. 3 reference may be made.

[0023] The system 200 may include a vehicle 202 which is the same as that described above in connection with Fig. 1. The system 200 may further 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, a tablet, a laptop, a smartwatch, or any other device with communication capabilities.

[0024] The server 206 may be configured to store information associated with a plurality of tools and a plurality of operations that can be performed using the tools. The tools may include, but are not limited to, nail guns, spray guns, screwdrivers, tire inflators, and / or the like. The operations that can be performed using the tools may include, but are not limited to, inflating air mattresses, inflating and / or deflating tires, blowing off debris, winterizing, and / or the like. In some aspects, the information stored on the server 206 associated with the plurality of tools and operations may include a tool specification (corresponding to different makes, models, etc. of tools) and expected tool usage characteristics associated with each tool for different types of operations.The tool specification may include, for example, an expected maximum cfm and a desired operating pressure range (maximum, minimum, and / or acceptable) associated with the tool. The expected tool usage characteristics may include, for example, a desired operating pressure range (maximum, minimum, and / or acceptable) associated with each tool for the different types of operations, an expected amount of time each tool may be operated for different types of operations (e.g., sustained use or rapid transient), and / or the like. In some aspects, the server 206 may transmit the information associated with the plurality of tools and the plurality of operations to the vehicle 202 at a predefined frequency.In other aspects, the server 206 may transmit the information to the vehicle 202 when the vehicle 202 sends a request to the server 206 requesting the information.

[0025] The network(s) 208 illustrate(s) an example of a communications infrastructure in which the connected devices discussed in various embodiments of this disclosure may communicate. The network(s) 208 may be and / or include the Internet, a private network, a public network, or another configuration operating using any one or more of any known communications protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Bluetooth ® , BLE ®, Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, ultra-wideband (UWB) 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 just a few.

[0026] The vehicle 202 may include a plurality of units, including, but not limited to, an air compressor 210 having 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 one another via wired (e.g., via a bus) or wireless communication links. As described above in connection with Fig. 1, the user can optionally attach the external storage tank 118 to the panel 106 if the user requires additional compressed air.

[0027] As above in connection with Fig. 1, 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 the compressed air from the air compressor 210 and may store the compressed air, which may be provided to an external tool via the outlet 108 based on tool usage requirements (as shown in view 224 of Fig. 2). In some aspects, the compressor control system 218 (or system 218) may control the flow of compressed air from the storage tank 212 to the external tool using the air controller 222. In particular, the air controller 222 may receive inputs 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.

[0028] The panel 106 may include a variety of components, including, but not limited to, the outlet 108, the outlet and inlet 226 for an external tank, a display 228, one or more air pressure buttons / keys, start / stop buttons, an electrical outlet (not shown), and / or the like. The external tank outlet and inlet 226 may allow the user to connect the external storage tank 118 to the panel 106. The display 228 may display operating parameters of the air compressor 210 and / or the storage tank 212 (e.g., air pressure, cfm, etc.). The start / stop buttons may allow the user to manually start or stop the operation of the air compressor, and the air pressure buttons / keys may allow the user to enter a desired air pressure. The electrical outlet may be used by the user to power any external device (if necessary).

[0029] 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 enter the desired air pressure and / or an 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 enter 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 can be reached.As another example, the air compressor operating mode may include a continuous air mode in which compressed air may be continuously supplied from the storage tank 212 to the external tool and the user may control the air pressure via the air pressure knobs / buttons.

[0030] In additional aspects, the user may provide details about the external tool (e.g., model, make, and / or specification) and / or the operation performed by the user (e.g., inflating air mattresses, inflating and / or deflating tires, blowing off debris, winterizing, and / or the like) to the vehicle 202 via the infotainment system 216 and / or the user device 204.

[0031] The TCU 220 may be configured and / or programmed to provide vehicle connectivity with wireless computing systems inside and outside the vehicle 202, and may include a navigation (NAV) receiver for receiving and processing a GPS signal, a BLE ® module (BLEM), a WLAN transceiver, a UWB transceiver and / or other wireless transceivers (in Fig. 2 not shown) that may be configurable for wireless and radio-based communication between the vehicle 202 and other systems (e.g., the user device 204, the server 206, etc.), computers, and modules. The TCU 220 may also enable the system 218 to wirelessly connect (e.g., via BLE or UWB) to 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.

[0032] The sensor suite 214 may include one or more sensors, including, but not limited to, interior / exterior cameras / center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) cameras 230, radar sensor(s) 232, lidar sensor(s) 234, a tank pressure sensor 236, an outlet valve pressure sensor 238, temperature sensors, weight sensors (not shown), and / or the like. In some aspects, the tank pressure sensor 236 may be configured to measure real-time air pressure within the storage tank 212, and the outlet valve pressure sensor 238 may be configured to measure the real-time tool usage air pressure at which the external tool may be operated (or the pressure of compressed air output from the outlet 108). 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, as in Fig. 2 shown.

[0033] In some aspects, system 218 may be part of a motor vehicle computer (not shown) and may be installed in a vehicle engine compartment (or elsewhere within vehicle 202). System 218 may include one or more processors 240 and memory 242.

[0034] The processor(s) 240 may be arranged in communication with one or more storage devices arranged in communication with the respective computing systems (e.g., the memory 242 and / or one or more external databases located in Fig. 2 are not shown). The processor(s) 240 may utilize the memory 242 to store programs as code and / or to store data for performing aspects of the disclosure. The memory 242 may be a persistent computer-readable memory in which control program code for the air compressor is stored. The memory 242 may include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.) and any one or more non-volatile memory elements (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0035] In some aspects, memory 242 may be configured to store inputs received from sensor suite 214, infotainment system 216, and user device 204. Memory 242 may be further configured to store information associated with the plurality of power tools and the plurality of operations that vehicle 202 may receive from server 206, as described above.

[0036] In the system architecture of the vehicle 202, as in Fig. 2, certain computing, electronic and / or mechanical modules may be omitted. It is readily understood that the Fig. The architecture depicted in Figure 2 is an example of a possible implementation according to the present disclosure and is therefore not to be considered limiting or exclusive.

[0037] In operation, the user may activate the start button included in panel 106 or provide an air compressor activation command via a gesture control, a touchscreen command, or an audio command to user device 204 or infotainment system 216 to activate air compressor 210. In response to the user performing the action described above, panel 106, user device 204, or infotainment system 216 may transmit a trigger signal to processor 240. The trigger signal may indicate to processor 240 that the user wishes to operate air compressor 210.

[0038] The processor 240 may acquire the trigger signal and, in response to acquiring the trigger signal, may initiate an air compressor information identification process. Specifically, in response to acquiring the trigger signal, the processor 240 may turn ON the air compressor 210 and may use wired or wireless communication with the air compressor 210 to determine the model number, capabilities, etc. of the air compressor. Furthermore, the processor 240 may obtain inputs from the sensor suite 214 (specifically, the cameras 230 and / or the radar sensors 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 inputs acquired from the sensor suite 214 to determine whether the external storage tank 118 is attached to the panel 106.The processor 240 may further determine a size of an external storage tank using the inputs obtained from the sensor suite 214 if the external storage tank 118 may be mounted on the panel 106. In an example 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 cameras 230 to determine sizes of the storage tank 212 and / or the external storage tank 118.

[0039] Although the above description describes an aspect in which the processor 240 determines the compressor model number, capabilities, etc., and the storage tank size using inputs from the sensor suite 214 or via wired / wireless communication with the air compressor 210, such capability and size information may, in some aspects, be pre-stored in the memory 242. In this case, the processor 240 may retrieve the capability and size information from the memory 242 in response to receiving the trigger signal. In some aspects, the capability and size information may include, for example, a maximum air pressure that the air compressor 210 can deliver, a storage tank capacity (volume, maximum pressure, etc.), and / or the like.

[0040] In additional aspects, in response to acquiring the 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) bus or a local interconnect network (LIN) bus) with the air compressor 210 and the air controller 222 to control air compressor operation (e.g., to control the pressure of air in the storage tank 212) and the flow of compressed air from the air compressor 210 and / or the storage tank 212.

[0041] In response to the processor 240 turning on the air compressor 210 and establishing the wired / wireless connection to 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 enter details about the operation the user may perform with the external tool, e.g., inflating tires or an air mattress, using a high-powered pneumatic tool, etc., and tool details (e.g., tool specification, make, model, etc.). In some aspects, the user may enter the operation and tool details at user interfaces of the user device 204 or the infotainment system 216, and the processor 240 may obtain the inputs from the user device 204 or the infotainment system 216.

[0042] In other aspects, the processor 240 may obtain inputs from the sensor suite 214 (e.g., inputs from the cameras 230, the radar sensor 232, and / or the lidar sensor 234) and determine a type of external tool connected to the outlet 108 and the details of the operation being performed using the obtained inputs. For example, the processor 240 may obtain images of the external tool and the operation being performed from the cameras 230 and may execute one or more image processing algorithms (which may be pre-stored in the memory 242) to determine a type, make, model, etc., of the tool connected to the outlet 108 and the operation details (e.g., whether the user is inflating tires or an air mattress, using a high-power pneumatic tool, etc.).

[0043] In yet another aspect, when the user connects the external tool to the outlet 108 and wirelessly links the external tool to the vehicle 202, the external tool can transmit tool details (e.g., tool specification, make, model, etc.) to the vehicle 202 / processor 240.

[0044] In yet another aspect, when processor 240 obtains the tool brand and / or model from any of the methods described above, processor 240 may determine the tool specification (e.g., maximum cfm and desired operating pressure range) using a tool data structure that may be stored in memory 242 or server 206. In this case, the tool data structure may include tool specifications associated with a plurality of tools. Processor 240 may correlate the obtained tool brand and / or model with tool brands and models included in the tool data structure to determine the specification of the external tool.

[0045] Similarly, when processor 240 determines the operation details (e.g., whether the user is inflating tires or an air mattress, using a high-powered pneumatic tool, etc.) based on the images acquired from cameras 230 or user input, processor 240 may determine expected tool usage characteristics associated with the tool and the operation using the information associated with the plurality of power tools and the plurality of operations that server 206 may provide to vehicle 202 / processor 240, as described above. As described above, the expected tool usage characteristics may include, for example, a desired operating pressure range (maximum, minimum, and / or acceptable) associated with each tool for the particular operation, an expected operating time duration, and / or the like.

[0046] In response to determining the tool brand, tool model, tool specifications, etc., and details about the operation performed by the user (e.g., expected tool usage characteristics) by one or more of the methods described above, the processor 240 may calculate an optimal expected air pressure (or first target pressure) of compressed air that may be stored in the storage tank 212 when the user begins operating the external tool.

[0047] In particular, the processor 240 may use the tool specifications and the expected tool usage characteristics to determine a maximum operating pressure associated with the external tool for the operation being performed by the user. In one example aspect, the maximum operating pressure may be higher for a grinding or drilling operation (e.g., sustained expected tool usage) and may be lower for a tire inflation operation (e.g., rapid, temporary expected tool usage). Further, the processor 240 may determine a predefined buffer pressure (e.g., a predefined first buffer pressure) based on the expected tool usage characteristics. For example, for expected tool usage that requires sustained drilling, cutting, grinding, etc., the predefined first buffer pressure may be higher (e.g., in a range of 40-60 psi).On the other hand, for rapidly transient expected tool usage, the predefined first buffer pressure may be lower (e.g., in a range of 10-20 psi). In some aspects, processor 240 may use a mapping of a plurality of predefined buffer pressures to tool usage characteristics (which may be pre-stored in memory 242) to determine the predefined first buffer pressure based on the determined expected tool usage characteristics.

[0048] Although the foregoing description describes an aspect in which the predefined first buffer pressure may be based on (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.

[0049] 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. The processor 240 may then cause the air compressor operation to fill the storage tank 212 with compressed air at the first target pressure when the user begins operating the external tool. In this way, the processor 240 ensures that the storage tank pressure (i.e., pressure of air in the storage tank 212) is higher than the maximum operating pressure.

[0050] 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 downtime. Those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that if the tank pressure drops or if the air compressor 210 is unable to meet the tool's pressure requirements, the user may not be able to perform the desired operation with the external tool (and downtime may occur). The processor 240 eliminates or significantly reduces the likelihood of downtime by adding the predefined first buffer pressure to the external tool's maximum operating pressure for the expected tool usage.In addition, while the user is operating the external tool, the processor 240 may increase or decrease the buffer pressure to ensure that the user achieves near 100% (e.g., 99+%) availability based on the desired operating pressure range of the external tool for the expected tool usage, as described below.

[0051] When the user is using the external tool, the processor 240 may continuously (or at a predefined frequency) obtain the real-time tool usage air pressure from the exhaust valve pressure sensor 238 and may compare the real-time tool usage air pressure to the desired operating pressure range (which may be part of the expected tool usage characteristics, as described above). The processor 240 may increase the predefined first buffer pressure if the processor 240 determines that the real-time tool usage air pressure may be continuously (or for more than a predefined period of time) less than the desired operating pressure range. In other words, the processor 240 may increase the predefined first buffer pressure if the processor 240 determines that the external tool may be continuously operating below the desired operating pressure range.

[0052] The processor 240 may increase the predefined first buffer pressure to ensure that the air pressure in the storage tank 212 (or the storage tank pressure) is high enough to enable optimal operation of an external tool. In particular, in response to determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure may be continuously less than the desired operating pressure range, the processor 240 may increase the first target pressure by a first predefined pressure value to a second pressure. The processor 240 may then cause the air compressor operation to fill the storage tank 212 with compressed air at the first target 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.

[0053] In response to increasing the first target pressure to the second pressure, the processor 240 may again continuously obtain the real-time tool usage air pressure from the outlet valve pressure sensor 238 and may compare the real-time tool usage air pressure to the desired operating pressure range. Further, in response to determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure, even after the storage tank 212 has been filled with the compressed air at the second pressure, may be continuously less than the desired operating pressure range, the processor 240 may increase the second pressure by a second predefined pressure value to a third pressure. In other words, the processor 240 may increase the second pressure to the third pressure if the processor 240 determines that the external tool may be continuously operating below the desired operating pressure range.In response to increasing the second pressure to the third pressure, the processor 240 may cause the air compressor operation to fill the storage tank 212 with the compressed air at the third pressure.

[0054] Similarly, the processor 240 may cause the air compressor 210 to iteratively increase the pressure of 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 compressed air in the storage tank 212 until the external tool is operating at 99+% availability.

[0055] In further aspects, the processor 240 may decrease the pressure of compressed air in the storage tank 212 (i.e., decrease the predefined buffer pressure) when the processor 240 determines that the external tool can be operated at near 100% availability (e.g., 99.5+%). In particular, if the processor 240 determines that the real-time tool usage air pressure can be within the desired operating pressure range for more than a predefined period of time (e.g., more than 99.5% of the tool operating time period) when the storage tank can be filled with the compressed air at the second or third pressure, the processor 240 may decrease the second or third pressure by a third predefined pressure value to a fourth pressure. The processor 240 may then cause the air compressor operation to fill the storage tank 212 with compressed air at the fourth pressure.

[0056] For example, in certain cases, the real-time tool usage air pressure may be within the desired operating pressure for more than a predefined percentage of the operating time (i.e., 99% of the time the tool is in use, the operating pressure is within the ideal pressure range).

[0057] One of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that processor 240 reduces the storage tank pressure (specifically, causes reduced air compression operation) to conserve vehicle energy.

[0058] 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 compressed air in the storage tank 212) is sufficient to enable tool operation at 99+% availability. The processor 240 may additionally store the buffer pressure value (e.g., an "optimal" buffer pressure) associated with the operating tool and the operation performed by the user, during which the external tool can be operated at 99+% availability, in the memory 242 for storage purposes. The processor 240 may reference the stored optimal buffer pressure and initiate air compressor operation based on the optimal buffer pressure if the user may use the same tool and perform the same operation in the future.The processor 240 may additionally transmit the optimal buffer pressure value (via the TCU 220) to the server 206 so that other vehicles that may be part of a vehicle fleet can reference the optimal buffer pressure value when a tool similar to the external tool may be connected to the vehicles to perform similar operations.

[0059] 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 when the user may be operating the external tool. In response to obtaining the real-time storage tank pressure, the processor 240 may calculate a difference between the real-time storage tank pressure and the desired operating pressure range (e.g., an average of the desired operating pressure range or a minimum pressure of the desired operating pressure range). The processor 240 may cause the air compressor 210 to operate at full capacity if the processor 240 determines that the calculated difference may be less than a predefined threshold.In some aspects, the predefined threshold may vary based on the tool specification and the operation 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 memory 242. In yet another aspect, the predefined threshold may be a predefined percentage of the desired operating pressure range.

[0060] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that when the real-time storage tank pressure falls below the predefined threshold, the processor 240 causes the air compressor 210 to operate at full capacity to ensure that the user does not experience downtime while operating the external tool.

[0061] In further aspects, in response to causing the air compressor 210 to operate at full capacity, the processor 240 may obtain the real-time tool usage air pressure from the exhaust valve pressure sensor 238 and may compare the real-time tool usage air pressure to the desired operating pressure range. The processor 240 may issue a warning notification if the processor 240 determines that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range, even though the air compressor 210 may be operating at full capacity. In other words, the processor 240 may issue the warning notification if the processor 240 determines that the real-time tool usage air pressure may be below the desired operating pressure range, even though the air compressor 210 may be operating at full capacity.

[0062] In some aspects, the processor 240 may issue the warning notification by causing vehicle exterior lights (e.g., brake lights, CHMSL lights, rear or side indicator lights, trunk / bed RGB lights, and / or the like) to illuminate or flash in a predefined pattern or color, as in Fig. 3 (with lights 302 illuminated). For example, the vehicle lights may illuminate red when the external tool may be operating below the desired operating pressure range. In additional aspects, the vehicle lights may illuminate yellow when the external tool may be operating near the desired operating pressure range and may illuminate green when the external tool may be operating within the desired operating pressure range. In other aspects, the processor 240 may issue the warning notification by transmitting the notification via the TCU 220 to the user device 204 and / or the infotainment system 216. The notification may indicate to the user that the air compressor 210 may not be able to meet the usage requirements of an external tool.

[0063] 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 when the external tool may not be connected to the outlet 108. The processor 240 may issue a leak notification 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 issue the leak notification by transmitting the leak notification via the TCU 220 to the user device 204 and / or the infotainment system 216. The leak notification may indicate to the user that a leak may be present in the air compressor 210 and / or the storage tank 212 and thus, maintenance may be required.

[0064] Fig. 4 depicts a flow diagram of a first method 400 for controlling operation of a vehicle air compressor according to the present disclosure. Fig. 4 can be further understood by reference to the previous figures, including Fig. 1-3. The following process is exemplary and not limited to the steps described below. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than those illustrated or described herein, and may include these steps in an order that differs from the order described in the following embodiments.

[0065] The method 400 begins at step 402. At step 404, the method 400 may include obtaining, by the processor 240, the trigger signal. As described above, the trigger signal may indicate to the processor 240 that the user wishes to operate the air compressor 210. At step 406, the method 400 may include determining, by the processor 240, the tool specification and the expected tool usage characteristics based on inputs / information obtained from the sensor suite 214. At step 408, the method 400 may include calculating, by the processor 240, the first target pressure of compressed air in the storage tank 212 based on the tool specification and the expected tool usage characteristics. At step 410, the method 400 may include causing, by the processor 240, the air compressor operation to fill the storage tank 212 with the compressed air at the first target pressure.

[0066] The method 400 may end at step 412.

[0067] Fig. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a second method 500 for controlling air compressor operation in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 5 may be further referred to previous figures, including the Fig. 1-4. The following process is exemplary and not limited to the steps described below. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than those illustrated or described herein, and may include these steps in an order that differs from the order described in the following embodiments.

[0068] The method 500 begins at step 502. At step 504, the method 500 may include determining, by the processor 240, the desired operating pressure range associated with the external tool based on the tool specification and the expected tool usage characteristics (i.e., the operation performed by the user using the external tool). At step 506, the method 500 may include determining, by the processor 240, the real-time tool usage air pressure based on inputs obtained from the output valve pressure sensor 238. At step 508, the method 500 may include determining, by the processor 240, that the real-time tool usage air pressure may be less than the desired operating pressure range.

[0069] At step 510, the method 500 may include increasing, by the processor 240, the first target pressure by the first predefined pressure value to the second pressure in response to a determination that the real-time tool usage air pressure may be less than the desired operating pressure range. At step 512, the method 500 may cause, by the processor 240, the air compressor operation to fill the storage tank 212 with the compressed air at the first target pressure.

[0070] The method 500 may end at step 514.

[0071] In the foregoing disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, such phrases are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, if a feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize such a feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0072] Furthermore, the functions described in this document may be performed in one or more of hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components, as appropriate. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and procedures described in this document. Certain terms used throughout the specification and claims refer to specific system components. As one skilled in the art will recognize, components may be referred to by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not in function.

[0073] It is also understood that the word "example," as used in this document, is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting. In particular, the word "example," as used in this document, indicates one of several examples, and it is understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0074] A computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium) includes any non-transitory (e.g., physical) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-transitory media and volatile media. Computing devices may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above, and may be stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0075] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described in this specification, it is to be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be implemented in practice such that the described steps are performed in an order that differs from the order described in this specification. Further, it is to be understood that certain steps could be performed concurrently, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described in this specification could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes in this specification are for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed to limit the claims.

[0076] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples listed will become apparent from a reading of the foregoing description. The scope should be determined not by reference to the foregoing description, but instead by reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that there will be future developments in the art discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Overall, it is understood that the application is susceptible of modification and variation.

[0077] All terms used in the claims are intended to have their general meaning as known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the technologies described in this specification apply, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. In particular, the use of the singular articles, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," etc., is intended to refer to one or more of the specified elements, unless a claim expressly limits otherwise.Conditional language, such as "may," "could," "may," or "may possibly," is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include them, unless specifically stated otherwise or clear from the particular context used. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

[0078] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range after filling the air storage tank with the compressed air at the second pressure; increasing the second pressure by a second predefined pressure value to a third pressure in response to determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range; and causing the air compressor operation to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the third pressure.

[0079] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: calculating a difference between a real-time air storage tank pressure obtained from the sensor and an average of the desired operating pressure range; determining that the difference is less than a predefined threshold; and causing the air compressor to operate at a maximum capacity in response to determining that the difference is less than the predefined threshold.

[0080] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range after causing the air compressor to operate at maximum capacity; and issuing a warning notification in response to determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range after causing the air compressor to operate at maximum capacity.

[0081] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is within the desired operating pressure range for longer than a predefined period of time after causing the air compressor operation to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the second pressure; decreasing the second pressure by a third predefined pressure value to a fourth pressure in response to determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is within the desired operating pressure range for longer than the predefined period of time; and causing the air compressor operation to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the fourth pressure.

[0082] According to the present invention, there is provided a persistent computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: acquire a trigger signal; determine a tool specification and expected tool usage characteristics of an external tool connected to an air storage tank of an air compressor based on information associated with the external tool and obtained from a sensor in response to acquiring the trigger signal, 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 a target pressure of the compressed air in the air storage tank based on the tool specification and the expected tool usage characteristics; and causing the air compressor operation to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the target pressure.

Claims

[1] 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, the air storage tank 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; and a processor communicatively coupled to the air compressor, the air storage tank, and the sensor, the processor configured to: Obtaining a trigger signal; Determining a tool specification and expected tool usage characteristics based on the information associated with the external tool in response to obtaining the trigger signal; Calculating a first target pressure of the compressed air in the storage tank based on the tool specification and the expected tool usage characteristics; and Causing an air compressor operation to fill the storage tank with the compressed air at the first target pressure. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a user interface configured to receive the information associated with the external tool from a user, and wherein the information includes the tool specification 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 tool images and images of the external tool used by a user. [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 specification and expected tool usage characteristics; and Calculating the first target pressure 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 specification and expected tool usage characteristics; Determining a real-time tool usage air pressure based on the information associated with the external tool; Determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range; Increasing the first target pressure by a first predefined pressure value to a second pressure in response to a determination that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range; and Causing the air compressor operation to fill the storage tank with the compressed air at the second target pressure. [7] The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range after the air storage tank is filled with the compressed air at the second pressure; Increasing the second pressure by a second predefined pressure value to a third pressure in response to determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range; and Causing the air compressor operation 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 of the desired operating pressure range; Determining that the difference is less than a predefined threshold; and Causing the air compressor to operate 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 the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range after causing the air compressor to operate at maximum capacity; and Issue a warning notification in response to determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range after causing the air compressor to operate at maximum capacity. [10] The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is within the desired operating pressure range for longer than a predefined period of time after causing the air compressor operation to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the second pressure; Reducing the second pressure by a third predefined pressure value to a fourth pressure in response to determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is within the desired operating pressure range for longer than the predefined period of time; and Causing the air compressor operation 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: Obtaining, by a processor, a trigger signal; Determining, by the processor, a tool specification and expected tool usage characteristics of an external tool connected to an air storage tank based on information associated with the external tool and obtained from a sensor in response to obtaining the trigger signal, 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 to 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 of the compressed air in the air storage tank based on the tool specification and the expected tool usage characteristics; and Causing, by the processor, an air compressor operation 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 tool images and images of the external tool used by a user. [14] The method of claim 11, further comprising: Determining a maximum operating pressure associated with the external tool based on the tool specification and expected tool usage characteristics; and Calculating the first target pressure 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 specification and expected tool usage characteristics; Determining a real-time tool usage air pressure based on the information associated with the external tool; Determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range; Increasing the first target pressure by a first predefined pressure value to a second pressure in response to determining that the real-time tool usage air pressure is less than the desired operating pressure range; and Causing the air compressor operation to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the second pressure.

Images