System and device for the automated removal and installation of a spare wheel of a vehicle

Abstract

A system (100) and apparatus (100') for automated removal and installation of a spare tire (110) of a vehicle comprises a plate stack (120) comprising a lower plate (122), an intermediate plate (124), and an upper plate (126), and a controller in communication with a lifting mechanism (140), a first sliding mechanism (150), a tilting mechanism (160), and a second sliding mechanism (170) operatively coupled to the plate stack (120). The controller can: lift the plate stack (120) from a rest position; translate the intermediate plate (124) relative to the lower plate (122); tilt the intermediate plate (124) relative to the lower plate (122); and move the upper plate (126) relative to the intermediate plate (124) so ​​that the spare wheel (110) is at a preset, comfortable height from the ground surface, allowing easy access.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of motor vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a system and apparatus for automated extraction and installation of a spare tire of a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] As is well known in the art, almost all passenger cars have spare tire carriers, which are generally located in the trunk of the vehicle. Current spare tire carriers primarily rely on a screw-nut or ratchet arrangement, which is difficult to operate. When a tire needs to be changed on such a vehicle, the driver may be forced to request assistance because of the difficulty in grasping and removing the spare tire from the trunk.

[0003] A common procedure for changing a tire or repairing a flat tire using the spare wheel is for the vehicle's user or driver to unlock the spare wheel, lift it, and take it outside. The wheel is then changed, and afterward, the user or driver should lift the replaced wheel and secure it in the trunk as before. This is a laborious process even for a healthy user / driver, as the spare wheel can weigh up to 25 kg or even more. Therefore, there is a need to automate the process of conveniently removing and reinserting the tire into the trunk with a minimum of manual intervention.

[0004] Patent WO2012143881A1 discloses a spare wheel carrier for wheeled vehicles. The carrier comprises a sliding assembly having a base member and a sliding member slidably connected to the base member, as well as a mounting assembly tiltably connected to the sliding member and configured to removably mount a wheel thereto. The sliding member is slidable relative to the base member between a storage position and an extended position. The mounting assembly is configured such that, when the sliding member is in the extended position, it tilts relative to the sliding member between a storage position and a mounting position to facilitate the attachment or removal of a wheel to or from the mounting assembly.

[0005] Patent document WO2019077178A1 discloses a support device for vehicle spare wheels, comprising a support tray with a device for positioning and securing a spare wheel on a tray. It also comprises a manually operated or motorized movable mechanism that moves the tray between a transport position and a position in which the spare wheel is withdrawn. The movable mechanism comprises a fastening means for securing the wheel to the vehicle.

[0006] As can be seen, the cited as well as the conventional prior art fails to address the specific problem of automating the process of conveniently extracting and reinserting the spare wheel into the trunk along with the safety mechanism, and therefore there is a need and scope for providing an improved system and apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a spare wheel of a vehicle. SUBJECT OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and apparatus that eliminates the above-mentioned limitations of existing systems and apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire of a vehicle.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire of a vehicle by automating the process of conveniently extracting and reinserting the spare tire and / or a tire of the vehicle into the trunk without manual intervention, together with a safety mechanism.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire with a stack of plates, which includes a hydraulic mechanism for various movements of individual or all of the stacked plates. SUMMARY

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of accessible and intelligent spare tire support mechanisms in vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system and apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire of a vehicle.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for automated extraction and deployment of a spare tire of a vehicle. The system may include a stack of plates positioned in a trunk of the vehicle, and a lift mechanism, a first sliding mechanism, a tilting mechanism, and a second sliding mechanism operatively coupled to the stack of plates.

[0012] The plate stack may include a lower plate, an intermediate plate, and an upper plate located in the trunk of the vehicle, with the spare wheel attached to the upper plate. The system may also include a controller communicating with the lifting mechanism, the first sliding mechanism, the tilting mechanism, and the second sliding mechanism.

[0013] The controller may be further configured to: use the lifting mechanism to raise the stack of plates from a rest position to a height such that the stack of plates is higher than a lip of the trunk; use the first sliding mechanism to slide the intermediate plate relative to the lower plate along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; use the tilting mechanism to tilt the intermediate plate relative to the lower plate to a predefined angle; and use the second sliding mechanism to slide the upper plate relative to the intermediate plate along the longitudinal direction such that the spare wheel attached to the upper plate is at a preset comfortable height from the ground surface, allowing a user of the vehicle easy access to the spare wheel.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for the automated extraction and insertion of a spare wheel of a vehicle, wherein the device may comprise a plate stack arranged in a trunk of the vehicle, and a lifting mechanism, a first sliding mechanism, a tilting mechanism, and a second sliding mechanism operatively connected to the plate stack. The plate stack may further comprise a lower plate, an intermediate plate, and an upper plate arranged in a trunk of the vehicle, wherein the upper plate may be suitable for securing the spare wheel.

[0015] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism may be configured to raise the stack of panels to a height at which the stack of panels is higher than a lip of the trunk. The first sliding mechanism may be configured between the lower panel and the intermediate panel to slide the intermediate panel relative to the lower panel in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0016] The tilting mechanism may be arranged between the lower plate and the intermediate plate to tilt the intermediate plate relative to the lower plate by a predefined angle. The second sliding mechanism may be arranged between the upper plate and the intermediate plate to slide the upper plate relative to the intermediate plate along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0017] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism, the first sliding mechanism, the tilting mechanism and the second sliding mechanism may be configured to operate sequentially to lift the spare wheel from the trunk and move the raised spare wheel to the ground or vice versa, in an automated manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1A and Fig. 1C show perspective views of the proposed system with the proposed device for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire of a vehicle in a closed and an open lid position, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 1B shows a flowchart illustrating an initial step of the proposed system with the proposed device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B show a perspective view and a flowchart of the proposed system with the proposed apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire of a vehicle using a lifting mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3C show a perspective view and a flowchart of the proposed system with the proposed apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire of a vehicle using the lifting mechanism and a first sliding mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3B shows a perspective view of a lower plate of the proposed system with the proposed device for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show a perspective view and a flowchart of the proposed system with the proposed apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire of a vehicle using a tilting mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of the proposed system with the proposed device for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire for calculating a predefined inclination angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5B shows a perspective view of the proposed system with the proposed device for detecting one or more objects in a trunk of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B show a perspective view and a flowchart of the proposed system with the proposed apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire of a vehicle using the lifting mechanism, the first sliding mechanism, the tilting mechanism, and a second sliding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C show perspective views of the proposed system with the proposed device for automated extraction and insertion of the vehicle's spare tire in the scenarios - flat ground surface, rear end of the vehicle on an incline, and front end of the vehicle on an incline, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 shows a flowchart illustrating the step-by-step operation of the proposed system with the proposed device for automated deployment of a spare wheel of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The embodiments discussed herein relate to the field of accessible and intelligent spare tire support mechanisms in vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a system and apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a vehicle's spare tire.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1C illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the proposed system and apparatus (referred to interchangeably herein as system 100 and apparatus 100', respectively), which system 100 and apparatus 100' may be used for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire 110 of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 may include a plate stack 120 positioned in a trunk 130 of the vehicle and a lifting mechanism 140 ( Fig. 2A), a first sliding mechanism 150 ( Fig. 3B), a tilting mechanism 160 ( Fig. 4A) and a second sliding mechanism 170 ( Fig. 6A) that are operatively coupled to the plate stack 120.

[0021] The plate stack 120 may further include a lower plate 122, an intermediate plate 124, and an upper plate 126 disposed within the trunk 130 of the vehicle, with the spare tire 110 secured to the upper plate 126. In one aspect, the system 100 may also include a controller that communicates with the lift mechanism 140, the first slide mechanism 150, the tilt mechanism 160, and the second slide mechanism 170.

[0022] The control unit can further: using the lifting mechanism 140, lift the plate stack 120 from a rest position to a height such that the plate stack 120 is higher than a lip 132 ( Fig. 4A) of the trunk 130; using the first sliding mechanism 150, move the intermediate plate 124 relative to the lower plate 122 along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; using the tilting mechanism 160, tilt the intermediate plate 124 relative to the lower plate 122 to a predefined angle θ; and using the second sliding mechanism 170, move the upper plate 126 relative to the intermediate plate 124 along the longitudinal direction so that the spare wheel 110 attached to the upper plate 126 is at a preset comfortable height from the ground surface, allowing a user of the vehicle easy access to the spare wheel 110.

[0023] In Fig. 1B illustrates a flowchart 100b beginning with step 102B, which represents an initial step of the proposed system with the proposed device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In block 104B, the user may initiate the operation of the system 100 and the device 100' by pressing a switch on a vehicle dashboard or a vehicle remote key. In block 106B, the controller checks whether there is an obstacle in the trunk 130 or in the vicinity of the vehicle using one or more time-of-flight sensors.If the controller finds the environment safe for operation, the controller starts the system 100 and the device 100' for automated spare wheel extraction and insertion 110 in block 108B; and if the environment is not safe for operation or if there is an obstruction or object in the trunk 130, the controller warns the user or driver with a warning signal or message in block 110B.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the proposed system and apparatus for automated removal and installation of a spare tire of a vehicle using a lifting mechanism 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The controller uses the lifting mechanism 140 to raise the plate stack 120 from a rest position to a height such that the plate stack 120 is higher than the lip 132 of the trunk 130. The controller may use a hydraulic controller for vertically raising and lowering the plate stack 120.

[0025] In Fig. 2B, a flowchart 200b is shown illustrating the steps for the lifting mechanism of the proposed system with the proposed apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. During the first lifting operation, the controller refers to the vertical lifting operation in block 202B and checks whether the vertical lifting operation of the plate stack 120 is complete in block 204B. If the lifting operation is complete, the controller proceeds to a next operation of moving the plate stack 120 in block 206B, and if the lifting operation is not complete, the controller warns the user or driver with a warning signal or message in block 208B.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the proposed system with the proposed apparatus for automated extraction and installation of a spare tire of a vehicle using the lifting mechanism 140 and a first sliding mechanism 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. After the intermediate plate 124 has been raised to the desired height by the lifting mechanism 140, it is now moved relative to the lower plate 122 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by means of the first sliding mechanism 150. The first sliding mechanism 150 may include a slot on an upper surface of the lower plate 122 that mates with a corresponding feature on an underside of the intermediate plate 124 to enable the intermediate plate 124 to slide over the lower plate 122.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 3B illustrates a perspective view of a lower plate of the proposed system including the proposed apparatus for automated removal and installation of a vehicle spare tire according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lower plate 122 may further include a set of concentric hydraulic rods 162 to enable tilting movement of the intermediate plate 124 and the upper plate 126.

[0028] In Fig. 3C illustrates a flowchart 300c illustrating the steps for the first sliding mechanism 150 of the proposed system with the proposed apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. During the second operation of horizontally sliding the intermediate plate 124 over the lower plate 122 in block 302C, the controller checks in block 304C whether the horizontal movement of the intermediate plate 124 is complete. If the first sliding operation / horizontal movement is complete, the controller proceeds to a next operation of tilting the intermediate plate 124 with respect to the lower plate 122 in block 306C, and if the first sliding operation / horizontal movement is not complete, the controller alerts the user or driver with a warning signal or message in block 308C.

[0029] With reference to Fig. Figure 4A is a perspective view of the proposed system with the proposed device for automated extraction and installation of a vehicle's spare wheel using a tilting mechanism 160 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. After the intermediate plate 124 has been raised to the desired height and moved to the desired location by the lifting mechanism 140, the intermediate plate 124, together with the upper plate 126, is lifted by the tilting mechanism 160 and then tilted by the predefined angle θ relative to the lower plate 122. Tilting is performed by the controller via the set of concentric hydraulic rods 162 provided on the lower plate 122.

[0030] In Fig. 4B, a flowchart 400b is shown illustrating the steps for the tilting mechanism 160 of the proposed system with the proposed apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. During the third operation of tilting the intermediate plate 124 over the lower plate 122 in block 402B, the controller checks in block 404B whether the vertical and tilting movement of the intermediate plate 124 is complete. If the vertical and tilting operation is complete, the controller proceeds to a next operation in block 406B in which the upper plate 126 is translated with respect to the intermediate plate 124, and if the vertical and tilting operation is not complete, the controller warns the user or driver with a warning signal or message in block 408B.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 5A, an exemplary perspective view of the proposed system with the proposed device for automated extraction and insertion of a vehicle's spare tire for calculating a predefined tilt angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The predefined tilt angle θ, as a non-limiting example of the present disclosure, can be calculated as follows: Sin θ=(50+20−1570) Sin θ=0.7857 θ=52°

[0032] As a non-limiting example, ultrasonic sensors 126a are used to calculate the precise movement of the upper plate 126. The proposed disclosure may enable movement of the upper plate 126 up to a height of 15 cm above the ground or an obstruction above the ground, allowing for convenient tire removal and placement.

[0033] Using the ultrasonic sensors 126a, these 15 cm can be converted into flight time using the following calculation: Flight time = range*2*speed of light= 15cm*2*29 uS / cm= 870 uS

[0034] When the control unit detects 870 uS, it stops the movement of the upper plate 126. The distance traveled depends on the tilt angle or the predefined angle θ at which the vehicle is parked. For example, the distance traveled by the upper plate is: For flat road / complete vehicle in forward or reverse drive = 62 cm For the rear end of the vehicle on the slope at a road angle of 34 degrees = 45 cm For the front end of the vehicle on the slope at a road angle of 34 degrees = 50 cm

[0035] Furthermore, this calculation can work for any type of road condition because the time of flight value is constant and the same sensor 126a, if it detects a frequently changing time of flight input, means that there is a moving obstacle and the sliding operation is stopped until it detects the constant time of flight input.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 6A is a perspective view of the proposed system and apparatus for automated extraction and installation of a vehicle's spare tire using the lifting mechanism 140, the first sliding mechanism 150, the tilting mechanism 160, and a second sliding mechanism 170 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. After the upper plate 126 has been raised to the desired height and tilted to the predefined tilt angle θ by the lifting mechanism 140, the first sliding mechanism 150, and the tilting mechanism 160, it is moved over the intermediate plate 124 by the second sliding mechanism 170.The upper plate 126 slides relative to the intermediate plate 124 along the longitudinal direction of the intermediate plate 124, so that the spare tire 110 attached to the upper plate 126 is at a convenient height from the ground surface, allowing the user or driver of the vehicle easy access to the spare tire 110. The second sliding mechanism 170 includes a slot on an upper surface of the intermediate plate 124 that mates with a corresponding feature on an underside of the upper plate 126 to allow the upper plate 126 to slide over the intermediate plate 124.

[0037] In Fig. 6B now shows a flowchart 600b illustrating the steps of the second sliding mechanism 170 of the proposed system with the proposed apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. During the fourth operation in block 602B of sliding the upper plate 126 over the intermediate plate 124, the controller checks in block 604B whether the final upper movement / sliding operation of the upper plate 126 is complete. If the final upper movement / sliding operation is complete, the controller proceeds to a next operation in block 606B that allows the removal of the spare tire 110 by the user or the driver. If the final upper movement / sliding operation is not complete, the controller alerts the user or the driver with a warning signal or message in block 608B.

[0038] With reference to the Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C are perspective views of the proposed system with the proposed device for automated extraction and insertion of the vehicle's spare tire in the scenarios 700a - flat ground surface, 700b - rear end of the vehicle on an incline, and 700c - front end of the vehicle on an incline, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It can be seen that the system 100 and the device 100' efficiently perform the lifting, the first sliding, the tilting, and the second sliding of the plate stack 120 in the same manner on each ground surface relative to the vehicle position.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the step-by-step operation of the proposed system and device for automated deployment of a vehicle's spare wheel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At 802, the operation of the system 100 and device 100' is initiated when the user presses an operation switch, which may be located on the vehicle's dashboard or remote key fob. The deployment or reversing operation of the spare wheel 110 by the system 100 and device 100' depends on the following four cases: Case 1: Locknut closed and none of the contact switches are closed. Scenario: No tire in place. Operation: Reversing OK. Case 2: Lock nut closed and all 3 contact switches are closed Scenario: Tires moved to the correct position Operation: Reversing OK Case 3: Lock nut closed and any 1 contact switch not closed Scenario: Tires placed in the wrong position Process: Reversing aborted with warning message Case 4: Lock nut not closed Process: Reversing aborted with warning message

[0040] At 804, the controller checks the reversal scenario for all four cases. For cases 1 and 2, the controller proceeds to 806 to reverse the upper plate 126 by moving the slot and threaded rod; for cases 3 and 4, the controller warns the user with a warning message. If the controller confirms the movement of the upper plate 126, it proceeds at 808 to 810 to pull the upper plate 126 down along with the intermediate plate 124 by retracting the set of concentric hydraulic rods 162, which may be assisted by one or more electromagnets. If the controller cannot confirm the movement of the upper plate 126, it warns the user with a warning message and terminates the flow.

[0041] If the controller confirms the retraction of the upper plate 126 and the intermediate plate 124 at 812, the controller proceeds to 814 to retract the upper plate 126 and the intermediate plate 124 to the original position using the motorized threaded rod along the slot on the lower plate 122. If the controller cannot confirm the retraction of the upper plate 126 and the intermediate plate 124 to the original position, the controller alerts the user with a warning message. If the controller confirms the retraction of the upper plate 126 and the intermediate plate 124 to the home position, the controller proceeds to 816 to retract the plate stack 120 to the home position using the hydraulic rod and the hydraulic controller. If the controller cannot confirm the retraction of the plate stack 120 to the home position, the controller issues a warning message and flow stops.

[0042] If the control unit confirms at 820 that the plate stack 120 has been retracted into the starting position, the control unit terminates the reversing operation of the system 100 and the device 100' or the retraction operation of the spare wheel 110. If the control unit cannot confirm that the plate stack 120 has been retracted into the starting position, the control unit warns the user with a warning message and terminates the process.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment relating to Fig. 5B, in an instance of initiating the system 100, the controller of the system 100 may be configured to: determine a real-time diagonal distance within the trunk 130 of the vehicle using one or more time-of-flight sensors 134; compare the real-time diagonal distance to a preset default distance; and, based on the comparison, initiate the system 100 when the real-time diagonal distance is equal to the preset default distance, or warn when the real-time diagonal distance is less than the preset default distance using a warning indicator representative of one or more objects 136 present in the trunk 130.

[0044] In another embodiment, the system 100 may also include a plurality of sensors 180 operatively connected to the controller. The plurality of sensors 180 may further include a first set of sensors and a second set of sensors.

[0045] The first set of sensors may be configured to detect whether the spare tire 110 is present and properly secured on the top plate 126. The controller may be further configured to enable or disable the automated extraction and insertion of the spare tire 110 based on the proper attachment of the spare tire 110 to the top plate 126.

[0046] The second set of sensors may further include at least two sensors arranged diagonally opposite one another in the trunk 130 to detect the presence of a load in the trunk 130 as a function of the flight time. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to prevent the automated extraction of the spare tire 110 when the presence of the load in the trunk 130 is detected.

[0047] In one embodiment, the upper plate 126 may further include at least one ultrasonic sensor 126a mounted on an outer end of the upper plate 126 to sense the ground surface and provide feedback to the controller to control the operation of the second sliding mechanism 170 to move the upper plate 126 to the preset safe height. The lifting mechanism 140 may be a hydraulic mechanism operated by a pressurized fluid. The tilting mechanism 160 may include one or more hydraulic cylinders to raise or lower an inner end of the intermediate plate 124 for tilting or leveling the intermediate plate 124.

[0048] The first sliding mechanism 150 and the second sliding mechanism 170 may be screw and nut mechanisms driven by corresponding motors.

[0049] With reference to the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1C, another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus 100' for automated extraction and installation of a spare tire 110 of a vehicle, wherein the apparatus 100' may include a stack of plates 120 disposed in a trunk 130 of the vehicle, and a lifting mechanism 140, a first sliding mechanism 150, a tilting mechanism 160, and a second sliding mechanism 170 operatively connected to the plate stack 120.

[0050] The plate stack 120 may further include a lower plate 122, an intermediate plate 124, and an upper plate 126 disposed in a trunk 130 of the vehicle, wherein the upper plate 126 may be suitable for securing the spare tire 110. Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 140 may be configured to raise the plate stack 120 to a height such that the plate stack 120 is higher than a lip 132 of the trunk 130. The first sliding mechanism 150 may be configured between the lower plate 122 and the intermediate plate 124 to slide the intermediate plate 124 relative to the lower plate 122 along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0051] The tilting mechanism 160 can be configured between the lower plate 122 and the intermediate plate 124 to tilt the intermediate plate 124 relative to the lower plate 122 by a predefined angle θ. The second sliding mechanism 170 can be configured between the upper plate 126 and the intermediate plate 124 to translate the upper plate 126 relative to the intermediate plate 124 along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0052] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 140, the first sliding mechanism 150, the tilting mechanism 160, and the second sliding mechanism 170 can be configured to operate sequentially to lift the spare wheel 110 from the trunk 130 and move the lifted spare wheel 110 to the ground, or vice versa, in an automated manner.

[0053] Additionally, the lifting mechanism 140 may be a hydraulic mechanism operated by a pressurized fluid. The first sliding mechanism 150 and the second sliding mechanism 170 may be a tilting or leveling movement using bolts and nuts. Additionally, the tilting mechanism 160 may include one or more hydraulic cylinders to raise or lower an inner end of the intermediate plate 124 for the tilting or leveling movement. The upper plate 126 may be configured to receive a lock nut 126b for securing the spare tire 110 to the upper plate 126.

[0054] In one embodiment, the device 100' may further include a plurality of sensors 180 to detect whether the spare tire 110 is present and properly secured on the top plate 126 and whether there is a load in the trunk 130, and to accordingly enable or prevent the automated extraction and insertion of the spare tire 110. BENEFITS OF THIS DISCLOSURE

[0055] The present disclosure provides a system and apparatus that overcomes the above-mentioned limitations of existing systems and apparatus for automated extraction and insertion of a spare tire of a vehicle.

[0056] The present disclosure provides a system and apparatus for automated extraction and installation of a spare tire of a vehicle by automating the process of conveniently extracting and reinserting the spare tire and / or a tire of the vehicle into the trunk without manual intervention, along with a safety mechanism.

[0057] The present disclosure provides a system and apparatus for automated extraction and installation of a spare tire having a stack of plates, including a hydraulic mechanism for various movements of one or all of the stacked plates. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2012143881A1

[0004] WO 2019077178A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] A system (100) for automated removal and insertion of a spare wheel (110) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising: a stack of plates (120) comprising a lower plate (122), an intermediate plate (124) and an upper plate (126) and arranged in a trunk (130) of the vehicle, the spare wheel (110) being attached to the upper plate (126); a controller in communication with a lifting mechanism (140), a first sliding mechanism (150), a tilting mechanism (160), and a second sliding mechanism (170) operatively coupled to the disk stack (120), the controller being configured to: using the lifting mechanism (140) to lift the plate stack (120) from a rest position to a height such that the plate stack (120) is higher than a lip (132) of the trunk (130); by means of the first sliding mechanism (150) the intermediate plate (124) is displaced relative to the lower plate (122) along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; the intermediate plate (124) tilts relative to the lower plate (122) by a predefined angle (θ) by means of the tilting mechanism (160); and using the second sliding mechanism (170), the upper plate (126) is displaced relative to the intermediate plate (124) along the longitudinal direction so that the spare wheel (110) attached to the upper plate (126) is at a preset comfortable height from the ground surface, which allows a user of the vehicle easy access to the spare wheel (110). [2] The system (100) of claim 1, comprising a plurality of sensors (180) operatively coupled to the controller, the plurality of sensors (180) comprising: a first set of sensors configured to detect whether the spare wheel (110) is present on and properly secured to the top plate (126), and wherein the controller is configured to permit or prevent automated extraction and insertion of the spare wheel (110) based on the spare wheel (110) being properly secured to the top plate (126); and a second set of sensors comprising at least two sensors arranged diagonally opposite each other within the baggage compartment (130) for detecting the presence of cargo in the baggage compartment (130) based on the flight time; and wherein the control unit is configured to prevent the automated extraction of the spare wheel (110) when the presence of the load in the trunk (130) is detected. [3] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the upper plate (126) comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor (126a) mounted on an outer end of the upper plate (126) for sensing the ground surface and providing feedback to the controller to control the operation of the second sliding mechanism (170) to move the upper plate (126) to the preset appropriate height. [4] The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism (140) is a hydraulic mechanism operated based on a pressurized fluid, the tilting mechanism (160) comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders to raise or lower an inner end of the intermediate plate (124) for the tilting or leveling movement of the intermediate plate (124), and the first sliding mechanism (150) and the second sliding mechanism (170) are screw and nut mechanisms operated by respective motors. [5] Device (100') for the automated extraction and insertion of a spare wheel (110) of a vehicle, the device (100') comprising: a stack of plates (120) comprising a lower plate (122), an intermediate plate (124) and an upper plate (126) arranged in a trunk (130) of the vehicle, the upper plate (126) being suitable for attaching the spare wheel (110); a lifting mechanism (140) for lifting the plate stack (120) to a height such that the plate stack (120) is higher than a lip (132) of the trunk (130); a first sliding mechanism (150) between the lower plate (122) and the intermediate plate (124) for sliding the intermediate plate (124) relative to the lower plate (122) along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a tilting mechanism (160) configured between the lower plate (122) and the intermediate plate (124) to tilt the intermediate plate (124) relative to the lower plate (122) by a predefined angle (θ); and a second sliding mechanism (170) between the upper plate (126) and the intermediate plate (124) for sliding the upper plate (126) relative to the intermediate plate (124) along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and wherein the lifting mechanism (140), the first sliding mechanism (150), the tilting mechanism (160) and the second sliding mechanism (170) are configured to operate sequentially to lift the spare wheel (110) from the trunk (130) and move the raised spare wheel (110) to a ground level or vice versa, in an automated manner. [6] The apparatus (100') of claim 5, wherein the lifting mechanism (140) is a hydraulic mechanism operated on the basis of a pressurized fluid. [7] The device (100') of claim 5, wherein the first sliding mechanism (150) and the second sliding mechanism (170) are a screw and nut mechanism operated by respective motors. [8] The device (100') of claim 5, wherein the tilting mechanism (160) comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders for raising or lowering an inner end of the intermediate plate (124) for the tilting or leveling movement. [9] The device (100') of claim 5, wherein the top plate (126) is configured to receive a lock nut (126b) for securing the spare wheel (110) to the top plate (126). [10] The device (100') of claim 5, wherein the device (100') comprises a plurality of sensors (180) for detecting whether the spare tire (110) is present and properly secured on the top plate (126) and whether a load is present in the trunk (130); and for enabling or preventing automated extraction and insertion of the spare tire (110) accordingly.

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