WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLES

Abstract

Systems and methods for draining water from the surface of vehicles are provided. These systems may include an onboard mechanism configured to set a tilt or roll angle of the vehicle, and a controller configured to determine the vehicle's position relative to gravity using one or more processors. The controller then uses the mechanism to set the tilt or roll angle to define a vehicle position sufficient for a surface of the vehicle to exceed a drainage angle, thereby promoting a directed flow of water from the surface.

Description

[0001] The technical field generally refers to vehicles and, in particular, to drainage systems for removing water from vehicle surfaces.

[0002] Rainwater can cause various problems for vehicles, especially the bed of a pickup truck. Pickup truck beds are often flat, which can lead to water accumulation during heavy rain. This is especially true if the truck is parked on level ground or if the bed is equipped with a liner without drainage holes. Standing water can cause rust, promote mold or mildew growth, and damage cargo in the bed. Some truck beds also have electrical components such as lights, a backup camera, or electrical outlets.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems and methods capable of promoting the drainage of water from vehicle surfaces, such as pickup truck beds. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the preceding introduction.

[0004] DE 10 2014 006 074 A1 discloses a commercial vehicle with a body mounted on a vehicle frame supported by a chassis. The commercial vehicle includes an adjusting device by means of which the inclination of the body to the vertical can be adjusted, wherein the adjusting device is connected to a sensor device for detecting at least one environmental parameter characterizing the surroundings of the commercial vehicle, depending on which the inclination of the body to the vertical can be adjusted.

[0005] JP 2008-55972A discloses a movable body equipped with a fuel cell comprising a power generation section for generating energy and an internal gas flow passage for generating a power generation gas that is supplied to the power generation section and a discharged exhaust gas flow, and designed such that any water present in the internal gas flow passage or the like is discharged by gravity. The movable body is provided with a tilting device for adjusting the position of the fuel cell relative to the movable body; a control element for controlling the tilting device; and a tilt detection device for detecting the tilt of the movable body.The control unit is designed to set a predetermined water-discharging position of the fuel cell and controls the position setting device so that the water-discharging position is achieved by tilting the fuel cell towards the moving body based on the detection result of the tilt detection device.

[0006] US Patent 2018 / 0154726A1 discloses a method for changing the position of a vehicle. A user selects a trailer mode for a vehicle body. The selected trailer mode has a corresponding configuration. The vehicle determines one or more features of a trailer based on the selected trailer mode. The vehicle determines the position of a trailer hitch required to achieve the configuration corresponding to the selected trailer mode. The location is based on the one or more features of the trailer. The vehicle actuates at least one active component in the vehicle's active suspension system to change the position of the vehicle body so that the trailer hitch is positioned at the determined location, thereby moving the vehicle body into the selected trailer mode.

[0007] CN 1 18 418 634 A discloses a method for vehicle control. The method comprises the steps of acquiring operating information from a vehicle; and, if the operating information meets the preset condition and the vehicle meets the preset cleaning trigger condition, controlling the suspension to adjust the vehicle's attitude for cleaning. The suspension is dynamically raised, thus changing the attitude of the vehicle body.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2017 217 172 A1 discloses a vehicle comprising a chassis and a sprung body, an actuator configured to move the sprung body relative to the chassis, and a control unit for controlling the actuator to perform a drying function. In the drying function, the actuator can be controlled by the control unit in such a way that the body is set into a vibration, causing water to be shaken off the surface of the body.

[0009] A method for draining water from the surface of a vehicle is provided. In one example, the method includes determining the vehicle's position relative to gravity using a controller having one or more processors, and setting a tilt angle or roll angle of the vehicle using a vehicle mechanism to define a set vehicle position sufficient for a surface of the vehicle to exceed a drainage angle, thereby promoting a directed flow of water from the surface.

[0010] The method involves monitoring the controller with one or more processors for initial criteria, whereby the vehicle's position relative to gravity is determined in response to the detection of the initial criterion. The initial criterion includes the vehicle being in a parked position and an indication of the presence of water on the surface, based on signals received by the controller from one or more sensors on board the vehicle. In various examples, the method may involve maintaining an active state of one or more sensors while a vehicle battery module is being charged. In other examples, the method may involve selecting a first feature mode from more than one feature mode before monitoring the initial criteria, where the initial criteria are defined by the first feature mode.

[0011] In various examples, the procedure may involve selecting a driving position setting mode based on the vehicle's driving position using the controller, which has one or more processors, and then adjusting the vehicle's tilt angle or roll angle to define the set driving position based on the driving position setting mode.

[0012] The procedure involves the control system, with one or more processors, monitoring for secondary criteria, adjusting the vehicle's attitude in response to the detection of these secondary criteria. The secondary criterion includes the vehicle being switched off and an indication that a driver has left the vehicle, based on signals received by the control system from one or more sensors on board the vehicle.

[0013] In various examples, the procedure can involve the controller using one or more processors generating a notification that displays the set position of the vehicle.

[0014] In various examples, the mechanism of the process can be a suspension system of the vehicle.

[0015] A water drainage system for a vehicle is provided. In one example, the system includes an onboard mechanism configured to set a tilt angle or roll angle of the vehicle, and a controller configured to determine the vehicle's position relative to gravity using one or more processors. The controller then uses the mechanism to set the tilt angle or roll angle of the vehicle to define a position sufficient for a surface of the vehicle to exceed a drainage angle, thereby promoting a directed flow of water from the surface.

[0016] The system's control unit is configured to monitor initial criteria using one or more processors and, in response to the detection of these criteria, to determine the vehicle's position relative to gravity. The initial criterion includes the vehicle being in parked position and an indication of the presence of water on the surface, based on signals received by the control unit from one or more sensors on board the vehicle. In some cases, the control unit can be configured to maintain an active state of one or more sensors using one or more processors while a vehicle battery module is being charged.

[0017] In various examples, the system control can be configured so that, prior to setting the stand, one or more processors select a stand setting mode based on the vehicle's stand, and the mechanism adjusts the vehicle's pitch angle or roll angle to define the set stand based on the stand setting mode.

[0018] The system's control unit is configured to monitor a second criterion via one or more processors and, using this mechanism, adjust the vehicle's tilt or roll angle to define the set position in response to the detection of this second criterion. The second criterion includes the vehicle being switched off and an indication that a driver is leaving the vehicle, based on signals received by the control unit from one or more sensors on board the vehicle.

[0019] In various examples, the system's control can be configured to generate a message through one or more processors indicating the vehicle's current status.

[0020] In various examples, the mechanism of the system can be a suspension system of the vehicle.

[0021] A vehicle is provided which, in one example, includes a suspension system configured to set a pitch or roll angle of the vehicle, one or more sensors on board the vehicle, and a controller in operational communication with the suspension system and the one or more sensors. The controller is configured to: monitor for a first criterion, which includes that the vehicle is in parked position and indicate the presence of water on a surface of the vehicle based on signals received from the one or more sensors; determine a position of the vehicle relative to gravity in response to the detection of the first criterion; select a position setting mode based on the position of the vehicle; and monitor for a second criterion, which includes...that the vehicle is parked, and an indication of a driver leaving the vehicle, based on signals received from one or more sensors, and with the suspension system, adjust the tilt angle or roll angle of the vehicle to define a set position of the vehicle sufficient for the surface of the vehicle to exceed a drainage angle, thereby promoting a directed flow of water from the surface, the tilt angle or roll angle being set based on the stand setting mode and in response to the detection of the second criteria.

[0022] The exemplary embodiments are described below in conjunction with the following drawings, where the same numbers denote the same elements: Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle with a water drainage system according to an example; Fig. 2 is a side view showing the vehicle's starting position from Fig. 1 during the use of the water drainage system according to an example; Fig. Figure 3 is a rear view showing the presence of rainwater in a bed of the vehicle. Fig. 1 shows an example; Fig. Figure 4 is a side view showing a set attitude of the vehicle. Fig. 1 shows an example during the use of the water drainage system; Fig. 5 is a data flow diagram illustrating the operation of the water drainage system of Fig. 1 illustrated according to an example; and Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for draining water from the surface of a vehicle according to an example.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 according to an example. In certain examples, the vehicle 10 is an automobile. The vehicle 10 includes a water drainage system 100 for draining water from the surfaces of the vehicle, e.g., after it has been exposed to rain.

[0024] In various examples, vehicle 10 can be any number of different vehicle types, such as a sedan, station wagon, truck or sport utility vehicle (SUV), and it can have two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e. rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and / or various other vehicle types or mobile platforms in certain examples.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the example vehicle 10 generally comprises a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is mounted on the chassis 12 and essentially encloses components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 can together form a frame. The wheels 16-18 are each rotatably connected to the chassis 12 near a corner of the body 14.

[0026] The vehicle 10 further comprises a drive system 20, a transmission system 22, a suspension system 26, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, and at least one control unit 34. The drive system 20 comprises an internal combustion engine (e.g., a gasoline or diesel-powered internal combustion engine), an electric motor (e.g., a three-phase AC motor), or a hybrid system comprising more than one type of internal combustion engine and / or motor. The transmission system 22 is configured to transmit the power of the drive system 20 to the wheels 16, 18 according to selectable gear ratios. According to various examples, the transmission system 22 may comprise a continuously variable automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or another suitable transmission.

[0027] The suspension system 26 is configured to support the weight of the vehicle 10, absorb shocks from the road surface, and provide the occupants with a comfortable and stable ride. In various examples, the suspension system 26 is an air suspension system configured to raise and lower the vehicle 10 by controlling a quantity of air that is pumped into or released from air cushions or air springs 52 located next to each of the wheels 16, 18. The suspension system 26 may include various components, such as:the air springs 52, which are configured to expand or contract based on air pressure, a compressor 50, which is configured to provide compressed air to inflate the air springs 52, an air reservoir (not shown) to store the compressed air for faster adjustments, height sensors, which are configured to monitor the trim or ride height of the vehicle 10 and transmit appropriate signals to a control system or module 48, wherein the control module 48 is in functional communication with the compressor 50, the air release valves (not shown) and the height sensors to maintain or adjust the trim height of the vehicle 10, and air lines and valves (not shown) configured to supply air to and from the air springs.In general, to raise the vehicle 10, the control module 48 can instruct the compressor 50 to pump air into the air springs 52, thereby increasing the air pressure within them and causing the air springs 52 to expand, thus raising the vehicle 10. To lower the vehicle 10, the control module 48 can open one or more valves to release air from the air springs 52 and decrease the air pressure within them, causing the air springs 52 to compress and lower the vehicle 10.

[0028] The sensor system 28 comprises one or more sensing devices 40a-40n that detect observable states of the external environment, the internal environment, and / or a status or condition of a corresponding component of the vehicle 10 and transmit such a state and / or status to other systems of the vehicle 10, such as the control unit 34. It should be clear that the vehicle 10 can contain any number of sensing devices 40a-40n. The sensing devices 40a-40n can include, but are not limited to, current sensors, voltage sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, optical cameras, thermal cameras, pressure sensors, and / or other sensors.

[0029] The actuator system 30 comprises one or more actuator devices 42a-42n that control one or more vehicle functions, such as, but not limited to, the drive system 20, the transmission system 22 and / or the suspension system 26.

[0030] The device 32 stores data for use in controlling the vehicle 10 and / or its systems and components. As can be seen, the data storage device 32 can be part of the controller 34, separate from the controller 34, or part of the controller 34 and part of a separate system. The storage device 32 can be any suitable type of storage device, including various types of random-access storage and / or other storage devices. In one example, the storage device 32 comprises a program product from which a computer-readable storage device can receive a program that performs one or more examples of one or more processes of the present disclosure, such as the steps of the process described below in connection with Fig. 6 will be discussed. In another example, the program product can be stored directly in the storage device and / or one or more other disks and / or other storage devices and / or it can be accessed in some other way.

[0031] The controller 34 comprises at least one processor 44, a communication bus 45, and a computer-readable device or medium 46. The processor 44 performs the computational and control functions of the controller 34. The processor 44 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors assigned to the controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or, more generally, any device for executing instructions. The computer-readable devices or media 46 can include volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM).KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the processor 44 is switched off. The computer-readable memory device or media 46 can be implemented using any number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (erasable PROMs), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROMs), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined memory devices capable of storing data, some of which are executable instructions used by the controller 34 in controlling the vehicle 10. The bus 45 is used to transmit programs, data, status, and other information or signals between the various components of the vehicle 10.Bus 45 can be any suitable physical or logical means of connecting computer systems and components. This includes, but is not limited to, direct, hard-wired connections, fiber optic technology, infrared, and wireless bus technologies.

[0032] The instructions can comprise one or more separate programs, each containing an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by the processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor system 28, perform logic, calculations, procedures, and / or algorithms, and generate data based on the logic, calculations, procedures, and / or algorithms. Although in Fig. 1 where only one controller 34 is shown, examples of the vehicle 10 can include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and that work together to process the sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, procedures and / or algorithms and generate data.

[0033] It is obvious that the control unit 34 is from the one in Fig. The specific configuration may differ from the example shown in Figure 1. For example, the control unit 34 may be coupled to or otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems, for example, as part of one or more of the aforementioned vehicle devices and systems. While this example is described in the context of a fully functional computer system, the person skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure can be distributed as a program product using one or more types of non-volatile, computer-readable, signal-carrying media, which are used to store the program and its instructions and to execute its distribution, such as a non-volatile, computer-readable medium that carries the program and contains computer instructions stored therein to induce a computer processor (such as the processor 44) to execute the program.Such a program product can take a variety of forms, and the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the specific type of computer-readable signal-carrying medium used to carry out the distribution. Examples of signal-carrying media include writable media such as floppy disks, hard disks, memory cards, and optical data carriers, as well as transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. In certain examples, cloud-based storage and / or other techniques may also be used. The computer system of control 34 may also differ in other ways from that described in . Fig. The examples shown in Figure 1 differ, for example, in that the computer system of the controller 34 may be coupled with or otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems. In some examples, the controller 122 may comprise one or more electronic control units (ECUs) configured via a Controller Area Network (CAN) of the vehicle 10.

[0034] In various versions, the vehicle 10 may also have interior and / or exterior features, such as doors, a trunk or a bed, and cabin features such as air, music, lighting, etc.

[0035] The water drainage system 100 is configured to drain water from the surfaces of the vehicle 10. For the sake of simplicity, various aspects of the water drainage system 100 relating to the drainage of rainwater 90 from a loading platform 56 of the vehicle 10 are discussed; however, the systems and methods disclosed herein are not limited to this application and can be used to drain water from other surfaces of other vehicles (e.g., hood, roof, battery, trim, etc.). In general, the water drainage system 100 can, for example, use the suspension system 26 to set an angle of inclination or roll of the vehicle 10 sufficient for a surface of the vehicle 10 to exceed a drainage angle, thereby promoting directed drainage of water from the surface.As used herein, the term runoff angle refers to an angle of the surface to be drained that is required to initiate the runoff of water from the vehicle 10.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows, for example, vehicle 10 parked on a relatively level surface and in a level position, as indicated by the relative angles or dimensions between a first line 96, corresponding to the position of the frame of vehicle 10 due to the suspension system 26, and a second line 98, corresponding to the positions of the wheels 16, 18. For clarity, a first and a second dimension 97, 99 are provided, each aligned with the centers of wheels 16, 18 and extending directly between the first and second lines 96, 98. As shown, the level position of vehicle 10 corresponds to the equality of the first and second dimensions 97, 99. Fig. Figure 3 shows the rainwater 90 that collects in the loading area 56 of vehicle 10. Fig. Figure 4 shows the position of the vehicle 10, which is adjusted so that its front end 58 is raised and its rear end 60 is lowered, thereby tilting the vehicle 10 to facilitate the drainage of rainwater 90 from the loading platform 56 to the rear end 60 of the vehicle 10. With the tilt shown, the first dimension 97 is larger than the second dimension 99.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 5 and with continued reference to Fig. Figures 1-4 show a data flow diagram of elements of the water drainage system. Fig. 1 in accordance with various examples. As can be seen, various examples of the water drainage system 100 according to the present disclosure can comprise any number of modules embedded in the controller 34, which can be combined and / or further subdivided to implement the systems and procedures described herein in a similar manner. Furthermore, inputs to the water drainage system 100 can be received from other control modules (not shown) connected to the vehicle 10 and / or determined / modeled by other submodules (not shown) within the controller 34. In addition, the inputs can also be subjected to preprocessing, such as subsampling, noise reduction, normalization, feature extraction, missing data reduction, and the like.In various examples, the water drainage system 100 can include a first criteria module 110, a module for the vehicle position 112, a second criteria module 114, a module for position adjustment 116 and a notification module 118.

[0038] In various examples, the first criteria module 110 receives feature mode data 120 as input, which is stored, for example, in the computer-readable storage device or media 46 and / or the data storage device 32. The feature mode data 120 comprises various data that specify an operating parameter or a feature mode for the drainage system 100. In some examples, several operating modes can be selected via a user interface, for example, a graphical user interface on a touchscreen device.Non-restrictive examples of operating modes may include the "deactivation mode," in which the water drainage system 100 is deactivated; the "activation mode when parked," in which the water drainage system 100 is activated in response to the vehicle 10 being switched to park mode; and the "activation mode when rained on," in which the water drainage system 100 is activated in response to the vehicle 10 being switched to park mode and there is an indication that water may be present on a surface of the vehicle 10. For example, the presence of water may be detected in response to the vehicle 10's windshield wipers being activated, in response to signals from a humidity sensor, and / or signals from other sensors.

[0039] In various examples, the first criteria module 110 receives vehicle data 122 as input, which is generated by one or more systems or sensors of the vehicle 10, such as one or more of the sensing devices 40a-40n. The vehicle data 122 includes various data indicating a state of the vehicle 10, such as its position, the presence of water on its surfaces, the states of one or more systems of the vehicle 10 (e.g., windshield wipers active / inactive, gear position, etc.).

[0040] The first criteria module 110 monitors the input vehicle data 122 for initial criteria, which can be defined by the feature mode data 120. In some examples, the initial criteria include the vehicle 10 being in park and an indication of the presence of water on a surface of the vehicle 10 based on signals received from one or more sensors. The first criteria module 110 generates initial criteria data 124 in response to the detection that the initial criteria are met (e.g., the vehicle 10 is in park and there is water on it). The initial criteria data 124 contains various data indicating that the initial criteria have been met and / or that the water drainage system 100 can be activated.

[0041] In various examples, the vehicle stability module 112 receives as input the first criteria data 124 generated by the first criteria module 110. The vehicle attitude module 112 determines the attitude of the vehicle 10 relative to gravity. As used here, the attitude of the vehicle 10 includes estimated pitch and / or roll angles of the vehicle 10, for example, based on lateral and longitudinal accelerations as detected by a sensor of an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and / or trim height measurements for each of the four corners of the vehicle 10, for example, based on trim heights as detected by trim height sensors. In some examples, the vehicle stability module 112 can determine the inclination or slope of a surface on which the vehicle 10 is parked (e.g., a roadway). Once these parameters have been determined, the vehicle attitude module 112 can select a mode for adjusting the attitude based on the attitude of the vehicle 10.The track setting mode can specify procedures for adjusting the track of the vehicle 10 to promote water flow on it. For example, the stance setting mode can include instructions not to adjust the stance of the vehicle 10 if the vehicle 10 is on an incline sufficient to cause natural water runoff, or on a significant slope where the suspension system 26 is unable to make a sufficient adjustment to achieve a runoff angle (i.e., the water would not drain away even at a maximum setting).Another example: The driving position setting mode may contain instructions to release pressure only in the air springs 52 at the rear of the vehicle 10 to tilt the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is on a slight incline or decline, so that water is drained with relatively little energy expenditure. Another example: The vehicle attitude setting mode may contain instructions to release pressure in the air springs 52 at the rear of the vehicle 10 and to increase air pressure in the air springs 52 at the front of the vehicle 10 to tilt the vehicle 10 significantly when the vehicle 10 is on a considerable incline, but within a range of the suspension system 26 where water can be drained. The vehicle attitude module 112 generates vehicle attitude data 126.The vehicle position data 126 contains various data that indicate the selected mode of position setting.

[0042] In various examples, the second criteria module 114 receives as input the vehicle position data 126 generated by the vehicle position module 112. In other examples, the second criteria module 114 receives as input state and sensor data 134 generated by one or more systems or sensors of the vehicle 10, such as one or more of the sensing devices 40a-40n. The state and sensor data 134 includes various data indicating a state of the vehicle 10, such as its position, the presence of water on its surfaces, and the states of one or more systems of the vehicle 10 (e.g., door opening / closing, seatbelt fastening / unfastening, ignition on / off, vehicle in motion / stationary, etc.). This applies if the selected mode for setting the driving position includes the operation of the water drainage function (e.g., if it is not deactivated due to extreme road gradients).The second criteria module 114 monitors secondary criteria. In some examples, the secondary criteria include that the vehicle 10 is switched off (e.g., when the ignition switch is in the "Off" position), that the vehicle 10 is stationary, and / or that a driver exits the vehicle 10 (e.g., when the door sensor detects that the driver's door has been opened and then closed, when the seat occupancy sensor detects that the driver's seat is empty, etc.). The second criteria module 114 generates secondary criteria data 128. The secondary criteria data 128 contains various data indicating that the secondary criterion has been met and that the water drainage system 100 can adjust the vehicle 10's position based on the stand setting mode.

[0043] In various examples, the track adjustment module 116 receives as input the vehicle track data 126 generated by the vehicle track adjustment module 112 and the second criteria data 128 generated by the second criteria module 114. The track adjustment module 116 generates track adjustment data 130 based on the selected track adjustment mode. The ride height data 130 contains various data that provide specific instructions for the suspension system 26 to adjust the ride height of the vehicle 10, e.g., which of the air springs 52 should be deflated and / or inflated, and optionally by how much (e.g., specific pressures). In particular, any combination of the four air springs 52 can be used to achieve the desired pitch or roll angle.In some examples, the driving position setting data 130 includes various data points that specify certain tilt angles and / or roll angles of the vehicle 10 to define a set driving position of the vehicle 10 sufficient for a surface of the vehicle 10 to exceed the drainage angle, thereby promoting a directed flow of water from the surface. In such examples, the suspension system 26 can determine which of the air springs 52 to deflate and / or inflate, and by how much, to achieve the specific tilt angles and / or roll angles. The position setting module 116 transmits the position setting data 130 to the suspension system 26, for example, to the control module 48, to initiate the position setting.

[0044] In various examples, the notification module 118 receives as input the second set of criteria data 128, which was generated by the second set of criteria module 114. The notification module 118 generates notification data 132, which contains various data intended to send a notification to the driver regarding the vehicle 10's current position upon re-entry and / or restart of the vehicle 10. The notification module 118 transmits the notification data 132 to another system of the vehicle 10 capable of generating such a notification, such as a display device. In some examples, the notification data 132 can be transmitted to one or more safety systems of the vehicle 10.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 6 and with continued reference to the Fig. Figure 1-5 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for draining water from a vehicle surface, as carried out by the water drainage system 100 according to various examples. As can be seen from the disclosure, the sequence of the method 200 is not limited to the one shown in Fig.The sequential execution shown in Figure 6 is not limited to this, but can be executed in one or more varying sequences, as applicable in accordance with the present disclosure. In various examples, the method 200 can be scheduled to execute based on one or more predetermined events (e.g., user-activated), and / or it can be executed continuously during the operation of the vehicle 10. In some examples, the method 200 can be started based on a user-selected schedule (e.g., every day at 5:00 AM). In some examples, the method 200 can be started in response to the activation of a windshield wiper switch.

[0046] In one example, procedure 200 can begin at 210. At 212, procedure 200 can involve monitoring, with a controller having one or more processors, for initial criteria for a water runoff characteristic of a vehicle. In some examples, the initial criteria can be based on a user-selected operating mode. In some examples, the initial criteria can include the vehicle being parked and an indication of the presence of water on a surface of the vehicle. At 214, procedure 200 can involve the controller having the one or more processors determining the position of the vehicle relative to gravity in response to the fulfillment of the initial criteria.In some examples, the vehicle's stance can take into account the trim heights of each of the vehicle's corners, as determined by a suspension system, and / or the inclination of a surface on which the vehicle is located (e.g., a roadway).

[0047] In 216, the procedure 200 may include the selection of a stand setting mode based on the vehicle's position by the controller with one or more processors. The stand setting mode may contain instructions on how to adjust the vehicle's position to promote the runoff of water onto it and thereby drain the water from the vehicle. In 218, the procedure 200 may include the controller with one or more processors monitoring for second criteria that indicate conditions necessary for implementing the stand setting mode.In case 220, procedure 200 may involve setting a tilt angle or roll angle of the vehicle sufficient for a surface of the vehicle to exceed a drainage angle, thereby promoting a directed flow of water from the surface based on the stand setting mode and in response to the fulfillment of the second criteria. In some examples, this may involve adjusting a suspension system of the vehicle to pitch or roll the vehicle.

[0048] In some examples, the vehicle can be held in the set position for a specific time (e.g., 60 seconds). In other examples, the vehicle can remain in the set position until a third criterion is met, such as a humidity sensor indicating that the rainwater has drained away, or until the vehicle is switched on (e.g., the ignition is turned on).

[0049] In 222, the procedure 200 may involve the controller with one or more processors generating a notification indicating an adjusted vehicle attitude based on the pitch and roll angles. In some examples, the notification may be displayed on a dashboard or vehicle display. The procedure 200 may end at 224.

[0050] In some examples, Method 200 may involve maintaining an active state of the vehicle's water drainage system, suspension system, and / or one or more sensors while a vehicle battery module is being charged. This allows the water drainage system to drain rainwater that accumulates during charging, even when the vehicle is switched off for a period of time.

[0051] The systems and methods disclosed here offer several advantages over certain existing systems and methods. For example, the system and methods can reduce the likelihood of rainwater accumulating on a vehicle's surfaces over extended periods and decrease the overall volume of water that does accumulate. This, in turn, can reduce the likelihood of various problems such as rust, mold or mildew growth, and cargo damage. The systems and methods can provide relatively frequent, automatic water drainage, which can lead to an extended service life for certain vehicle components.

Claims

[1] A method (200) which has the following features: Determine (214) with a controller (34) having one or more processors (44) of a position of a vehicle (10) relative to gravity; Setting (220) an angle of inclination or roll angle of the vehicle (10) by means of a mechanism of the vehicle (10) to define a set position of the vehicle (10) sufficient for a surface of the vehicle (10) to exceed a drainage angle and thereby promote a directed flow of water from the surface, Monitoring (212) with the controller (34), which has one or more processors (44), for a first criterion, wherein the determination (214) of the position of the vehicle (10) relative to gravity is carried out in response to the detection of the first criteria, the first criterion including that the vehicle (10) is in the parked position and an indication of the presence of water on the surface, based on signals received by the controller (34) from one or more sensors (40a-40n) on board the vehicle (10); and Monitoring (218) with the controller (34) with the one or more processors (44) for a second criterion, wherein the adjustment of the vehicle's (10's) position is performed in response to the detection of the second criterion, the second criterion comprising the stopping of the vehicle (10) and an indication of a driver leaving the vehicle (10) based on signals received by the controller (34) from one or more sensors (40a-40n) on board the vehicle (10); and the vehicle's stance takes into account the trim heights of each of the vehicle's corners, as determined by a suspension system. [2] The method (200) according to claim 1 further comprises selecting (216) with the controller (34) which has one or more processors (44), a mode for setting the driving position based on the driving position of the vehicle (10), wherein the setting (220) of the tilt angle or roll angle of the vehicle (10) to define the set driving position is carried out based on the mode for setting the driving position. [3] Method (200) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism is a suspension system (26) of the vehicle (10). [4] A system (100) for a vehicle (10) comprising the following: a mechanism on board the vehicle (10) that is configured to adjust a pitch angle or roll angle of the vehicle (10); and a controller (34) that is configured by one or more processors: to determine the position of the vehicle (10) relative to gravity; and to adjust the tilt angle or roll angle of the vehicle (10) with the mechanism in order to define a set position of the vehicle (10) which is sufficient for a surface of the vehicle (10) to exceed a flow angle and thereby promote a directed flow of water from the surface; to monitor a first criterion; and to determine the position of the vehicle (10) relative to gravity in response to the detection of the first criterion, the first criterion including that the vehicle (10) is in the parked position, and an indication of the presence of water on the surface, based on signals received by the controller (34) from one or more sensors (40a-40n) on board the vehicle (10), to monitor a second criterion; and to adjust the tilt angle or roll angle of the vehicle (10) with the mechanism to define the set position in response to the detection of the second criterion, wherein the second criterion includes the parking of the vehicle (10) and an indication of a driver leaving the vehicle (10) based on signals received by the controller (34) from one or more sensors (40a-40n) on board the vehicle (10). the vehicle's stance takes into account the trim heights of each of the vehicle's corners, as determined by a suspension system. [5] System (100) according to claim 4, wherein the controller (34) is configured by the one or more processors (44) to maintain an active state of the one or more sensors (40a-40n) while a battery module of the vehicle (10) is being charged. [6] The system (100) according to claim 4, wherein the controller (34) is configured by one or more processors to select a stand setting mode based on the vehicle's stand (10) before setting the stand; and Use the mechanism to adjust the tilt angle or roll angle of the vehicle (10) to define the set position based on the position setting mode.

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