Compressor for Vehicle Tire Inflation for Power Supply Data Port

Abstract

An apparatus 20 and a method for supplying air and / or a sealant to a vehicle tire. The power supply for the air compressor is obtained via a power supply USB instead of a normal 12V cigarette lighter connector. Also, the position of the tire being inflated with air can be determined via the data interface of the USB port. Through communication between the compressor control module and the interface of the vehicle system, the compressor can automatically switch off when the recommended tire pressure is reached. The control module can be arranged within the USB power cord plug and can provide the compressor with power and a voltage change that maximizes the inflation speed and / or efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Vehicle tire inflators in a variety of forms and designs are known and currently available on the market. Such inflators are mainly used to introduce air and / or tire sealant into low-pressure tires or damaged tires. Portable tire inflators are powered by a common 12V direct current (DC) connector, such as a ubiquitous cigarette lighter plug for a vehicle's cigarette lighter receptacle or socket (e.g., a plug as defined in ANSI / SAE J563).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Although vehicle technology and electronics have been improved, there is still a need for, or the potential for, improvement in vehicle accessories that interconnect with these new vehicle systems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Embodiments relate to an apparatus for supplying air and / or sealant, such as a mini-compressor or inflator, that is powered and controlled through a data communication port and cable, such as a power supply universal serial bus (USB) and USB cable, rather than a conventional 12V connector (cigarette lighter). The apparatus is suitable for various air inflation requirements and is particularly useful for portable or emergency vehicle supply / inflator devices, and is powered and / or controlled via a vehicle's data communication port (e.g., USB).

[0005] In an embodiment, during air inflation or supply, the status of an object being air-inflated, such as a vehicle tire, can be monitored and / or judged via the data interface of a vehicle USB port. Through communication between the compressor and a vehicle electronics system (e.g., RDC or ECU), the compressor can automatically switch off when the recommended tire pressure is reached.

[0006] In some embodiments, additional comfort functions can be realized by a vehicle entertainment system or the like. For example, the remaining filling time can be calculated and displayed on the screen of the inflator and / or via the vehicle user interface display. Alternatively, depending on the progress of the filling procedure, the integrated system can predict whether the tire can be repaired by the compressor. If necessary, immediate requests for assistance from a third party can be made.

[0007] These benefits and other benefits can be obtained by an apparatus for supplying air and / or sealant to a vehicle tire, which comprises a pressure source, a supply outlet connected to the pressure source, a connector member, and a control module that communicates with each of the connector member and the pressure source. The connector member, for example, a data and / or power cord, is preferably configured to connect to a vehicle data communication port (e.g., USB or equivalent) to obtain inflation information and / or power. The data communication element is preferably a power supply data communication port, whereby the control module can draw operating power for the supply device via the power supply data communication port.

[0008] In an embodiment, the control module obtains a tire inflation value from a vehicle tire pressure monitoring system and / or other sensor systems such as a vehicle load sensor. When this device receives a low tire inflation value from a vehicle tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS: tire pressure monitoring system), it automatically operates (e.g., turns on), and can automatically stop the air inflation when it automatically determines appropriate air inflation.

[0009] In some embodiments, the control system for the compressor operates in combination with a vehicle's human-machine interface (HMI) system. This vehicle HMI can display the inflation status, can display pictorial instructions, and / or can enable control such as on / off switching of the compressor or setting of a desired pressure value through the display.

[0010] In an embodiment, a device for supplying air and / or sealant to a vehicle tire, including a power supply data communication port, includes a pressure source integrated with this device and a control module configured to be connected to the power supply data communication port to supply power to and control the pressure source. This control module can be located within the device housing or within a connector member for a vehicle port, and can include a logic circuit configured to receive information about pressure and temperature transmitted from a vehicle tire pressure sensor and / or an electronic system of the vehicle.

[0011] This device generally includes a power cord having a plug that fits into the data communication port. In an embodiment, the control module is housed within the plug (USB) and is configured to provide and stop power from the power supply data communication port through the power cord to the pressure source.

[0012] An embodiment is an apparatus for supplying air and / or sealant to a vehicle tire, the vehicle further including a power supply data communication port. The apparatus includes a pressure source, a supply outlet connected to the pressure source, a power cord including a first end connected to or connectable to the pressure source and a second end opposite the first end, the second end including a connector member configured to connect to the power supply data communication port to obtain power, and the power cord. The connector member includes a control module configured to control power supply to the pressure source through the power cord. Power and inflation data can be transferred from the data communication port through the connector member to the control module. Preferably, the control module is completely housed within the connector member and includes all control logic configured to communicate with a computer system in the vehicle and provide operating power to an apparatus for supplying air and / or sealant to the vehicle tire. In such an embodiment, the power cord can be a two-wire power cable without a data communication cable.

[0013] An embodiment includes a tire inflation power / control system including a control module circuit / intelligence, etc. in a USB plug to control the power consumption of a compressor and / or determine tire pressure information from the power consumption. Desirably, this control system is intelligent in that it can adjust the amperage and / or voltage, thereby enabling optimization of usage and shortening of filling time. In certain embodiments, the control system can identify / estimate back pressure from the power consumption of an inflater compressor and thus determine the tire pressure. Along with connection to a vehicle TPMS, this information enables the control system to calculate / predict the remaining filling time and / or stop the system when the placard pressure is reached. Additionally, the voltage can be switched / regulated so that the compressor motor remains within an optimal operating range over a pressure range. An embodiment includes defining that the supply voltage is changed based on motor efficiency curves of different voltages.

[0014] An embodiment is an apparatus for supplying air and / or sealant to a vehicle tire having a power supply data communication port, the apparatus including a compressor and a control module configured to connect to the power supply data communication port and supply power to the compressor. The control module is configured to vary the voltage output from the power supply data communication port to the compressor and / or estimate the remaining filling time of the tire during operation. The control module preferably includes a logic circuit configured to receive information about the pressure transmitted from a vehicle tire pressure sensor and / or an electronic system of the vehicle, within a plug head of a power cable.

[0015] In an embodiment, the control module is configured to operate the compressor at a first voltage and then switch to a second different voltage during operation. This voltage switching can be switched up or down as needed, and can be switched to a lower voltage when the draw of the compressor is at or near a predetermined number of amperes drawn (e.g., maximum). In an embodiment of the present invention, the compressor operates at a higher first power output and inflation rate at the first voltage and a lower power output and inflation rate at the second voltage. This allows for a higher inflation rate when the back pressure of the tire is lower. The switching from the first voltage to the second voltage is preferably preset according to the design and efficiency of the compressor motor.

[0016] In an embodiment, an apparatus for supplying air and / or sealant to a vehicle tire includes a power cord having a first end connected to or connectable to a feeder and a second end opposite the first end, the second end including a connector member configured to connect to a vehicle power supply data communication port to obtain power. The connector member includes a control module configured to control power supply to a pressure source through the power cord. The control module includes a logic circuit configured to receive information about tire pressure transmitted from a vehicle tire pressure sensor and / or an electronic system of the vehicle. The control module adjusts the voltage to the compressor according to the tire pressure and / or the amperage draw of the compressor. Desirably, the control module adjusts the voltage to the compressor within the efficiency range of the compressor motor as a function of the required tire pressure. For example, the control module can be configured to operate the compressor at a first voltage to provide a higher power output and / or inflation rate and then switch to a second voltage during operation, the second voltage providing a lower power and / or inflation rate within a predetermined compressor motor efficiency curve.

[0017] In an embodiment, it further includes a method for supplying air and / or sealant to a vehicle tire. The method includes connecting a tire inflation or repair device to the tire, connecting the tire repair device to a data communication port of the vehicle, and powering the tire repair device for supply via the data communication port of the vehicle. The method can further include automatically monitoring and / or controlling tire inflation via data provided to the tire repair device by the vehicle via the data communication port.

[0018] An embodiment is a method of supplying air and / or a sealant, including connecting a tire repair device to a tire and connecting a connector member of a power cord of the tire repair device to a data communication port of a vehicle, where the connector member includes a control module, and the control module within the connector member operates the supply of the tire repair device via the data communication port of the vehicle.

[0019] An embodiment further includes a method of supplying air and / or a sealant to a vehicle tire, where a compressor is connected to the tire and a connector member is connected to a data communication port of the vehicle. The method includes the control module within the connector member operating the supply of the tire repair device via the data communication port of the vehicle, the control module operating the compressor at a first voltage, and the control module operating the compressor at a second voltage different from the first voltage. In some embodiments, operating the compressor at the first voltage provides initial inflation power, and when a predetermined maximum amperage draw of the compressor is reached, the control module reduces the voltage to the second voltage.

[0020] The above-described features and objectives of the present invention, as well as other features and objectives of the present invention, will be better understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0022] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 20 according to an embodiment for supplying air and / or tire sealant to a tire 42 of a vehicle 40. The vehicle 40 is typically illustrated as having four tires 42 each equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor 44. The TPMS sensor 44 communicates with a vehicle control computer system 46, such as an electronic control unit (ECU) or an equivalent system or subsystem, via any suitable connection, such as wireless, as is currently known and implemented throughout the automotive industry. The vehicle 40 further includes a data communication port 48, such as a power supply USB port combined with the computer system 46, and an interface display 49, such as a touch screen.

[0023] The apparatus 20 includes a pressure source 22 that can be connected to the tire 44 by a supply outlet. The supply outlet is illustrated as an air hose 24 having any suitable end valve 26 that fits the tire system 45, such as a Schrader valve. The pressure source 22 is preferably embodied in the form of a compressor and, optionally, can be paired with a sealant canister 28 to supply both air and tire sealant.

[0024] The device 20 further includes a module 30 configured to be connected to the data communication port 48 of the vehicle 40 to supply power to and / or control the pressure source 22. The module 30 is connected via a connector member 32 for acquiring inflation information and / or data, such as a power cord and / or a data cord. The connector member 32 can have an end integrally connected (i.e., fixed) to the module 30 or be a separate cord having a plug that fits into a corresponding socket of the device 20. Any suitable data and / or power connection can be used depending on the requirements and vehicle components. A power supply USB cord and socket are preferred as they are currently included within the vehicle's audio system or other systems. Any suitable USB version and / or connector type can be used, such as standard, mini, or micro Type A, B, or C. As will be understood, other suitable data and / or power connectors can be used as needed, such as Thunderbolt (trademark) cables or Lightning (trademark) cables, or any combination of the above interfaces.

[0025] Embodiments use a power supply USB or equivalent connection instead of a conventional general-purpose 12V-DC connector to supply power to the compressor. Additionally or alternatively (i.e., together with the conventional 12V connector), data can be exchanged between the vehicle and the supply device. In some embodiments, the control module includes an integrated logic circuit for receiving information regarding pressure and temperature transmitted, for example, from a tire pressure sensor and / or an ECU. This information can be used as control parameters, such as for automatically controlling the device and the inflation process. Optionally, a control algorithm (or algorithms) can be executed on the vehicle system while the device is in a state of receiving simple operation commands (e.g., on / off).

[0026] In some embodiments, communication between the vehicle's system and the compressor device eliminates the use of the manual display of pressure by the compressor's pressure gauge. Full control of the compressor can be achieved by the vehicle and compressor electronics. The manual on / off switch can also be omitted, since the device automatically starts air inflation as needed when connected and stops air inflation when it automatically determines the appropriate air inflation. The ability to reduce pressure can also be omitted since communication with the vehicle prevents the compressor from overfilling the tire. In some embodiments, compressor control is performed through the vehicle interface display 49, such as setting the on / off of the compressor and / or the desired pressure for inflation.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an apparatus 50 for supplying air and / or tire sealant according to one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 50 can have internal components as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,914,271, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The apparatus 50 includes a housing 52 formed from a bottom receptacle 54 and a cover 56. The apparatus of Figure 2 shows a supply apparatus with conventional functional elements such as a switch 58 for switching the apparatus on and off, a pressure gauge 60 for measuring the pressure increased by an internal pressure source, a pressure relief button 62 for releasing excess pressure, and a rotary switch 64 for operating a valve for an optional sealant canister. A circumferential slot 66 is provided between the receptacle 54 and the cover 56 for winding and storing a USB cable or equivalent cable 70 for powering or operating the apparatus and / or a hose 68 for supplying air and / or tire sealant.

[0028] In FIG. 2, the USB cable 70 has one end fixed or integrated to the device 50, similar to most current 12V compressor power cords. FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment having a separate USB cable 82, where the supply device 80 has a USB plug 84 removably attachable to a corresponding USB socket or receptacle 86 on the device 80 as a power port. The socket 86 is shown on the side wall of the housing, but can be installed anywhere on the device such as the top surface, depending on necessity or other design considerations.

[0029] Also, FIG. 3 shows a device without the functional elements for user operation shown in FIG. 2. The device of FIG. 3 operates automatically with the vehicle system(s) to turn the compressor and / or sealant on and off. The device 80 is shown as having only an optional display screen 90 that can display information such as, but not limited to, pressure values, remaining inflation time, warning messages, amount of sealant, and / or other information.

[0030] In some embodiments, the power control logic is integrated with a connector member and integrated within, for example, the connector plug of the power cord that mates with the vehicle's power supply data communication port. In this way, the compressor device itself can be a "dumb" device that does not require any logic or other smart control functions. The control module in the power cord operates as a switch to activate / deactivate a pressure source (e.g., a compressor) by introducing / stopping power from the vehicle's power supply data communication port.

[0031] Figure 4 shows the supply device 100 in a state without the functional elements for the user operation shown in Figure 2 as well. The device in Figure 4 operates automatically together with the vehicle system(s) to turn the compressor and / or sealant on and off. The device 100 is illustrated as having only an optional display screen 102 that can display information such as, but not limited to, pressure values, remaining inflation time, warning messages, amount of sealant, and / or other information. The device 100 includes a power cord 110 having a first end 112 with a USB plug or equivalent plug corresponding to the USB port 114 in the device 100. Alternatively, the first end 112 can be integrated or "hardwired" with the electromechanical components of the device 100, namely the pressure source, any power supply valve / switch, and / or optional display screen components / control devices.

[0032] The power cord 110 includes a second end 116 with a connector or plug 118 for connecting to the vehicle's power supply data communication port. As shown in the illustration, the plug 118 is also a USB connector for the USB port. The plug 118 at least partially includes, preferably entirely includes, a control module for starting and stopping the operating power to the device 100. As shown in the illustration, the plug 118 includes an optional larger plug housing 120 that can accommodate the control module 130. This control module is disposed between a USB connector 122 extending from the housing 120 and a power cable 124 extending to the device 100. By having all the power control logic on / within the plug, the cable 124 can be a standard two-wire cable, and the compressor device 100 can be a standard compressor of an applicable performance class (limited by the performance of the USB-PD power supply). This reduces the overall cost of the device and has the additional advantage of not requiring a shielded data / communication channel within the cable to the device. The cable for powering the compressor device is a standard cable, but the plug on the cable going to the USB socket in the vehicle holds all the control logic for TPMS communication and power management as described above.

[0033] The automatic supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention can include any circuit unit, data processor, memory component, encoded software instruction, and / or control algorithm necessary for acquiring data and values of the vehicle and tire inflation through a vehicle data communication port. Additionally, the vehicle system (in some cases, multiple) can include any cooperative software, logic circuit, etc. necessary for transmitting information acquired from the TPMS and / or load sensor, or control instructions based on the TPMS and / or load sensor, to the inflater for operation. In some embodiments, the supply device can determine that it is necessary to seal a puncture hole based on the detected inflation rate or the expected lack of inflation, and can automatically supply a sealant.

[0034] Embodiments include a control system and control method that enable control of the power consumption of the compressor and / or determination of the air pressure of the compressor and / or tire from the power consumption. The control system and control method of some embodiments preferably perform intelligent functions such as adjusting the voltage and / or amperage that can optimize the usage amount and shorten the filling time (in contrast, current tire inflation devices typically have a fixed voltage of 12V with a maximum of 15 amperes).

[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a tire inflation process according to some embodiments. Step 200 represents the connection of the tire inflation device and / or sealant device as described above. The feeder outlet is connected to the valve stem of the tire, and the power cord is connected to the power supply data communication port (e.g., USB) of the vehicle. The vehicle is either running or started as needed, so that the vehicle system (e.g., engine control unit (ECU), TPMS, etc.) can operate to supply power and communicate with the inflation system. For further discussion of FIG. 5, the control system is embodied as a control circuit unit within the USB plug for the power supply data communication port.

[0036] In step 202, the USB plug control module identifies, without limitation, the current tire inflation value and / or inflation values such as the full inflation value or the placard inflation value from the TPMS. The control system can optionally also identify secondary considerations such as the external temperature and the load / towing load.

[0037] In step 204, power is transmitted to the inflation device through the cable associated by the USB plug control module to power the compressor motor. In some embodiments, the power supply to the compressor is intelligent / adaptive and is automatically adjusted by the control system. In step 206, the USB plug control module adjusts the voltage to the compressor motor, and subsequently, the compressor motor varies the power output of the compressor. FIG. 6 shows a table of the power output at an exemplary voltage / ampere number of the compressor motor. As can be seen in this table, by stepping the voltage up and down, various amounts of power (watts) are provided at different ampere numbers. For example, some embodiments of the USB-based power distribution system allow variation of different voltage settings for a maximum current flow of 5 amperes. In the exemplary table of FIG. 6, the system can switch between 48 volts, 36 volts, 28 volts, 20 volts, 15 volts, 9 volts, and 5 volts and can adjust the power output between 25 watts and 240 watts at any output. The specific voltage, ampere number, and power values can vary as needed. The voltage can be adjusted up and down according to a predetermined motor efficiency curve in step 206 and optionally, as needed, additional adjustments can be made in step 208. In the table of FIG. 6, the lightly shaded values represent the generally desired efficiency band for the operation of most tire inflation compressors.

[0038] In some embodiments, the voltage is maintained as close as possible to the optimal operating point of the motor over the pressure range. For example, the point(s) at which the supply voltage is changed are pre-designed based on the motor efficiency curves for various voltages.

[0039] In some embodiments, the compressor starts at a higher operating voltage in step 204, and then the voltage is reduced in step 206. For example, by using a higher voltage at the start of initial expansion, the initial expansion rate increases. As the amperage approaches the maximum desired value and / or as the compressor reaches its maximum operating temperature, the voltage can be switched and reduced, which can lower the power output and generally also lower the amperage and operating temperature as well. By starting at a higher voltage and expansion rate, the total tire inflation time can be reduced. As the back pressure increases, the voltage is reduced to return to a more efficient operation and avoid exceeding the maximum amperage and / or maximum operating temperature.

[0040] The control system continuously monitors the ongoing inflation in step 210 until the system determines that the desired inflation has been achieved. The control module then turns off the power to the compressor in step 212. In some embodiments, the control system can calculate the back pressure from the power consumption. Along with the vehicle TPMS, this information enables the system to calculate / predict the remaining filling time and / or stop the system when the placard pressure is reached. Each compressor has airflow characteristics based on the operating stage (watts) and back pressure. This information can be used to identify / estimate the pressure increase rate of the tire, the air volume of the tire, and / or the remaining inflation time.

[0041] In some embodiments, the compressor operates based on an algorithm pre-programmed for a particular compressor and the efficiency curve of that particular compressor. However, depending on the allowed level of communication with the vehicle, the control system may take into account additional parameters such as, but not limited to, adjustment of tire pressure with respect to vehicle load or external conditions (temperature, precipitation, etc.), change of placard pressure to compensate for pressure loss during the time interval between switching off the compressor and starting the movement of the vehicle, and / or temperature influence on the sealing time of the sealant.

[0042] The present invention will be described in more detail with respect to the following examples that illustrate or simulate various aspects involved in the implementation of the present invention. It is to be understood that all modifications included within the spirit of the present invention are desired to be protected and, accordingly, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these examples.

Example

[0043] FIG. 7 shows exemplary inflation curves of three fixed voltage inflators (15V, 12V, and 13.8V) compared to a variable voltage inflator according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 shows the effect of a variable compressor control cycle (up to 7 amperes maximum) on inflation time and current draw at a fixed voltage. Generally, the stepped voltage (line 220) achieved approximately the same inflation time as the 13.8V compressor, but the current draw was limited (-6.5%), while the filling performance increased (+20%). The decrease in amperes at each voltage switch (line 230) is also shown, which allows the inflator to remain at the maximum amperes. The inflation pressure is represented by line 240.

[0044] Thus, the present invention provides a portable air and / or sealant supply device designed in accordance with the advancement of vehicle systems. The supply device described herein reduces user errors and requires fewer functional components, thereby enabling reduction of manufacturing costs.

[0045] In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments thereof and numerous details have been set forth for illustrative purposes. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments are possible and that certain of the details described herein may be significantly changed without departing from the basic principles of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supplying air and / or sealant to a vehicle tire, wherein the vehicle includes a power supply data communication port, and the apparatus includes: a compressor; a control module connected to the power supply data communication port and configured to supply power to the compressor, and during operation, configured to vary a voltage output from the power supply data communication port to the compressor and / or estimate a remaining filling time of the tire. The apparatus comprises the control module.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control module comprises a logic circuit configured to receive information about pressure transmitted from a vehicle tire pressure sensor and / or an electronic system of the vehicle.

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

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the switching is performed towards a lower voltage and is performed at or near a predetermined ampere draw by the compressor.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the compressor operates at a higher first power output and inflation rate at the first voltage and at a lower power output and inflation rate at the second voltage.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the switching from the first voltage to the second voltage is preset according to the design and efficiency of the compressor motor.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control module estimates a current tire pressure and / or the remaining filling time from the power consumption of the compressor.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power cord having a plug that fits into the data communication port.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control module is housed within the plug.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control module is configured to provide and stop power from the power supply data communication port to the compressor through the power cord.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a power port for receiving a second end of the power cord.

12. The power supply data communication port is a power supply universal serial bus (USB), and the device according to claim 8 includes at least one of a USB power cord and a corresponding USB.

13. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the control module obtains an inflation value through the data communication port during the supply.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein when the device automatically determines appropriate inflation, the device automatically stops the inflation.

15. A device for supplying air and / or a sealant to a vehicle tire, the vehicle including a power supply data communication port, the device including: a compressor; a feeder outlet connected to the compressor; a power cord including a first end connected to or connectable to the feeder and a second end opposite to the first end, the second end including a connector member configured to connect to the power supply data communication port to obtain power; the connector member including a control module configured to control power supply to the pressure source through the power cord, the control module including a logic circuit configured to receive information about tire pressure transmitted from a vehicle tire pressure sensor and / or an electronic system of the vehicle, the control module adjusting a voltage to the compressor according to the tire pressure and / or an ampere draw of the compressor;

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the control module adjusts the voltage to the compressor within an efficiency range of a compressor motor as a function of a required tire pressure.

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

18. The vehicle data communication port is a power supply universal serial bus (USB), the connector member includes a first USB connector, and the first USB connector includes the control module at a plug end of the USB connector.

19. A method for supplying air and / or sealant to a vehicle tire, wherein a compressor is connected to the tire and a connector member is connected to a data communication port of the vehicle, the method comprising: operating the supply of the tire repair device by a control module within the connector member via the data communication port of the vehicle; operating the compressor at a first voltage by the control module; operating the compressor at a second voltage different from the first voltage by the control module. A method comprising:

20. operating the compressor at the first voltage provides initial inflation power; The method of claim 19, further comprising the control module dropping to the second voltage when a predetermined maximum amperage draw of the compressor is reached.

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