A system for operating one or more lids in a vehicle

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a system and a method (200) for operating one or more lids (104) in a vehicle (100) automatically based on a fuelling intent of a vehicle user The system comprises a control unit (102) being operably coupled with the one or more lids (104), the control unit (102) being configured to receive a first input from one or more sensors (106) indicative of one or more vehicle related parameters, receive a second input from a memory (110) indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle (100), and control the operation of the one or more lids (104) based on a correlation of the first input with the second input.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION:A SYSTEM FOR OPERATING ONE OR MORE LIDS IN A VEHICLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a system for operating one or more lids in a vehicle automatically based on a fuelling intent of a vehicle user.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A fuel tank lid or a fuel tank cap is a component that covers the opening of a fuel tank in an internal combustion engine (here onwards referred to as ICE) vehicle. Similarly, a charging lid or a charging cap covers the charging inlet in electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. When a vehicle user reaches a fuel station for refuelling, the vehicle user has to manually turn off the vehicle and unlock the fuel tank lid by either use of a physical key or an unlock button. This is a cumbersome process, requiring manual labour of the vehicle user to perform a series of actions to refuel the vehicle.

[0003] Manual operation of fuel lids requires physical effort and dexterity and may be difficult to operate especially by vehicle users with limited dexterity, such as differently abled individuals. Manual operation of fuel lids can also lead to unnecessary delays, especially at busy fuel stations, where multiple vehicle users are waiting in line to refuel their vehicles.

[0004] Furthermore, manual operation of fuel lids during adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or extreme winds is extremely difficult for all vehicle users. Lastly, there is a high possibility of increased wear and tear on manually operated lids due to the interaction of multiple mechanical components such as opening the lid cover, inserting and rotating the mechanical key, shutting the lid, and retrieving the mechanical key from the lid. Repeated opening and closing can strain mechanical components, causing them to loosen or malfunction over time. Further, based on varying strength application at the lids, the failure of the overall component is subjective based on vehicle usage and personnel negligence.

[0005] Some known arts in the field of automatic fuel lid opening systems provide a system that specifically opens a fuel lid automatically based on the vehicle speed and the vehicle location. However, these systems do not properly assess the fuelling intent of the vehicle rider and fail in a large number of scenarios. Vehicle users have individual preferences, practices and habits which are not taken into consideration by the system while operating the fuel lid. Therefore, these disclosures suffer from a major drawback of being unable to assess the fuelling intent of an individual vehicle user while operating the fuel lid of the vehicle. Disadvantageously, the frequent opening of the lid in vicinity of the fuelling stations not only increases the cycles of opening and consequent closing of the lid leading to reduced cycle life o the part, but also the possibility and occurrences of water or external particle ingress into the port covered by the lid increases.

[0006] Accordingly, a need or requirement still exists in the field of automatic fuel lid opening systems for an improved system for operating fuel lids in a vehicle automatically based on a fuelling intent of a vehicle user. There is a need for a system with enhanced accuracy, customer comfort, convenience, durability, reliability, and safety.

[0007] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.SUMMARY

[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a system for operating one or more lids in a vehicle. The system comprises a control unit that is operably coupledwith the one or more lids. The control unit is configured to: receive a first input from one or more sensors indicative of one or more vehicle related parameters; receive a second input from a memory indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle; and control the operation of the one or more lids based on a correlation of the first input with the second input. The memory is communicatively coupled to the control unit.

[0010] Another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the one or more vehicle related parameters being at least one of: a vehicle speed; a vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations; an energy reservoir level of the vehicle; a desired user profile; and an actuation status of one or more prime mover of the vehicle.

[0011] Yet another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the control unit being configured to enable an opening operation of the one or more lids when: the vehicle speed being lesser than a first pre- set threshold; the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations being within a pre-defined range and at least one of: the energy reservoir level being lesser than a second pre-set threshold, the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile; and the prime mover of the vehicle being in a deactivated state.

[0012] Yet another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the control unit being configured to enable a closing operation of the one or more lids when at least one of: a pre-set time has elapsed since the opening operation of the one or more lids; the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations being greater than the pre-defined range; and the prime mover of the vehicle being in an activated state.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the one or more lids being pivotably attached to at least one of: a fuel port of the fuel tank; and a charging port of the vehicle.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the one or more lids being configured with an actuator that is operatively coupled with the one ormore lids. The actuator is configured to control an opening operation and a closing operation of the one or more lids.

[0015] Yet another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the control unit being configured to receive the second input from the memory indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle, only upon the energy reservoir level being lesser than a third pre-set threshold.

[0016] Yet another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the control unit being configured to selectively operate the one or more lids associated with the respective one or more prime movers when the vehicle speed being lesser than a first pre-set threshold and the vehicle location relative to one or more available fueling stations corresponding to an energy reservoir available in the vehicle being within a pre-defined range; and at least one of: the corresponding energy reservoir level being lesser than a second pre-set threshold, the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile; and the corresponding prime mover of the vehicle (100) being in a deactivated state.

[0017] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides a method for operating one or more lids in a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: receiving, by a control unit, a first input from one or more sensors indicative of one or more vehicle related parameters; receiving, by the control unit, a second input from a memory indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle; and controlling, by the control unit, the operation of the one or more lids based on a correlation of the first input with the second input. The memory is communicatively coupled to the control unit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrative of the system for operating one or more lids in a vehicle incorporating the invention, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a method for operating one or more lids in a vehicle, in accordance with some other embodiments of the invention.

[0021] Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3(b) exemplarily illustrates a process flow of the control unit, in accordance with some other embodiments of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the system may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.

[0023] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0024] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0025] The present invention is illustrated with a vehicle. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to a twowheeled, three- wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle but is also extensible to multi-axle vehicles. In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure the vehicle may be an Electric Vehicle (EV), a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), or an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) based vehicle and have components suitable for traction. A prerequisite of the vehicle in accordance with the present subject matter relates to the operation of one or more lids in the vehicle. The one or more lids may comprise fuel tank lids, fuel tank caps, or fuel filler caps, or any other components that cover the opening of a fuel tank in internal combustion engine vehicles. The one or more lids may also comprise charging lids, charging caps, or any other components that cover the charging port / charging inlet in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0026] The vehicle user is the primary operator / pilot of the vehicle but may also include the secondary operator / passenger (if any) of the vehicle. The term vehicle user has been used interchangeably with vehicle rider, vehicle operator, vehicle controller, and vehicle driver, while conveying the same meaning.

[0027] In an aspect, the one or more lids refer to the one or more access control mechanisms operable by a vehicle user. The one or more lids referred to in the present disclosure shall not be limited in scope to the lids interfacing with fuel ports or charging ports. In another aspect, the present disclosure shall be applicable to taxi services and courier systems, whereby the one or more lids may refer to one or more doors of the vehicle. The vehicle user’s intent hereon deciphered by the occupation or commercial purpose of the vehicle, interfacing with one or more pickup and drop zones.

[0028] The object of the present subject matter is to provide an improved system for operating fuel lids in a vehicle automatically based on a fuelling intent of avehicle user, that aims at overcoming the technical problems mentioned above and the disadvantages in the existing art.

[0029] In accordance with the present disclosure, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a control unit that is operably coupled with the one or more lids. The control unit is configured to: receive a first input from one or more sensors indicative of one or more vehicle related parameters; receive a second input from a memory indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle; and control the operation of the one or more lids based on a correlation of the first input with the second input. The memory is communicatively coupled to the control unit. Therefore, the present subject matter operates the one or more lids in the vehicle automatically based on a fuelling intent of a vehicle user.

[0030] In an aspect, based on the commercial nature of the vehicle, the one or more user profile characteristics may comprise the profession of the vehicle user, or fleet manager, and the operation of the one or more lids may be one or more doors of the vehicle permitting user or goods entry and exit to the vehicle.

[0031] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a system for operating fuel lids that can accurately and reliably assess the fuelling intent of a vehicle user. In view of addressing the same, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides the one or more vehicle related parameters being at least one of: a vehicle speed; a vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations; an energy reservoir level of the vehicle; a desired user profile; and an actuation status of one or more prime mover of the vehicle.

[0032] In hybrid vehicle comprising more than one lids and more than one prime mover, the present configuration assesses the requirement of refuelling with each energy reservoir linked to the respective prime mover. For instance, the vehicle is operable in CNG and petrol, the control unit upon detecting a reduced vehicle speed and the vicinity of the vehicle to a CNG pump, the lid associated with the CNG inlet port is opened by the control unit. The disclosed configuration prevent unnecessary inlet of external particles into the non-intended fuel port.

[0033] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a system for operating one or more lids that can automatically open the one or more lids of the vehicle based on the determined fuelling intent of the vehicle user. In view of addressing the same, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides the control unit being configured to enable an opening operation of the one or more lids when the vehicle speed being lesser than a first pre- set threshold; the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations within a pre-defined range; and at least one of: the energy reservoir level being lesser than a second preset threshold, the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile and the one or more prime mover of the vehicle being in a deactivated state. Therefore, the present subject matter ensures enhanced customer convenience and comfort of the system.

[0034] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a system for operating one or more lids that can, upon completion of the refuelling, automatically close the one or more lids of the vehicle. In view of addressing the same, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides the control unit being configured to enable a closing operation of the one or more lids when at least one of: a pre-set time has elapsed since the opening operation of the one or more lids; the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations being greater than the pre-defined range; and the one or more prime mover of the vehicle being in an activated state.

[0035] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a system for operating fuel lids which can operate the one or more fuel lids while ensuring enhanced durability and safety. In view of addressing the same, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides the one or more lids being pivotably attached to at least one of: a fuel port of the fuel tank; and a charging port of the vehicle. Additionally, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides an actuator that is operatively coupled with the one or more lids. The actuator is configured to control an opening operation and a closing operation of the one or more lids.

[0036] It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a system for operating one or more lids while minimising battery usage and cost of operation. In view of addressing the same, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides the control unit being configured to receive the second input from the memory indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle, only upon the respective energy reservoir level being lesser than a second pre-set threshold.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrative of the system for operating one or more lids in a vehicle incorporating the invention, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] With reference to Figure 1, 100 denotes a vehicle, 102 denotes a control unit, 104 denotes one or more lids, 106 denotes one or more sensors, and 110 denotes a memory.

[0039] The vehicle 100 comprises the control unit 102, the one or more lids 104, the one or more sensors 106, and the memory 110.

[0040] The control unit 102 is communicatively coupled to the one or more lids 104, the one or more sensors 106, and the memory 110.

[0041] In an aspect, the control unit 102 may be coupled with the one or more lids 104, the one or more sensors 106, and the memory 110 by means of any one of: copper wires, aluminium wires, printed circuit boards (PCBs), busbars, flexible flat cables (FFC), fiber optic cables, braided cables, ribbon cables, conductive adhesives and inks, and shielded cables. Alternately a CAN or LIN communication or any other wireless communication mediums may exist between the one or more lids 104, the one or more sensors 106, and the memory 110.

[0042] In an aspect, the control unit 102 receives an input from the one or more sensors 106, and the memory 110. The output of the control unit 102 comprises the operation of the one or more lids 104.

[0043] The vehicle 100 may be an Electric Vehicle (EV), a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), or an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) based vehicle. The vehicle100 may be a two-wheeled, three-wheeled, four-wheeled, or a multi-axle vehicle. The prime mover of the vehicle 100 may be an internal combustion engine, a combination of a battery pack and a motor unit or other forms of usable work generation devices.

[0044] The control unit 102 is operably coupled with the one or more lids 104. The one or more lids may comprise fuel tank lids, fuel tank caps, or fuel filler caps, or any other components that cover the opening of a fuel tank in internal combustion engine vehicles. The one or more lids may also comprise charging lids, charging caps, or any other components that cover the charging port / charging inlet in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0045] The one or more lids 104 are pivotably attached to at least one of: a fuel port of the fuel tank; and a charging port of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the one or more lids 104 are configured with an actuator 108 that is operatively coupled with the one or more lids 104. The actuator 108 is configured to control an opening operation and a closing operation of the one or more lids 104. The actuator 108 may comprise electric actuators, linear actuators, rotary actuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, magnetic actuators, solenoids, spring-assisted mechanisms, shape memory alloys actuators, and any other devices that are capable of performing an opening operation and a closing operation of one or more lids 104.

[0046] The control unit 102 is configured to receive a first input from one or more sensors 106 indicative of one or more vehicle related parameters. The one or more sensors 106 are configured to detect one or more vehicle related parameters which may be at least one of: a vehicle speed; a vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations; an energy reservoir level of the vehicle; a desired user profile; and an actuation status of one or more prime mover of the vehicle 100.

[0047] The vehicle speed refers to the rate of movement of the vehicle on the road. The one or more sensors 106 that may be used to measure the vehicle speed may include Magnetic Inductive Sensors, Hall Effect Sensors, Transmission Speed Sensors, Wheel speed sensors, Driveshaft Speed Sensors, Radar-Based Speed Sensors, GPS-Based Speed Sensors, Optical Speed Sensors, and any other sensorsthat are capable of determining the speed of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the vehicle speed may be recorded in kilometres per hour.

[0048] The vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations refers to the location of the vehicle 100 mapped in relation to its distance to one or more available fuel stations. The present disclosure is adaptable to hybrid vehicles relying on multiple energy reservoirs. Therefore, the vehicle location relative to each of the energy reservoir associated fuelling stations are mapped. The one or more sensors 106 that may be used to measure the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations may comprise GPS-based navigation systems, internet-based connected vehicle systems, vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication systems, offline mapping systems, and lidar / radar-based systems.

[0049] The fuel station is available during its hours of operation may be any one of: timings listed on the fuel station website, timings listed on the online mapped location data of the fuel station, past recorded data of the fuel station, normal hours of operation of commercial establishments in the locality, a real-time status of number of vehicles awaiting re-fuelling and the fuel availability in the fuel station. In an embodiment, the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations may be recorded as a distance measured in metres.

[0050] The energy reservoir level of the vehicle refers to the residual fuel level of the vehicle 100 in case of an internal combustion engine (ICE) based vehicle, and a residual charge level of the vehicle 100 in the case of electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. The residual fuel level is the amount of fuel remaining in the vehicle 100 that may be consumed by the one or more prime mover of the vehicle 100. The residual charge level is the amount of energy remaining in the vehicle 100 that may be consumed by the one or more prime mover in the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the fuel level / charge level may be recorded as a percentage of remaining fuel / charge in the vehicle 100 against the total fuel / charge capacity of the vehicle 100.

[0051] A desired user profile is the selected user profile of the vehicle user and comprises one or more user characteristics. The desired user profile is selected byway of the user input from the vehicle user. The one or more sensors 106 that may be used to measure user input may comprise any of: a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) touch sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a mechanical button, a mechanical switch, a membrane switch, a joystick, a rotary potentiometer, a slide potentiometer, a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic gesture sensor, a 3D gesture recognition sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a force-resisting sensor, a sound sensor, a microphone, a capacitive keypad, and a haptic touch sensor. In an embodiment, the user input may be received from a instrument cluster of the vehicle 100 or a personal digital assistant of the user of the vehicle communicatively coupled to the control unit 102.

[0052] In another embodiment, the desired user profile may be determined by detecting the user profile of the vehicle user using a camera, a biometric recognition system, a voice recognition sensor, or any other remote sensing device that can accurately determine the user profile of the vehicle user. In an aspect, the one or more user characteristics of the desired user profile are stored in a memory 110.

[0053] The actuation status of a prime mover of the vehicle 100 is an ignition ON status / motor activated status of the prime mover in the vehicle 100. The one or more sensors 106 that may be used to measure the actuation status of a prime mover of the vehicle 100 may be at least one of: voltage sensing relays, ignition coil sensors, microcontroller or digital input modules, and on-board diagnostics ports.

[0054] The control unit 102 is configured to receive a second input from a memory 110. The memory 110 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 102.

[0055] The control unit 102 may be configured to include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that may be configured to store the set of instructions, which are executed by a processing unit of the control unit 102. In an embodiment, the memory 110 may be configured to store one or more programs, routines, or scripts that may be executed in coordination with the processor. The memory 110 may be implemented based on a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a storage server, and / or a Secure Digital (SD)card for storing various one or more vehicle related parameters, and one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle 100.

[0056] Furthermore, the memory 110 may comprise one or more computer-readable storage media which may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable storage medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media”. In a preferred embodiment the memory 110 is a dynamic memory.

[0057] The second input is indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle. The one or more user profile characteristics are individual user profile details that are associated with the various vehicle users of the vehicle 100. The one or more user profile characteristics may be any one of: a fuelling pattern, a fuelling frequency, a fuelling preference, and a fuelling history associated with the vehicle user. The fuelling pattern is the average energy reservoir level at which the vehicle user refuels / recharges the vehicle 100. The fuelling frequency is the average time interval between consecutive fuelling trips. The fuelling preference is the average energy reservoir level up to which the refuelling is completed. The fuelling history is the record of the frequency of visiting a particular fuel station location. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more user profile characteristics would be a fuelling pattern of the vehicle user.

[0058] In an aspect of the present invention, the control unit 102 may be configured to alert the vehicle user based on the relative location of the vehicle 100 to the fuelling station and the one or more user characteristics. The alert may betransmitted to an instrument cluster, a user wearable device or a personal digital assistant. The alert transmitted may be indicative of an availability of a preferred fuel of the vehicle user. For instance, if the user prefers starting the vehicle on petrol and later switching to electric energy post idling, the control unit may alert the user of a low residual petrol level for initiating starting when the vehicle 100 be detected to be in vicinity of a petrol bunk.

[0059] The one or more user profile characteristics would be recorded against each separate user profile of the individual vehicle users of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the one or more user profile characteristics may be entered and recorded manually by a vehicle user through the instrument cluster of the vehicle 100 or a personal digital assistant of the user of the vehicle communicatively coupled to the control unit 102. The one or more user profile characteristics would be used by the control unit 102 to determine the fuelling intent of the vehicle user.

[0060] The control unit 102 controls the operation of the one or more lids 104. based on a correlation of the first input with the second input. The control unit 102 correlates the desired user profile received from the first input with the one or more user profile characteristics received from the second input. The control unit 102 maps and selects the one or more user profile characteristics corresponding to the desired user profile received from the first input.

[0061] The control unit 102 is configured to enable an opening operation of the one or more lids 104 when the vehicle speed being lesser than a first pre-set threshold; the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations within a pre-defined range; and at least one of: the energy reservoir level being lesser than a second pre-set threshold, the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile; the one or more prime mover of the vehicle 100 being in a deactivated state.

[0062] The control unit 102 determines whether the vehicle speed is low enough to indicate a fuelling intent of the vehicle user. In an embodiment, the first pre-set threshold may be a speed of 2 km / hr. Upon the vehicle speed being lesser than the first pre- set threshold, the control unit 102 makes the next determination.

[0063] The control unit 102 then determines whether the energy reservoir level is low enough to indicate a fuelling intent of the vehicle user. The energy reservoir level is the fuel level / charge level which is recorded as a percentage of remaining fuel / charge in the vehicle 100 against the total fuel / charge capacity of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 determines the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile correlated against the one or more user profile characteristics. The control unit 102 determines the second pre-set threshold as equal or lower than the fuelling pattern of the desired user profile.

[0064] In an embodiment, upon there being no desired user profile, the second preset threshold may be a fuel level of 10% or a charge level of 10%. Upon the energy reservoir level being lesser than the second pre-set threshold, the control unit 102 makes the next determination.

[0065] The control unit 102 then determines whether the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations is within a pre-defined range. In an embodiment, the pre-defined range may be a distance of 3 metres. Upon the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling station being within the predefined range, the control unit 102 makes the next determination.

[0066] The control unit 102 then determines whether the prime mover of the vehicle 100 is in a deactivated state. A deactivated state of the prime mover of the vehicle is an ignition OFF status / motor deactivated status of the prime mover in the vehicle 100. Upon the prime mover of the vehicle 100 being in a deactivated state, the control unit 102 enables an opening operation of the one or more lids 104 of the vehicle 100.

[0067] Upon completion of refuelling / recharging, the one or more lids 104 are to be closed. The control unit 102 is configured to enable a closing operation of the one or more lids 104 when at least one of: a pre-set time has elapsed since the opening operation of the one or more lids 104; the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations being greater than the pre-defined range; and the prime mover of the vehicle 100 being in an activated state.

[0068] The control unit 102 determines whether a pre-set time has elapsed since the opening of the one or more lids 104. In an embodiment, the pre-set time is a duration of 2 minutes. Upon the pre-set time being elapsed, the control unit 102 makes the next determination.

[0069] The control unit 102 determines whether the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations is greater than the pre-defined range. In an embodiment, the pre-defined range may be a distance of 3 metres. Upon the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling station being greater than the predefined range, the control unit 102 makes the next determination.

[0070] The control unit 102 determines whether the prime mover of the vehicle 100 being in an activated state. An activated state of the prime mover of the vehicle is an ignition ON status / motor activated status of the prime mover in the vehicle 100. Upon the prime mover of the vehicle 100 being in an activated state, the control unit 102 enables a closing operation of the one or more lids 104 of the vehicle 100.

[0071] In an embodiment, the control unit 102 may be configured to receive the second input from the memory 110 indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle 100, only upon the energy reservoir level being lesser than a third pre-set threshold. This ensures that the system operates efficiently while minimising battery usage and reducing cost.

[0072] In a working example, when the vehicle’s location relative to the fuelling bunk or station is within the pre-defined range and the vehicle speed being decreasing, the same may be comprehended as a fuelling intent. The validation of the fuelling intent is received when the energy reservoir level is less than a second pre-set threshold or when the one or more prime movers are in Off condition.

[0073] In an aspect, when a traffic signal is in vicinity of a fuelling station, the vehicle speed is decreasing and the vehicle location relative to the fuelling station may be in the pre-defined range, however the same may not map with a user pattern of re-fuelling. Alternately, the vehicle user may not necessarily turn off the prime mover at the traffic signal.

[0074] In the event, the control unit 102 construes the turning Off of the prime mover at a traffic signal as fuelling intent, the control unit may enable the configuration for operating the one or more lids 104 to closing condition by checking satisfaction of the one or more conditions concerning time elapsed, relative location of the vehicle and operation of the one or more prime mover.

[0075] Figure 2 illustrates a method for operating one or more lids in a vehicle, in accordance with some other embodiments of the invention.

[0076] With reference to Figure 2, the method 200 begins at step 202 and proceeds to step 204. At step 204, the method 200 comprises receiving, by a control unit 102, a first input from one or more sensors 106 indicative of one or more vehicle related parameters. The one or more sensors 106 are configured to detect one or more vehicle related parameters which may be at least one of: a vehicle speed; a vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations; an energy reservoir level of the vehicle; a desired user profile; and an actuation status of one or more prime mover of the vehicle 100. The method 200 then proceeds to step 206.

[0077] At step 206, the method 200 comprises receiving, by the control unit 102, a second input from a memory 110 communicatively coupled to the control unit 102, the second input being indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle 100. The one or more user profile characteristics are individual user profile details that are associated with the various vehicle users of the vehicle 100. The one or more user profile characteristics may be any one of: a fuelling pattern, a fuelling frequency, a fuelling preference, and a fuelling history of the vehicle user. The method 200 then proceeds to step 208.

[0078] At step 208, the method 200 comprises controlling, by the control unit 102, the operation of the one or more lids 104 based on a correlation of the first input with the second input. The control unit 102 is configured to enable an opening operation of the one or more lids 104 when at least one of: the vehicle speed being lesser than a first pre-set threshold; the energy reservoir level being lesser than a second pre-set threshold, the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile; the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stationswithin a pre-defined range; and the prime mover of the vehicle 100 being in a deactivated state.

[0079] Upon completion of refuelling / recharging, the one or more lids 104 are to be closed. The control unit 102 is configured to enable a closing operation of the one or more lids 104 when at least one of: a pre-set time has elapsed since the opening operation of the one or more lids 104; the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations being greater than the pre-defined range; and the prime mover of the vehicle 100 being in an activated state. In another aspect, the one or more sensors coupled to the respective ports are configured to detect a relative position of the fuel nozzle or charging gun in the port, post which the control unit may enable the closing operation. The method 200 ends at step 210.

[0080] In a non-limitative example, the one or more lids 104 may be opened by the control unit 102 without an actual user intent. In this scenario, the absence of detection of a fuel nozzle, or charging gun in the respective port would automatically trigger the control unit to conduct or execute the closing operation of the one or more lids 104.

[0081] Figure 3(a) and 3(b) exemplarily illustrates a process flow of the control unit, in accordance with some other embodiments of the invention.

[0082] With reference to Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3(b), the process 300 starts at step 302 and proceeds to step 304.

[0083] At step 304, the one or more sensors 106 detect one or more vehicle related parameters. The process 300 then flows to step 306.

[0084] At step 306, the control unit 102 receives a first input from one or more sensors 106 indicative of the detected one or more vehicle related parameters. The process 300 then flows to step 308.

[0085] At step 308, the control unit 102 receives a second input from a memory 110 indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle 100. The process 300 then flows to step 310.

[0086] At step 310, the control unit 102 determines whether the vehicle speed being lesser than a first pre- set threshold. In an embodiment, the first pre-set threshold may be a speed of 2 km / hr. In the event the vehicle speed is lesser than the first pre-set threshold, the process 300 flows to step 312. In the event the vehicle speed is not lesser than the first pre-set threshold, the process 300 flows to step recursively to 304.

[0087] At step 312, the control unit 102 determines whether the energy reservoir level is lesser than a second pre-set threshold. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 determines the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile correlated against the one or more user profile characteristics. The control unit 102 determines the second pre-set threshold as equal or lower than the fuelling pattern of the desired user profile. In an embodiment, upon there being no desired user profile, the second pre-set threshold may be a fuel level of 10% or a charge level of 10%. In the event the energy reservoir level is lesser than the second pre-set threshold, the process 300 flows to step 314. In the event the energy reservoir level is greater than the second pre-set threshold, the process 300 flows recursively to step 304.

[0088] At step 314, the control unit 102 determines whether the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations is within a pre-defined range. In an embodiment, the pre-defined range may be a distance of 3 metres. In the event the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling station is within the pre-defined range, the process 300 flows to step 316. In the event the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling station is not within the predefined range, the process 300 flows recursively to step 304.

[0089] In an aspect, the steps 312 and 314 may be interchanged in the process flow represented in Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3(b).

[0090] At step 316, the control unit 102 determines whether the one or more prime mover of the vehicle 100 is in a deactivated state. A deactivated state of the one or more prime mover of the vehicle is an ignition OFF status / motor deactivated status of the one or more prime mover in the vehicle 100. In the event the one or moreprime mover of the vehicle 100 is in a deactivated state, the process 300 flows to step 318. In the event the one or more prime mover of the vehicle 100 is not in a deactivated state, the process 300 flows recursively to step 304.

[0091] At step 318, the control unit 102 enables an opening operation of the one or more lids 104. The process 300 then flows to step 320.

[0092] At step 320, the control unit 102 determines whether a pre-set time has elapsed since the opening operation of the one or more lids 104. In an embodiment, the pre-set time is a duration of 2 minutes. In the event the pre-set time has elapsed since the opening operation of the one or more lids 104, the process 300 flows to step 322. In the event the pre-set time has not elapsed since the opening operation of the one or more lids 104, the process 300 flows recursively to step 320.

[0093] At step 322, the control unit 102 determines whether the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations is greater than the pre-defined range. In an embodiment, the pre-defined range may be a distance of 3 metres. In the event the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling station is greater than the pre-defined range, the process 300 flows to step 326. In the event the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling station is not greater than the pre-defined range, the process 300 flows to step 324.

[0094] At step 324, the control unit 102 determines whether the prime mover of the vehicle 100 is in an activated state. An activated state of the prime mover of the vehicle is an ignition ON status / motor activated status of the prime mover in the vehicle 100. In the event the prime mover of the vehicle 100 is in an activated state, the process 300 flows to step 326. In the event the prime mover of the vehicle 100 is not in an activated state, the process 300 flows recursively to step 320.

[0095] At step 326, the control unit 102 enables a closing operation of the one or more lids 104 of the vehicle 100. The process 300 then flows to step 328 where the process ends.

[0096] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0097] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed subject matter above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed invention enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. In view of the above, the claimed invention may not be considered abstract and may not be obvious to a person skilled in the art. Further, the claimed subject matter and constructional features provide a technical solution to a technical problem.

[0098] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0099] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and / or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application.[000100] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A system for operating one or more lids (104) in a vehicle (100), the system comprising:a control unit (102), the control unit (102) being operably coupled with the one or more lids (104), the control unit (102) being configured to:receive a first input from one or more sensors (106) indicative of one or more vehicle related parameters;receive a second input from a memory (110) communicatively coupled to the control unit (102), the second input being indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle (100); andcontrol the operation of the one or more lids (104) based on a correlation of the first input with the second input.

2. The system for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more vehicle related parameters being at least one of:a vehicle speed;a vehicle location relative to one or more available fueling stations within a pre-defined range to the vehicle location;an energy reservoir level of the vehicle (100);a desired user profile comprising the one or more user profile characteristics; andan actuation status of one or more prime mover of the vehicle (100).

3. The system for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to enable an opening operation of the one or more lids (104) whenthe vehicle speed being lesser than a first pre-set threshold; andthe vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations being within a pre-defined range; and at least one of:the energy reservoir level being lesser than a second pre-set threshold, the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile;the prime mover of the vehicle (100) being in a deactivated state.

4. The system for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to enable a closing operation of the one or more lids (104) when at least one of:a pre-set time being elapsed since the opening operation of the one or more lids (104);the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations being greater than the pre-defined range; andthe prime mover of the vehicle (100) being in an activated state.

5. The system for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more lids (104) being pivotably attached to at least one of:a fuel port of the fuel tank; anda charging port of the vehicle (100).

6. The system for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more lids (104) being configured with an actuator (108), the actuator (108) being operatively coupled with the one or more lids (104), andwherein the actuator (108) being configured to control an opening operation and a closing operation of the one or more lids (104).

7. The system for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to receive the second input from the memory (110) indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle (100), only upon the energy reservoir level being lesser than the second pre-set threshold associated with second input.

8. The system for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to selectively operate the one or more lids (104) associated with the respective one or more prime movers when the vehicle speed being lesser than a first pre-set threshold and the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations corresponding to an energy reservoir available in the vehicle being within a pre-defined range; and at least one of:the corresponding energy reservoir level being lesser than a second pre-set threshold, the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile; andthe corresponding prime mover of the vehicle (100) being in a deactivated state.

9. A method (200) for operating one or more lids (104) in a vehicle (100), the method comprising the steps of:receiving (204), by a control unit (102), a first input from one or more sensors (106) indicative of one or more vehicle related parameters;receiving (206), by the control unit (102), a second input from a memory (110) communicatively coupled to the control unit (102), the second input being indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle (100); andcontrolling (208), by the control unit (102), the operation of the one or more lids (104) based on a correlation of the first input with the second input.

10. The method (200) for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more vehicle related parameters being at least one of:a vehicle speed;a vehicle location relative to an available fuelling station; an energy reservoir level of the vehicle (100);a desired user profile; andan actuation status of one or more prime mover of the vehicle (100).

11. The method (200) for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to enable an opening operation of the one or more lids (104) when the vehicle speed being lesser than a first pre-set threshold; and the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations being within a pre-defined range; and at least one of :the energy reservoir level being lesser than a second pre-set threshold, the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile; andthe one or more prime mover of the vehicle (100) being in a deactivated state.

12. The method (200) for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to enable a closing operation of the one or more lids (104) when at least one of:a pre-set time being elapsed since the opening operation of the one or more lids (104);the vehicle location being greater than the pre-defined range of one or more fuelling stations; andthe one or more prime mover of the vehicle (100) being in an activated state.

13. The method (200) for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to receive the second input from the memory (110) indicative of one or more user profile characteristics associated with the vehicle (100), only upon the energy reservoir level being lesser than the second pre-set threshold associated with second input.

14. The method (200) for operating one or more lids (104) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to selectively operate the one or more lids (104) associated with the respective one or more prime movers when the vehicle speed being lesser than a first pre-set threshold and the vehicle location relative to one or more available fuelling stations corresponding to an energy reservoir available in the vehicle being within a pre-defined range; and at least one of:the corresponding energy reservoir level being lesser than a second pre-set threshold, the second pre-set threshold being based on the desired user profile; andthe corresponding prime mover of the vehicle (100) being in a deactivated state.

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