Vehicle Tire Inflation Compressor via Powered USB Data Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tire inflators are not seamlessly integrated with advanced vehicle systems, lacking efficient communication and power via modern data ports, leading to manual operation and potential overfilling or underfilling of tires.
Innovation Solution
A portable tire inflation device powered via vehicle data ports, utilizing a USB connection for both power and communication, which includes a pressure source, dispenser outlet, and control module to automatically monitor and control tire inflation based on data from vehicle systems, eliminating the need for manual controls and reducing user error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional 12V connector (cigarette lighter) is used to power the tire inflator, then the device can operate independently without vehicle system integration, but it lacks seamless communication with vehicle systems leading to manual operation and potential overfilling or underfilling
Solution Approach 1:
The tire inflator establishes bidirectional communication with the vehicle's ECU through the OBD port, enabling real-time feedback loops where the device receives tire pressure data from vehicle sensors and transmits operational status back to the vehicle system. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates manual monitoring and ensures precise inflation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the tire inflator automatically activates when the vehicle detects low tire pressure, retrieves necessary inflation parameters from the ECU, and executes the inflation process without user intervention. The device independently manages the entire inflation sequence based on vehicle system data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tire inflator is integrated with vehicle data ports for automated control, then communication and power efficiency improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional communication protocols and integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The OBD port serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power supply to the tire inflator, transmits data bidirectionally between the vehicle ECU and the device, and enables communication without requiring separate dedicated connections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of additional components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing vehicle OBD port acts as an intermediary that already contains the necessary communication infrastructure and protocols. By leveraging this pre-existing intermediary system, the patent avoids adding complex dedicated communication modules, as the OBD port's built-in capabilities handle all data exchange requirements.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to control tire inflation, then the device structure remains simple, but user error increases leading to overfilling or underfilling of tires
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time feedback is established between the tire inflator and the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system through the OBD port. The device continuously receives actual tire pressure readings during inflation and automatically adjusts the pressure source output to maintain precise control, eliminating the imprecision of manual operation while keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (user-operated switches and monitoring) with an automated electronic control system that communicates digitally with the vehicle's ECU. This substitution of mechanical user control with electronic automation maintains operational simplicity for the user while dramatically improving inflation precision through computer-controlled pressure regulation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A device and method for dispensing air and/or sealant to a tire of a vehicle. Power supply for the air compressor is obtained via powered USB instead of the typical 12 V cigarette lighter connector. The position of the tire which is being inflated can also be determined via the data interface of the USB port. By communication between compressor and the vehicle systems interface, the compressor can automatically switch off when the recommended tire pressure has been reached.