ACTIVE TIRE CONTROLLER DEVICE
First Claim
1. A tire pressure control system for a motor vehicle having road-engaging tires and an active tire pressure control system enabling the inflation pressure of the tires to be adjusted while the motor vehicle is in motion, comprising:
- a tire pressure pneumatic controller for adjusting the inflation pressure of at least one of the tires based upon a control signal,a tire pressure electronic controller for generating the control signal,at least one input applied to the electronic controller based on an operating parameter of the vehicle applied to the electronic controller, andthe electronic controller having logic means for processing the input and generating the output in a manner setting the tire inflation level to a value optimizing the inflation pressure for reduced rolling resistance when the operating parameter is related to the vehicle being operated in a highway operating condition, and setting the tire inflation level to a reduced value optimizing the inflation pressure for vehicle dynamic capabilities when the operating parameter is related to the vehicle being operated in a city driving condition.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A control system and method for enhancing motor vehicle fuel economy. The system and method establishes a vehicle operating in either a city operating condition or highway operating condition. Once a highway operating condition is established, an on-board motor vehicle tire pressure pneumatic controller may be commanded set a relatively higher tire inflation pressure optimizing the tires for minimizing rolling resistance and thereby enhancing fuel economy. In a city operating condition, tire inflation pressure may be returned to nominal values optimizing inflation pressure for vehicle dynamic capabilities for maneuvering, braking, or traction. Distinguishing between the operating conditions may be based on one or more of a number of parameters of the motor vehicle.
38 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A tire pressure control system for a motor vehicle having road-engaging tires and an active tire pressure control system enabling the inflation pressure of the tires to be adjusted while the motor vehicle is in motion, comprising:
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a tire pressure pneumatic controller for adjusting the inflation pressure of at least one of the tires based upon a control signal, a tire pressure electronic controller for generating the control signal, at least one input applied to the electronic controller based on an operating parameter of the vehicle applied to the electronic controller, and the electronic controller having logic means for processing the input and generating the output in a manner setting the tire inflation level to a value optimizing the inflation pressure for reduced rolling resistance when the operating parameter is related to the vehicle being operated in a highway operating condition, and setting the tire inflation level to a reduced value optimizing the inflation pressure for vehicle dynamic capabilities when the operating parameter is related to the vehicle being operated in a city driving condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of adjusting tire pressure for a motor vehicle of a type having road engaging tires and an active tire pressure control system enabling the inflation pressure of the tires to be adjusted while the motor vehicle is in motion, comprising the steps of:
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processing at least one operating parameter of the vehicle related to past, current or anticipated operating conditions and generating an output inputted to the active tire pressure control system, setting the tire inflation level to optimizing the inflation pressure for reduced rolling resistance value when the operating parameter is related to the vehicle being operated in a highway operating condition, and setting the tire inflation level to a reduced value optimizing the inflation pressure for vehicle dynamic capabilities when the operating parameter is related to the vehicle being operated in a city driving condition. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. In a computer readable storage medium having stored therein instructions executable by a programmed processor for adjusting tire pressure in a motor vehicle of a type having road engaging tires and an active tire pressure control system enabling the inflation pressure of the tires to be adjusted while the motor vehicle is in motion, the storage medium comprising instructions for:
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processing at least one operating parameter of the vehicle related to past, current or anticipated operating conditions and generating an output inputted to the active tire pressure control system, setting the tire inflation level to optimizing the inflation pressure for reduced rolling resistance value when the operating parameter is related to the vehicle being operated in a highway operating condition, and setting the tire inflation level to a reduced value optimizing the inflation pressure for vehicle dynamic capabilities when the operating parameter is related to the vehicle being operated in a city driving condition.
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24. A tire attribute control system for a motor vehicle having road-engaging tires and an active tire attribute control system enabling attributes of the tires to be adjusted while the motor vehicle is in motion, comprising:
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a tire attribute controller for adjusting of at least one of the tires based upon a control signal, a tire attribute electronic controller for generating the control signal, at least one input applied to the electronic controller based on an operating parameter of the vehicle applied to the electronic controller, and the electronic controller having logic means for processing the input and generating the output in a manner setting a tire attribute level to a value optimizing the tire attribute for one of a plurality of driving conditions. - View Dependent Claims (25)
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Specification