SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLE INTERIOR PROTECTION FROM PRECIPITATION

• US 20170211309A1
• Filed: 01/27/2016
• Published: 07/27/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/27/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Beauvais, Brandon
• Granted Patent: US 9,915,090 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/71 responsive to temperature changes, rain, wind or noise
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/44 Sensors therefore E05Y2400/322, E05Y2400/33, E05Y2400/55, E05Y2400/56, E05Y2400/852 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/45 Control modes
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/428 against water
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 Windows
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/42 Determining position

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for preventing damage to a vehicle interior due to precipitation. The systems can include a location module, window control module, and rain sensor all communicatively linked to a processor. In the event a vehicle'"'"'s windows are determined to be down, the processor can determine the likelihood of precipitation in the area of the vehicle'"'"'s location. If precipitation is likely, the processor causes the rain sensor to be powered. If the rain sensor indicates the presence of precipitation, the processor directs the window control module to close the vehicle'"'"'s windows.

Claims

1. A method of protecting the interior of a vehicle comprising the steps of:

receiving and transmitting vehicle location data to a weather prediction module;

receiving a precipitation likelihood within a predetermined radius of the vehicle location;

powering on a precipitation sensor on the vehicle;

receiving a precipitation signal from the precipitation sensor; and

transmitting a close signal to a window control module.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the likelihood of precipitation received is for a predetermined time period.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the precipitation sensor is powered for the predetermined time period.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of prior to transmitting the vehicle location data, receiving a signal from the window control module that at least one vehicle window is not completely closed.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of prior to powering the precipitation sensor, powering a microphone located on the vehicle.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of receiving from the microphone a signal that matches a sound profile for precipitation hitting the vehicle.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the weather prediction module is located at a third-party web site.

8. A method of protecting the interior of a vehicle comprising the steps of:

receiving and transmitting vehicle location data to a weather prediction module;

receiving a precipitation likelihood within a predetermined radius of the vehicle location;

powering on a microphone located on the vehicle;

receiving a signal from the microphone that matches a sound profile for precipitation hitting the vehicle; and

transmitting a close signal to a window control module.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the likelihood of precipitation received is for a predetermined time period.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the microphone is powered for the predetermined time period.

11. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of prior to transmitting the vehicle location data, receiving a signal from the window control module that at least one vehicle window is not completely closed.

12. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of prior to powering the microphone, powering a precipitation sensor located on the vehicle.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of receiving a signal from the precipitation sensor that precipitation is occurring at the vehicle location.

14. A system for protecting the interior of a vehicle from precipitation comprising:

a location module located on the vehicle;

a window control module configured to open or close one or more windows of the vehicle and to transmit information regarding the positional status of the vehicle windows;

a precipitation sensor located on the vehicle; and

a processor configured to;

receive and transmit vehicle location data to a weather prediction module,

receive a precipitation likelihood within a predetermined radius of the vehicle location,

power on the rain sensor,

receive a precipitation signal from the precipitation sensor, and

transmit a close signal to a window control module.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the location module is a GPS system.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein the precipitation sensor is a microphone.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein the system only operates upon a determination by the window control module that at least one vehicle window is not completely closed.