Description: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 to provide a warning to a rider of a vehicle and a method thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The functionality of a vehicle's electrical and electronic components is currently highly dependent on the battery. A major demand has also been placed on technological advancements in rechargeable batteries for use in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Rechargeable battery packs are used in high power applications, which poses serious questions about the battery's safety and security. As a result, the area of battery development that deals with proactive determination of the battery's level of charge or state of charge (SOC) continues to undergo considerable study and development.
[0003] Typically, a battery of the vehicle is charged when in a vehicle riding condition by an integrated started generator (ISG) or a magneto or through regenerative braking. For example, the magneto in the vehicle has rotor and a stator where the stator is fixed on a crank case of an engine of the vehicle and a rotor is coupled to a crank shaft. When the crank shaft rotates the rotor rotates along with it. Whenever the rotor rotates the magneto produces AC output based on principle of electromagnetic induction. Since energy cannot be stored in-terms of AC, a regulator cum rectifier (RR) unit is used to convert AC to DC and store the energy in battery.
[0004] Nowadays in order to increase customer attractiveness and new technological development, there is an increasing demand of providing new features in the vehicle which are dependent on power by the battery. Eventually, addition of several features increases additional current consumption. However, at certain times due to certain technological errors the RR unit may not charge the vehicle battery. Even though the battery will be able to power the loads of the vehicle to a certain time limit till a state of charge (SOC) of the battery does not hit lowest value. If the battery hits lowest value, the battery will get discharged thereby the vehicle and other functionality dependent on the battery is left stranded. Moreover, after the battery has exhausted all its charge it is extremely difficult and time consuming to recharge the battery for operation.
[0005] As per know state of art, when the SOC of the battery reaches a lower threshold value, a low battery indication is provided to a user for example through a speedometer. Such as, the low battery indication will be provided to the user only when the battery voltage is lower than 11.5V (approx.). However, the low battery indication is provided after the battery has exhausted significant mount of voltage. In such a scenario the rider of the vehicle has minimal time to take adequate measures to charge the battery.
[0006] For example, when the vehicle is in riding condition for a long duration, for example 3 hours, the existing system is configured to provide low battery warning signal when the battery reaches a lower threshold value for example 11.5 V. However, the battery stops powering the vehicle completely at a lowest voltage value, for example which is approximately 10.5V. The difference between the lower threshold value for providing warning, and lowest voltage value for non-functioning of the battery is significantly less, thus this provides the rider with considerably less time to take adequate actions to address low battery warning.
[0007] Keeping in mind the above challenges, it is extremely crucial for the rider to be informed that whether the battery is getting charged or not during vehicle riding condition, irrespective of the lower threshold value of the battery which provides lower battery warning. This is important for the rider, as he/she gets adequate time to take appropriate measures to address such warning.
[0008] 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
[0009] According to embodiments of the invention, a system to provide a warning to a rider of a vehicle. The system comprises: a battery disposed in the vehicle, wherein the battery is configured to provide current to one or more loads of the vehicle; and a control unit. The control unit is configured to: monitor, a state of charge (SOC) of the battery; receive, a set of values indicative of a battery voltage during vehicle driving condition; determine, an average value of the set of values for a predefined time; and provide, a warning signal if the average value is less than a first pre-defined threshold value.
[00010] As per an aspect of the present invention, the predefined time is less than or equal to a total driving time of the vehicle.
[00011] As per an aspect of the present invention, the control unit is configured to provide a warning signal if an ignition of the vehicle is in ON condition.
[00012] As per an aspect of the present invention, the control unit being configured to receive the set of values if an engine speed being more than an idling speed.
[00013] As per an aspect of the present invention, a counter value is incremented after receiving each value from the set of values, wherein the counter value is used to determine the average value.
[00014] As per an aspect of the present invention, the counter value is equal to a number of values in the set of values.
[00015] As per an aspect of the present invention, the counter value is reset to zero each time the vehicle is in driving condition beyond a predefined driving time.
[00016] As per an aspect of the present invention, the warning signal is generated through at least one of the speedometers, an alarm, a dashboard, or a mobile application.
[00017] As per an aspect of the present invention, providing the warning signal comprising at least one of displaying at least one of fault signal lights or a text indication on an instrument cluster of the vehicle, wherein the fault signal lights, or a text indication are indicative of the battery not getting charged during a vehicle driving condition.
[00018] As per an aspect of the present invention, the warning signal is provided by a speaker, or using haptic feedback.
[00019] As per an aspect of the present invention, the first pre-defined threshold value is 13.5 volts, wherein a second warning signal is provided when the SOC of the battery is below a second pre-defined threshold value, wherein the second pre-defined threshold value is 20 % of the SOC of the battery.
[00020] As per an embodiment of the present invention a method to provide a warning to a rider of a vehicle, the method comprises the steps of: Step 1: switching ON an ignition of the vehicle; Step 2: detecting, by a control unit speed of an engine of the vehicle. While the speed of the engine being more than an idling speed; Step 3: receiving, by the control unit a set of values indicative of a battery voltage during vehicle driving condition; Step 4: determining, by the control unit an average value of the set of values; Step 5: providing, a warning signal by the control unit if the average value is less than a first pre-defined threshold value.
[00021] As per an aspect of the present invention the warning signal is provided if the rate of change of the average value is less than a first pre-defined threshold value (Z)
[00022] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00023] 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, and wherein:
[00024] Figure 1 illustrates a side elevational view of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle incorporating the invention.
[00025] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of system to provide a warning to a rider of a vehicle in accordance with an example of some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00026] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method to provide a warning to a rider of a vehicle in accordance with an example of some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00027] 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 methods and systems 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.
[00028] 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.
[00029] 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 be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00030] The object of the present subject matter is to provide a system that provides a warning to a rider of a vehicle when a battery of the vehicle is not charging during vehicle riding conditions. This essentially ensure that the rider has sufficient or considerable amount of time to take appropriate actions in case the battery is not getting charged and before the battery becomes non-functional due to complete discharge.
[00031] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide accurate, and efficient warning to the rider when the battery of the vehicle is not charging during vehicle riding conditions. Thus, the present invention provides a control unit which receives a set of values for the driving time of the vehicle and increments a counter value after receiving each value from the set of values. The control unit is configured to determine the average value of the set of values to provide on time and warning to the rider.
[00032] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a real time warning to the rider when the battery of the vehicle is not charging during vehicle riding conditions. To provide real time warning to the rider, the present invention provides that the counter value is reset to zero each time the vehicle is in driving condition beyond a predefined driving time. Thus, the system takes average of the set of values only based on most recent condition of the battery and vehicle riding condition.
[00033] It is yet another object of the present invention, to provide a second warning to the rider in case the SOC of the battery reaches a lower threshold value while ensuring the rider has considerable amount of time to take appropriate actions when the battery has stopped getting charged. Thus, the present invention ensure the rider can comfortably take actions such as visiting a nearby service station without creating a panic situation.
[00034] It is yet another object of the present invention, to provide a system which provides a real time warning to the rider through one or more mediums such as by speedometer, mobile application, haptic feedback, or any other means.
[00035] It is yet another object of the present invention, to provide a system which provides a real time warning to the rider without increasing the number of parts, weight of the vehicle, and complexity of manufacturing.
[00036] It is yet another object of the present invention, to provide a system which provides a real time warning to the rider without deviating from the existing layout of the vehicle. Thus, the present invention can be effortlessly implemented in the existing vehicles.
[00037] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures & embodiment in the following description.
[00038] Figure 1 shows a side elevational view of a vehicle 100, such as a motorcycle incorporating the invention. With reference to Figure 1, 100 denotes a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, 2 denotes a front wheel, 3 denotes a rear wheel, 4 denotes a front fork, 5 denotes a seat, 6 denotes a rear fork, 7 denotes a leg shield made of resin or metal, 8 denotes a headlight, 9 denotes a tail light, 10 denotes an aesthetic covering, 11 denotes a battery fitted inside the aesthetic covering, 12 denotes a fuel tank, and 13 denotes a handle bar. Further, a main frame extends along a centre of a body of the vehicle (100) from a front portion of the vehicle (100) and extending in a rearwardly direction. The main frame is made up of a metallic pipe. In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) 100 may be a scooter type vehicle (100) and may have main frame that extends along a centre of the body of the vehicle (100) from a front portion of the vehicle (100) and extending in a rearwardly direction. The main frame is made up of the metallic pipe and the main frame is provided under the floor board for a scooter type vehicle (100). A swing type power unit is coupled to the rear end of the main frame for a scooter type vehicle (100). A rear wheel is supported on one side of the rear end of the swing type power unit. In an embodiment, the swing type power unit is suspended in the rear of a body frame for a scooter type vehicle (100).
[00039] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of system (200) to provide a warning to a rider of a vehicle (100) in accordance with an example of some embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures illustrate the control unit (204) is configured to a component which provides information relating speed of the engine (202) of the vehicle (100). While the control unit (204) is also connected to the battery (206) (204) to monitor a state of charge of the battery (206) and to receive a set of values which indicates battery (206) voltage during vehicle (100) driving condition. Based on the inputs from the battery (206) and the inputs relating speed of the engine (202), the control unit (204) enables to a component to provide warning signal relating if the battery (206) of the vehicle (100) is not getting charged during running condition of the vehicle (100). As per an embodiment the components are a hardware component or a software components which is operatively connected to the control unit.
[00040] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method to provide a warning to a rider of a vehicle in accordance with an example of some embodiments of the present disclosure. At first an ignition of the vehicle (100) is switched on at step 302. The control unit (204) detects the speed of the engine (202), and checks if the speed of the engine (202) is more than an idling RPM (X) of the engine at step 304. If the speed of the engine (202) is more than idling speed (X) of the engine (202), a counter value is set to zero (Counter value=0) at step 306. Subsequently, the control unit (204) receives a value which are indicative of a battery (206) voltage during vehicle (100) driving condition at step 308. Based on the values of the battery (206) voltage, the control unit (204) determines an average value at step 310. The control unit (204) compares the average value at step 310 with a first pre-defined threshold value (Z) at step 312. If the average value is less than the first pre-defined threshold value (Z), the control unit (204) enables to provide warning signal alerting the rider that the battery (206) is not getting charged at step 314. In case the average value is not less than the first pre-defined threshold value (Z), the counter value is incremented by 1 (Counter value=1), afterward the control unit (204) operates in a loop, and determines the average based on the set of values received at the counter value=0 and the counter value=1.
[00041] The method is further elaborated with an example. Consider a vehicle (100) is in a running condition for 3 hours. Initially, the counter value is set to 0, after which the control unit (204) receives values relating battery (206) voltage. The control unit (204) determines an average value of the battery (206) voltage. For example, if the voltage of the battery (206) is 15V, the average value determined by the control unit (204) will be 15V. If the first pre-defined threshold value (Z) is 12.5, and the average value determined by the control unit (204) at counter loop = 0 is 15, the warning signal will not be generated.
[00042] Subsequently, the control unit (204) begins to operate in second loop by incrementing the counter value to 1. After the counter value have been incremented, the control unit (204) receives fresh values relating battery (206) voltage, say 14 V. The control unit (204) then determines the average value of the battery (206) voltage based on the set of values received at counter value=0 and counter value=1, i.e., 14.5V ((13V+15V)/2).
[00043] The average value essentially provides a mean value, or a typical value form a set of values over a predefined time. Thus, the control unit (204) is not dependent on absolute value or actual real time value of voltage to alert the ride that the battery (206) is not charging. As can be seen that the actual voltage value is 14V while the counter value =1, however the average value is 14.5 V. Thus, the warning signal will be triggered as soon as the average value of voltage reaches a first pre-defined threshold value (Z). Typically, the first pre-defined threshold value (Z) is more than a second pre-defined threshold which triggers low battery warning. For example, the second pre-defined threshold is 20% of the SOC of the battery. This enables the rider to get alert or warning message at adequate time.
[00044] In case the average value is less than the first pre-defined threshold value (Z), a warning signal is provided to the rider alerting that the battery (206) is not getting charged. However on the contrary case, the counter value is again incremented to 2. More specifically, the number of counter values is equal to the total number of values in the set of value, i.e., if the values in the set of value are 15 v, 14 v, then the counter values will at counter value= 0, and the counter value=1.
[00045] After a predefined driving time, for example after riding the vehicle (100) for 1 hour, the counter value is reset to 0, to begin a fresh loop of process. This enables that the control unit (204) determines the average value based on most recent data and operating condition of the battery (206) and engine (202). Thus, for example in a driving time of 3 hours, due to some technical errors the battery (206) did not get charged after 1 hour of ride, and then again gets charged after 2 hours. In such as case, the resetting of counter value after predefined driving time i.e., 1 hour, enables the control unit (204) to begin a fresh process that provides details and updates of most recent operating state of the battery (206) and engine. This enables that the method and the system to continuously operate based on real time working condition of the vehicle (100) to avoid any delay in warning the rider relating battery (206) charging conditions.
[00046] The warning signal is generated through at least one of the speedometers, an alarm, a dashboard, or a mobile application. As per another embodiment the warning signal comprises at least one of displaying at least one of fault signal lights or a text indication on the instrument cluster of the vehicle (100), wherein the fault signal lights, or a text indication are indicative of the battery (206) not getting charged during a vehicle (100) driving condition. As per yet another embodiment the warning signal is provided by a speaker or using haptic feedback.
[00047] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (204) provided warning signal if the rate of change of the average value is less than a first pre-defined threshold value (Z).
[00048] The present invention advantageously provides a system that provides a warning to a rider of a vehicle relating when a battery of the vehicle is not charging during vehicle riding conditions. This enables that the rider has sufficient or considerable amount of time to take appropriate actions in case the battery is not getting charged and before the battery becomes non-functional.
[00049] Also, the present invention provides an accurate, efficient warning to the rider when the battery of the vehicle is not charging during vehicle riding conditions. To enable early warning the control unit is configured to determine the average value of the set of values of the battery voltage. This eliminates the scope of warning the rider, when the actual value of the battery reaches a certain value. For example, if the actual value of the battery voltage at a given point of time is 12v, however the average of the battery voltage is 13.5v, the system will trigger a warning signal based on the average battery voltage. Thus, a considerable time to rider is provided to take adequate actions till the battery discharges completely.
[00050] The present invention provides a real time warning to the rider when the battery of the vehicle is not charging during vehicle riding conditions. To provide real time warning, the present invention provides that counter value is reset to zero each time the vehicle is in driving condition beyond a predefined driving time. Thus, the system takes average of the set of values only based on most recent condition of the battery.
[00051] Also, the present invention provides a second warning to the rider in case the SOC of the battery reaches a lower threshold value while ensuring the rider has considerable amount of time to apt actions when the battery has stopped getting charged. Thus, the present invention ensures the rider can comfortably take actions such as visiting a nearby service station without panicking.
[00052] Moreover, the present invention advantageously provides the system to provide a real time warning to the rider when the battery of the vehicle is not charging during vehicle riding conditions through one or more mediums such as by speedometer, mobile application, haptic feedback, or any other means.
[00053] Additionally, the present invention provides a real time warning to the rider without increasing the number of parts, weight of the vehicle, and complexity of manufacturing while without deviating from the existing layout of the vehicle. Thus, the present invention can be effortlessly implemented in the existing vehicles.
[00054] In light of the above mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the guard assembly itself as the claimed steps and constructional features provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00055] 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.
[00056] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00057] 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.
[00058] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned steps and/or 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. In addition, the systems of the aforementioned embodiments may be implemented using a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and are not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode, and the like. The claims can encompass embodiments for hardware and software, or a combination thereof.
[00059] 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.
 
, C , Claims:We claim:
1. A system (200) to provide a warning to a rider of a vehicle (100), wherein the system (200) comprises:
a battery (206) disposed in the vehicle (100), wherein the battery (206) being configured to provide current to one or more loads of the vehicle (100);
a control unit (204), the control unit (204) being configured to:
monitor, a state of charge (SOC) of the battery (206);
receive, a set of values indicative of a battery (206) voltage during vehicle (100) driving condition of the vehicle (100);
determine, an average value of the set of values for a predefined time (T); and
provide, a warning signal if the average value is less than a first pre-defined threshold value (Z).

2. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined time (T)is less than or equal to a total driving time of the vehicle (100).

3. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (204) is configured to provide a warning signal if an ignition of the vehicle (100) is in ON condition.

4. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (204) being configured to receive the set of values if an engine speed being more than an idling speed (X).

5. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a counter value is incremented after receiving each value from the set of values, wherein the counter value is used to determine the average value.

6. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of counter values is equal to a number of values in the set of values.

7. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counter value is reset to zero each time the vehicle (100) is in driving condition beyond a predefined driving time.

8. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the warning signal is generated through at least one of the speedometers, an alarm, a dashboard, or a mobile application.

9. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein providing the warning signal comprising at least one of displaying at least one of fault signal lights or a text indication on an instrument cluster of the vehicle (100), wherein the fault signal lights, or a text indication are indicative of the battery (206) not getting charged during a vehicle (100) driving condition.

10. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the warning signal is provided by a speaker, or using haptic feedback.

11. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pre-defined threshold value (Z) is 13.5 volts, wherein a second warning signal is provided when the SOC of the battery (206) is below a second pre-defined threshold value, wherein the second pre-defined threshold value is 20 % of the SOC of the battery (206).

12. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, the first pre-defined threshold value (Z) is more than a second pre-defined threshold.

13. The system (200) to provide the warning to the rider of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the warning signal is provided if the rate of change of the average value is less than a first pre-defined threshold value (Z).

14. A method to provide a warning to a rider of a vehicle (100), the method comprises the steps of:
switching ON an ignition (302) of the vehicle (100);
detecting, by a control unit (204) speed of an engine (304) of the vehicle (100),
while the speed of the engine being more than an idling speed (X),
receiving (308), by the control unit (204) a set of values indicative of a battery (206) voltage during vehicle (100) driving condition;
determining (310), by the control unit (204)an average value of the set of values;
providing (314), a warning signal by the control unit (204) if the average value is less than a first pre-defined threshold value (Z).

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predefined time (T) is less than or equal to a total driving time of the vehicle (100).

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein incrementing (316) a counter value after receiving each value from the set of values, wherein the counter value is used for performing averaging of set of values.

17. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the counter value is equal to a number of values in the set of value.

18. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein resetting the counter value to zero each time the vehicle (100) is in driving condition beyond a predefined driving time.

19. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the warning signal being generated through at least one of the speedometers, an alarm, a dashboard, or a mobile application.

20. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein providing the warning signal comprises at least one of displaying at least one of fault signal lights or a text indication on the instrument cluster of the vehicle (100), wherein the fault signal lights, or a text indication are indicative of the battery (206) not getting charged during a vehicle (100) driving condition.

21. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein providing the warning signal by a speaker, or using haptic feedback.

22. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first pre-defined threshold value (Z)is 13.5 volts, wherein a second warning signal is provided when the SOC of the battery (206) is below a second pre-defined threshold value, wherein the second pre-defined threshold value is 20 % of the SOC of the battery (206).

23. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first pre-defined threshold value (Z) is more than a second pre-defined threshold.

24. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the warning signal is provided if the rate of change of the average value is less than a first pre-defined threshold value (Z)