US 12,349,259 B2
Systems and methods for controlling illumination of center caps in vehicle wheels
Stanley R. Bloecker, Bruce, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Jun. 7, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/330,520.
Prior Publication US 2024/0414828 A1, Dec. 12, 2024
Int. Cl. H05B 47/19 (2020.01); B60B 7/00 (2006.01); B60B 7/04 (2006.01); B60B 7/20 (2006.01); B60Q 1/50 (2006.01); B60R 13/00 (2006.01); F21S 43/20 (2018.01); F21Y 115/10 (2016.01)
CPC H05B 47/19 (2020.01) [B60B 7/006 (2013.01); B60B 7/04 (2013.01); B60B 7/20 (2013.01); B60Q 1/543 (2022.05); F21S 43/26 (2018.01); B60R 13/005 (2013.01); F21Y 2115/10 (2016.08)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for controlling at least one light source in a wheel of a vehicle, the system comprising:
a wheel including a center cap having a first portion configured to rotate with the wheel and a second portion configured to remain stationary as the wheel rotates, the second portion including at least one light source and a power storage module;
a generator coupled to the power storage module, the generator configured to generate electric power and output the electric power to at least the power storage module;
a power converter coupled between the power storage module and the at least one light source; and
a control module in communication with the power converter, the control module configured to:
receive a first signal indicative of a key associated with the vehicle being within a defined distance;
receive a second signal indicative of a characteristic of the vehicle, the characteristic including at least one of a vehicle maintenance recommendation and a vehicle fault condition; and
in response to receiving the first signal and the second signal, control the power converter to output the electric power generated by the generator and stored in the power storage module to the at least one light source and control the at least one light source to output a defined light sequence based on the second signal to provide a notification to an approaching user of the characteristic of the vehicle.