GM has filed a patent application for an illuminated wheel center caps system. The application was assigned patent number US 2024/0414828 A1 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and was published on December 12th, 2024. The GM patent filing was originally submitted on June 7th, 2023, and lists Michigan-based engineer Stanley R. Bloecker as the inventor.
In the system described by the patent application, each wheel features a center cap with two main parts: a rotating outer portion and a stationary inner portion. The stationary part houses a light source (for example, LEDs), a power storage module, and a generator that produces electrical power.
As the vehicle moves, the generator produces electricity using the rotation of the wheel. This power is stored in the power storage module, such as a battery or capacitor. The system also includes a power converter that adjusts the stored energy for use by the light source. A control module communicates with the light system and determines when and how the lights should activate. It uses signals from the vehicle, such as proximity to a key fob, to decide when to illuminate the center cap. For example, the lights might activate in a specific sequence when the vehicle is unlocked, approached, or moving.
Additionally, the system allows for customizable light patterns, which can signal important vehicle conditions or maintenance needs. For example, it can flash a specific color to alert drivers of low tire pressure or other issues. The design also supports logos or emblems on the center caps, which can be illuminated for branding or decorative purposes.
This system is useful for multiple reasons. Not only does it enhance safety by providing visual signals, such as warnings or notifications, to drivers and nearby pedestrians, but it also adds aesthetic appeal, giving vehicles a unique and customizable look. Additionally, by using rotational energy from the wheel, the system eliminates the need for external power sources, making it more sustainable and efficient.
Comments
So, GMA is trying to outdo FA by showing off all the totally idiotic patent filings that some unneeded staff members spend all day dreaming up, costing the company a ton of money. Like this lame-brained idea.
Waste of time, money, and talent. Invent something that matters.
For me, the less showy lights the better. All those are things that will eventually go out or lose their power.
The souce of power is still external as the wheels turn by gasoline or electricity, both supplied externally.
OK, this one wins the prize so far as the most pathetic & useless patent filing that I have seen on here. How many devices do you need to check tire pressure other than the mechanical gauge that you keep in your toolbox. We already have stuff like that in the area where I live (jersey) that are on all those foreign cars that are dropped 1 inch off the ground & have big fat mufflers that make the unit sound like a distressed lawn mower, this is right up there with the wheel covers that are still moving when vehicle is stopped. Where are they recruiting their engineers.
That will add another $5k to the bill—another trinket for the masses. It’s almost as dumb as a four-pickup truck when only one person ever rides or drives in it—just an excuse to take a bigger bite out of your wallet. Just focus on quality for a while and move up the ranks.
Imagine it’ll be a $3500 “Exterior Luminescence Appearance Package”, available only in High Country trim and only with 24″ wheels. IOW nobody will have it. (Though knockoff sets for $50 will probably show up soon on Amazon…)
Practical. LOL.
Just paid a ridiculous amount of money to replace the TPMS sensors on our 2018 Yukon because their age-related failure kept lighting up my dash with a warning and sending error codes every day to the vehicle’s ECM. First you have to buy the sensors and then pay a tire shop to break the bead on the tires, install the new sensor and then use their scan too to re-program them….. $$$$$$$ . I drove for decades without these things using a tire gauge and now some nitwit wants to add this nonsense? Watch Yellowstone’s final few episodes without Costner and you’ll see Beth Dutton racing around in her Bentley and notice the center caps don’t rotate with the rest of the wheels…..silly excess….just like THIS !
It will be funny reading the story in ten years about how someone’s Escalade EV got bricked or went into limp mode because the hubcap light failed.
For those of you that have never worked in a large corporation engineering organization, you need to understand career recognition and advancement. I was an engineering manager in the subject company. Earning a patent gets you recognition and a monetary award. It’s part of the HR system. It doesn’t matter whether or not you like this specific engineer’s invention. He deserves accolades for doing something beyond the status quo.