Key FOBS with same common core PCBA and with custom overlays having dome and NFC antenna

Abstract

A set of key fobs includes a first key fob having a first printed circuit board assembly, and a first overlay. The first overlay has a first dome, and a first near field communication antenna integrated into the first dome. The second key fob includes a second key fob having a second printed circuit board assembly, and a second overlay. The second overlay has a second dome, and a second near field communication antenna integrated into the second dome. The first printed circuit board assembly is identical to the second printed circuit board assembly, such that the first printed circuit board assembly may be replaced by the second printed circuit board assembly. The first key fob has a first style, and the second key fob has a second style different than the first style.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO01KEY FOBS WITH SAME COMMON CORE PCBA AND WITH CUSTOM OVERLAYS HAVING DOME AND NFC ANTENNACROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 684,759, filed August 19, 2024, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure relates to key fobs for vehicles.SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a set of key fobs. The set of key fobs includes a first key fob having a first printed circuit board assembly, and a first overlay. The first overlay has a first dome, and a first near field communication antenna integrated into the first dome. The second key fob includes a second key fob having a second printed circuit board assembly, and a second overlay. The second overlay has a second dome, and a second near field communication antenna integrated into the second dome. The first printed circuit board assembly is identical to the second printed circuit board assembly, such that the first printed circuit board assembly may be replaced by the second printed circuit board assembly. The first key fob has a first style, and the second key fob has a second style different than the first style.

[0004] Other embodiments and aspects of various embodiments will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a first key fob having a first style, and a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA).

[0006] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a second key fob having a second style, and a second PCBA that is the same as the first PCBA in FIG. 1.Attorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO01

[0007] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a third key fob having a third style, and a third PCBA that is the same as the first PCBA in FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a fourth key fob having a fourth style, and a fourth PCBA that is the same as the first PCBA in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 5 is an exploded schematic view of the first key fob of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 6 is an exploded schematic view of the second key fob of FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic view of the third key fob of FIG. 3.

[0012] FIG. 8 is an exploded schematic view of the fourth key fob of FIG. 4.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective, fully assembled view of the first key fob of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective, fully assembled view of the second key fob ofFIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective, fully assembled view of the third key fob of FIG.3.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective, fully assembled view of the fourth key fob of FIG.4.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Other embodiments are possible, and embodiments described and illustrated are capable of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0018] For example, although the example embodiments are described herein as being applicable to near field communications (NFC) devices, it should be understood that suchAttorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO01 embodiments may be applicable to other kinds of wireless personal area network communications (for example, radio frequency identification (RFID)). It should also be understood that the example key fobs described herein may act as passive radio frequency devices or active radio frequency devices.

[0019] FIGS. 1-4 schematically illustrate a set of key fobs having different styles (e.g., different shapes, and / or different sizes, and / or different numbers of button contacts, and / or different arrangements of button contacts, and / or different vehicle activation features associated with button contacts). Vehicle activation features may include, but are not limited to, locking and unlocking of a vehicle door, turning a vehicle light on or off, activating or shutting off a motor, activating or shutting off a vehicle alarm, etc ). In some examples, the key fobs may include one or more visible icons (e.g., illustrated schematically as Icon #1, Icon #2, Icon #3, Icon #4, etc. in FIGS. 1-4) along the front or side or rear of the keyfobs to facilitate vehicle activation features. The icons may be positioned, for example, on button contacts of the keyfobs. Other examples of the keyfobs may include other shapes, sizes, and / or number of icons than that illustrated, or other locations of icons, button contacts, etc.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the set of key fobs includes a first key fob 10, a second key fob 110, a third key fob 210, and a fourth key fob 310. Other examples include other numbers of key fobs (e.g., a set of two key fobs, three key fobs, five key fobs, six key fobs, etc.).

[0021] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the first key fob 10 includes a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 114, the second key fob 110 includes a second PCBA 114, the third key fob 210 includes a third PCBA 214, and the fourth key fob 310 includes a fourth PCBA 314. The first PCBA 14, the second PCBA 114, the third PCBA 214, and the fourth PCBA 314 may be identical and / or copies of one another, such that the first PCBA 14 may be used in place of the second PCBA 114 or the third PCBA 214 or the fourth PCBA 314, etc., and such that the set of key fobs overall uses a common core PCBA (i.e., any of the PCBAs 14, 114, 214, 314). In some examples, each of the PCBAs 14, 114, 214, 314 is an FR4 PCBA, although other examples may include other types of PCBAs.

[0022] In some examples, when a customer wants multiple different key fob styles, the common core PCBA 14, 114, 214, 314 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 can be used to reduce theAttorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO01 hardware and / or software design efforts, and / or can communize multiple of the mechanical design building blocks inside the key fobs.

[0023] In some examples, the common core PCBA 14, 114, 214, 314 may use Bluetooth technology (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)), and / or may use Ultra-wideband (UWB), and / or may use a battery (e.g., such as battery 400 seen in FIG. 5-8), and / or may use other technologies or combinations of technologies.

[0024] With reference to FIG. 5, the first key fob 10 includes a first overlay 18 having a first dome (which may include for example one or more raised dome portions) 22 (e.g., metal, flexible dome) and a first near field communication (NFC) antenna 26 integrated into the first dome 22. The first key fob 10 further includes a first outer housing 30 (e.g., front housing, which may couple to a rear housing 32) having first button contacts 34 (e.g., associated with one or more vehicle activation features, and being associated for example with a visible icon or icons (e.g., Icon #1, Icon #2, Icon #3, etc. as seen in FIG. 1 and / or other symbols associated with the activation feature(s)). The first overlay 18 and its associated first dome 22 and first NFC antenna 26 are positioned between the first outer housing 30 and the first PCBA 14, and may be coupled for example to the PCBA 14. The first overlay 18 and its associate first dome 22 and first NFC antenna 26 are sized, shaped, and / or otherwise configured to be activated by pressing the first button contacts 34.

[0025] In some examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first key fob 10 additionally includes a first backer component 38 (e.g., a plastic backer component) that receives the first metal dome 22 and the first NFC antenna 26 for resting, allowing positioning and support above the first PCBA 14. In some examples, the first PCBA 14 will have enough space for the first overlay 18 (including the first dome 22 and the first NFC 26) to be placed directly on the first PCBA 14. Accordingly, in some examples the first backer component 38 may be omitted.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 6, the second key fob 110 includes a second overlay 118 having a second dome (which may include for example one or more raised dome portions) 122 (e.g., metal, flexible dome) and a second NFC antenna 126 integrated into the second dome 122. The second key fob 110 further includes a second outer housing 130 (e.g., front housing, which may couple to a rear housing 132) having second button contacts 134 (e.g., associated with oneAttorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO01 or more vehicle activation features, and being associated for example with a visible icon or icons (e.g., Icon #1, Icon #2, Icon #3, Icon #4, etc. as seen in FIG. 2 and / or other symbols associated with the activation feature(s)). The second overlay 118 and its associated second dome 122 and second NFC antenna 126 are positioned between the second outer housing 130 and the second PCBA 114, and may be coupled for example to the PCBA 114. The second overlay 118 and its associate second dome 122 and second NFC antenna 126 are sized, shaped, and / or otherwise configured to be activated by pressing the second button contacts 134.

[0027] In some examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the second key fob 110 additionally includes a second backer component 138 (e.g., a plastic backer component) that receives the second metal dome 122 and the second NFC antenna 126 for resting, allowing positioning and support above the second PCBA 114. In some examples, the second PCBA 114 will have enough space for the second overlay 118 (including the second dome 122 and the second NFC antenna 126) to be placed directly on the second PCBA 114. Accordingly, in some examples the second backer component 138 may be omitted.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 7, the third key fob 210 includes a third overlay 218 having a third dome (which may include for example one or more raised dome portions) 222 (e.g., metal, flexible dome) and a third NFC antenna 226 integrated into the third dome 222. The third key fob 210 further includes a third outer housing 230 (e.g., front housing, which may couple to a rear housing 232) having third button contacts 234 (e.g., associated with one or more vehicle activation features, and being associated for example with a visible icon or icons (e.g., Icon #1, Icon #2, Icon #3, etc. as seen in FIG. 3 and / or other symbols associated with the activation feature(s)). The third overlay 218 and its associated third dome 222 and third NFC antenna 226 are positioned between the third outer housing 230 and the third PCBA 214, and may be coupled for example to the PCBA 214. The third overlay 218 and its associate third dome 222 and third NFC antenna 226 are sized, shaped, and / or otherwise configured to be activated by pressing the third button contacts 234.

[0029] In some examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 7, the third key fob 210 additionally includes a third backer component 238 (e.g., a plastic backer component) that receives the third metal dome 222 and the third NFC antenna 226 for resting, allowing positioning and supportAttorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO01 above the third PCBA 214. In some examples, the third PCBA 214 will have enough space for the third overlay 218 (including the third dome 222 and the third NFC antenna 226) to be placed directly on the third PCBA 214. Accordingly, in some examples the third backer component 238 may be omitted.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 8, the fourth key fob 310 includes a fourth overlay 318 having a fourth dome (which may include for example one or more raised dome portions) 322 (e.g., metal, flexible dome) and a fourth NFC antenna 326 integrated into the fourth dome 322. The fourth key fob 310 further includes a fourth outer housing 330 (e.g., front housing, which may couple to a rear housing 332) having fourth button contacts 334 (e.g., associated with one or more vehicle activation features, and being associated for example with a visible icon or icons (e.g., Icon #1, Icon #2, Icon #3, Icon #4, etc. as seen in FIG. 4 and / or other symbols associated with the activation feature(s)). The fourth overlay 318 and its associated fourth dome 322 and fourth NFC antenna 326 are positioned between the fourth outer housing 330 and the fourth PCBA 314, and may be coupled for example to the PCBA 314. The fourth overlay 318 and its associate fourth dome 322 and fourth NFC antenna 326 are sized, shaped, and / or otherwise configured to be activated by pressing the fourth button contacts 334.

[0031] In some examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, the fourth key fob 310 additionally includes a fourth backer component 338 (e.g., a plastic backer component) that receives the fourth metal dome 322 and the fourth NFC antenna 326 for resting, allowing positioning and support above the fourth PCBA 314. In some examples, the fourth PCBA 314 will have enough space for the fourth overlay 318 (including the fourth dome 322 and the fourth NFC antenna 326) to be placed directly on the fourth PCBA 314. Accordingly, in some examples the fourth backer component 338 may be omitted.

[0032] As described above, the common core PCBA 14, 114, 214, 314 may be the same PCBA in each key fob. However, the overlays 18, 118, 218, 318 may be different, based for example on the size, shape, and / or number of button contacts 34, 134, 234, 334. For example, the NFC antenna of one key fob may have a first configuration (e.g., shape, size, and / or orientation) and the NFC antenna of another key fob may have a second configuration, and theAttorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO01 first configuration may be different than the second configuration. Similarly, the dome of one key fob may be different in configuration than that of another.

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 9-12, once the key fobs are fully assembled, the common core PCBA 14, 114, 214, 314 in each key fob and the different overlays 18, 118, 218, 318 may be hidden and / or otherwise concealed, and in some examples fully sealed within the key fobs. The key fobs described herein may further include other components (e.g., physical keys removable from the key fob, other housings, etc.).

[0034] Some of the examples may be further described by reference to the following numbered clauses:1. A set of key fobs comprising: a first key fob having a first printed circuit board assembly, and a first overlay having a first dome and a first near field communication antenna integrated into the first dome; a second key fob having a second printed circuit board assembly, and a second overlay having a second dome and a second near field communication antenna integrated into the second dome; wherein the first printed circuit board assembly is identical to the second printed circuit board assembly, such that the first printed circuit board assembly may be replaced by the second printed circuit board assembly; and wherein the first key fob has a first style, and the second key fob has a second style different than the first style.2. The set of key fobs of clause 1, wherein the first near field communication antenna has a first configuration and the second near field communication antenna has a second configuration, and wherein the first configuration is different than the second configuration.Attorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO013. The set of key fobs of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first key fob has a first arrangement of button contacts and the second key fob has a second, different arrangement of button contacts.4. The set of key fobs of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first key fob includes a first set of vehicle activation features, and the second key fob has a second, different set of vehicle activation features.5. The set of key fobs of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a third key fob, wherein the third key fob has a third style different than the first style and the second style.6. The set of key fobs of clause 5, further comprising a fourth key fob, wherein the fourth key fob has a fourth style different than the first style, the second style, and the third style.7. The set of key fobs of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first printed circuit board assembly and the second printed circuit board assembly are each configured to use Bluetooth technology.8. The set of key fobs of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first printed circuit board assembly and the second printed circuit board assembly are each configured to use Ultra- Wideband.9. The set of key fobs of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first printed circuit board assembly and the second printed circuit board assembly are each configured to use a battery.10. The set of key fobs of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first key fob includes a first outer housing having first button contacts associated with vehicle activation features, wherein the first overlay is positioned between the first outer housing and the first printed circuit board assembly.Attorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WOOl11. The set of key fobs of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first key fob includes a first backer component configured to receive the first near field communication antenna.12. The set of key fobs of clause 11, wherein the first backer component is plastic.13. A key fob comprising: a printed circuit board assembly, and an overlay having a dome and a near field communication antenna integrated into the dome; wherein the printed circuit board assembly is a common core printed circuit board assembly, and wherein the key fob is a first key fob, such that the printed circuit board assembly may be used in one or more additional key fobs having a different style or styles than the first key fob.14. The key fob of clause 13, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is configured to use Bluetooth technology.15. The key fob of clause 13, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is configured to use Ultra-Wideband.16. The key fob of clause 13, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is each configured to use a battery.17. The key fob of any of clauses 13-16, further comprising an outer housing having button contacts associated with vehicle activation features.18. The key fob of clause 17, wherein the overlay is positioned between the outer housing and the printed circuit board assembly.19. The key fob of any of clauses 13-17, further comprising a backer component configured to receive the near field communication antenna.Attorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO0120. The key fob of clause 19, wherein the backer component is plastic.

[0035] Although various embodiments have been described in detail with reference to certain examples illustrated in the drawings, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects described and illustrated.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WOOlCLAIMS1. A set of key fobs comprising: a first key fob having a first printed circuit board assembly, and a first overlay having a first dome and a first near field communication antenna integrated into the first dome; a second key fob having a second printed circuit board assembly, and a second overlay having a second dome and a second near field communication antenna integrated into the second dome; wherein the first printed circuit board assembly is identical to the second printed circuit board assembly, such that the first printed circuit board assembly may be replaced by the second printed circuit board assembly; and wherein the first key fob has a first style, and the second key fob has a second style different than the first style.

2. The set of key fobs of claim 1, wherein the first near field communication antenna has a first configuration and the second near field communication antenna has a second configuration, and wherein the first configuration is different than the second configuration.

3. The set of key fobs of claim 1, wherein the first key fob has a first arrangement of button contacts and the second key fob has a second, different arrangement of button contacts.

4. The set of key fobs of claim 1, wherein the first key fob includes a first set of vehicle activation features, and the second key fob has a second, different set of vehicle activation features.

5. The set of key fobs of claim 1, further comprising a third key fob, wherein the third key fob has a third style different than the first style and the second style.Attorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO016. The set of key fobs of claim 5, further comprising a fourth key fob, wherein the fourth key fob has a fourth style different than the first style, the second style, and the third style.

7. The set of key fobs of claim 1, wherein the first printed circuit board assembly and the second printed circuit board assembly are each configured to use Bluetooth technology.

8. The set of key fobs of claim 1, wherein the first printed circuit board assembly and the second printed circuit board assembly are each configured to use Ultra-Wideband.

9. The set of key fobs of claim 1, wherein the first printed circuit board assembly and the second printed circuit board assembly are each configured to use a battery.

10. The set of key fobs of claim 1, wherein the first key fob includes a first outer housing having first button contacts associated with vehicle activation features, wherein the first overlay is positioned between the first outer housing and the first printed circuit board assembly.

11. The set of key fobs of claim 1, wherein the first key fob includes a first backer component configured to receive the first near field communication antenna.

12. The set of key fobs of claim 11, wherein the first backer component is plastic.Attorney Docket No. 087801-0011-WO0113. A key fob comprising: a printed circuit board assembly, and an overlay having a dome and a near field communication antenna integrated into the dome; wherein the printed circuit board assembly is a common core printed circuit board assembly, and wherein the key fob is a first key fob, such that the printed circuit board assembly may be used in one or more additional key fobs having a different style or styles than the first key fob.

14. The key fob of claim 13, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is configured to use Bluetooth technology.

15. The key fob of claim 13, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is configured to use Ultra-Wideband.

16. The key fob of claim 13, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is each configured to use a battery.

17. The key fob of claim 13, further comprising an outer housing having button contacts associated with vehicle activation features.

18. The key fob of claim 17, wherein the overlay is positioned between the outer housing and the printed circuit board assembly.

19. The key fob of claim 13, further comprising a backer component configured to receive the near field communication antenna.

20. The key fob of claim 19, wherein the backer component is plastic.

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