Automatic BTSI Locking via RF Fob Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency vehicles, such as police, fire, and ambulance vehicles, are vulnerable to theft due to being frequently left unattended with the engine running, and existing theft prevention systems require manual activation or memory of operators, which can be forgotten in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
An aftermarket control module is installed in the vehicle that automatically locks the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) or other vehicle disabler when the authorized RF fob is not present, and automatically unlocks it when the fob is detected upon the driver's return, eliminating the need for manual button presses and ensuring the vehicle cannot be driven without the fob.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual theft prevention system (SECURE PARK) is used, then the vehicle can be locked when parked, but the driver must remember to activate it, which may be forgotten in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when the driver leaves the vehicle and activates the BTSI lock without requiring manual intervention. The control module monitors fob presence and autonomously engages theft prevention, making the system self-activating rather than requiring operator service.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the presence of the key fob near the vehicle and provides feedback to the control module. When the fob is detected as absent, the system automatically responds by locking the BTSI, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that ensures theft prevention is activated based on real-time conditions.
2Reliability
If the driver pushes the steering wheel button to activate SECURE PARK, then the BTSI locks the transmission in Park, but the driver may forget or delay pushing the button during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the theft prevention action automatically as soon as the driver leaves the vehicle, eliminating the delay between leaving and locking. The control module is already monitoring and ready to activate BTSI immediately when fob absence is detected, requiring no additional driver action or decision-making time.
3Reliability
If the SECURE PARK system is used, then theft prevention is provided, but the system requires the driver to push a button and remember the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The control module autonomously manages the entire theft prevention process by monitoring fob presence and automatically engaging or disengaging the BTSI based on detected conditions. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for driver education, training, or procedural memory regarding when or how to activate security.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a fully automatic and passive theft prevention system that requires no operator intervention, ensuring the vehicle remains secure even in emergency situations, reducing the risk of theft by ensuring the vehicle cannot be driven or moved without the authorized fob.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle has the ability to detect the proximity of the RF fob
Data Source
AI summary
A controller is integrated into a vehicle with the controller coupled to a fob detector and also coupled to a vehicle disabler. Examples of vehicle disablers include a brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI), a transmission shift interlock (TSI) and an air brake or electric parking brake of the vehicle. The fob detector can be provided along with the controller and separate from a mechanical key ignition of the vehicle, or can be a fob detector associated with a keyless ignition of the vehicle. A mobile fob is used as part of the system, carried on the person of an authorized driver of the vehicle. This fob can be provided separately from the vehicle, along with the controller, or can be a fob associated with a keyless entry of the vehicle. The controller causes the vehicle disabler to not be disengaged unless presence of the fob is detected by the fob detector.