Vehicle Key Fob Console Interface for Charging and UWB Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart key fobs require frequent charging due to power-hungry communication and security protocols, leading to increased complexity and cost in vehicle consoles.
Innovation Solution
A key fob with a wireless interface for connecting to a vehicle controller and a wired interface for connecting to a vehicle console, enabling wireless charging and ranging operations, thereby reducing the need for additional components in the console.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smart key fob is equipped with secure element, NFC unit, BLE communication unit and UWB communication unit, then access and communication functions are improved, but power consumption increases and charging frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key fob integrates multiple communication protocols (NFC, BLE, UWB) and functions (access control, wireless charging, ranging operations) into a single device. The wired interface enables the key fob to act as both a wireless charging client and an anchor device for ranging operations, allowing one device to perform multiple roles that would traditionally require separate components in the vehicle console.
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
The solution reduces the bill of materials cost for vehicle consoles by integrating wireless charging and ranging functions into the key fob, enhancing security and usability while minimizing the need for additional hardware in the console.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitter configured to be connected, through the wired interface, to one or more antennas integrated in the vehicle, and to carry out the wireless charging through said antennas
Implementation Method 2
the NFC unit is configured to act as a proximity coupling device for establishing an NFC channel with the mobile device
Implementation Method 3
an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit for performing said ranging operations with the mobile device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a key fob is provided, comprising: a wireless interface for establishing a wireless connection to a controller integrated in a vehicle, wherein the wireless connection enables the key fob to provide access credentials to said controller; a wired interface for connecting the key fob to a console integrated in the vehicle, such that the key fob is usable for carrying out wireless charging of an external mobile device and/or for acting as an anchor device for performing ranging operations with said external mobile device. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of configuring a key fob is conceived.