Portable Controller Gain Adjustment for Walkaway Locking Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive entry passive start (PEPS) systems face limitations in communication range, leading to unintended vehicle locking when users walk away, as the normal communication range is insufficient for extended distances, resulting in premature locking.
Innovation Solution
The method involves increasing the reception gain level of the portable controller to a high gain level for an extended communication range, allowing it to receive polling signals further away from the base station, and then decreasing it back to normal when the user is outside the range, with the base station locking the vehicle upon receipt of a lock command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the reception gain level is increased to extend communication range, then the controller can receive polling signals at extended distances, but the normal communication range becomes insufficient and causes premature vehicle locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reception gain level adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically switches between normal gain level and high gain level based on whether the user is within or outside the normal communication range. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to extend communication range when needed while maintaining normal operation within the standard range, resolving the contradiction between extended range and locking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reception gain parameter to solve the communication range limitation. By switching the gain level from normal to high, the system extends the polling signal reception distance. This parameter change is triggered when the controller determines the user is outside the normal communication range, allowing the vehicle to remain unlocked until the user is sufficiently far away, thus resolving the premature locking issue.
2Length of stationary object
If the high gain level is maintained continuously, then the extended communication range is always available, but unnecessary battery consumption occurs when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by switching the reception gain level based on the user's position relative to the communication range. The controller periodically assesses whether the user is within or outside the normal range and adjusts the gain level accordingly. This periodic switching ensures the high gain level is activated only when necessary for walkaway locking, minimizing battery consumption while maintaining extended range capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the reception gain level based on real-time position detection. When the user is within the normal communication range, the controller operates at normal gain level to conserve battery. When the user moves outside this range, the controller switches to high gain level to extend communication range for proper walkaway locking detection. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between always having extended range and minimizing energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the normal gain level is used, then battery consumption is minimized, but the controller cannot detect when the user is sufficiently far away for safe locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reception gain parameter from normal to high level when the controller detects the user is outside the normal communication range. This parameter change enables the controller to receive polling signals at extended distances, accurately determining when the user is sufficiently far away for safe vehicle locking. The switch back to normal gain level after locking maintains energy efficiency, resolving the contradiction between battery consumption and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller periodically monitors the user's position by attempting to receive polling signals and adjusts the gain level based on detection results. When polling signals are not received at normal gain level, the controller switches to high gain level to extend detection range. This periodic monitoring and dynamic adjustment ensure reliable walkaway locking detection while minimizing battery consumption during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for extending a communication range of a remote control system during a walkaway locking control function includes increasing a reception gain level of a portable controller of the remote control system to a high gain level. The high gain level provides an extended communication range in which the controller receives polling signals from a base station of the remote control system. The controller is unable to receive the polling signals while the controller is outside of the extended communication range. Upon the controller not receiving the polling signals, the controller transmits a command signal for receipt by the base station and decreases the reception gain level back to a normal gain level.