Vehicle Cover Authentication via Proximity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for body flaps covering fuel tank filling devices in motor vehicles often inadvertently trigger unauthorized deactivation or demobilization of the vehicle when an unauthorized person opens the flap, leading to unnecessary vehicle readiness deactivation and media supply blocking.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the control unit only triggers deactivation or demobilization functions if an authorized person is authenticated through proximity sensors, radio communication, or input signals, ensuring that only verified individuals can initiate the unlocking sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the body flap is equipped with a simple opening detection mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but unauthorized persons can trigger vehicle deactivation and media supply blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism (radio communication ID transmitter, proximity sensor, or input unit signal) between the body flap opening detection and the vehicle deactivation function. This intermediary verifies whether the detected opening is authorized before triggering the deactivation sequence, thus preventing unauthorized triggering while maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are added to verify authorized persons, then unauthorized triggering is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic authentication system where the verification method adapts based on available components. The system can use radio communication ID transmitters for contactless authentication, proximity sensors for near-field detection, or input unit signals for manual verification. This dynamic approach allows flexible authentication without requiring all components to be present simultaneously, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single control unit handles multiple authentication methods (radio communication, proximity detection, input unit signals). This universal approach consolidates multiple authentication functions into one system, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each method and thereby lowering overall device complexity.
3Speed
If the control unit triggers deactivation functions immediately upon detecting body flap opening, then the response speed is improved, but unnecessary vehicle readiness deactivation occurs due to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives authentication results before triggering deactivation functions. The authentication system provides feedback about whether the detected body flap opening is authorized, and only upon receiving positive feedback does the control unit proceed with vehicle deactivation. This feedback loop prevents unnecessary deactivation while maintaining fast response speed for authorized operations.
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
Prevents unauthorized triggering of vehicle deactivation and media supply blocking, simplifying the restart process by ensuring that only authorized individuals can initiate the unlocking sequence, thereby reducing unnecessary vehicle readiness deactivation and message suppression.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor signal from a proximity sensor arranged on the body flap, based on authentication of an approaching person who is less than a predetermined distance from the proximity sensor, by means of a radio communication ID transmitter separate from the motor vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for dealing with the event of incorrect operation of a cover for a media supply device of a motor vehicle, whereby the cover is made accessible from the outside by opening a body flap or, despite being inaccessible, is signaled to a control unit as accessible, thereby triggering the functions of deactivating the vehicle's readiness to drive and/or demobilizing the vehicle by a mechanical device and/or blocking a media supply for the operation of the motor vehicle, characterized in that the control unit triggers these functions exclusively after the presence of at least one of the following signals: - a sensor signal from a proximity sensor arranged on the body flap, based on the authentication of an approaching person who falls within a predetermined distance of the proximity sensor, by means of a radio communication ID transmitter separate from the motor vehicle.- a signal from a person-operated input unit, - a sensor signal for a refueling request.