Vehicle Door Sensor Phone Reminder Without Extra Fobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phone reminder systems require additional devices like fobs, which are inconvenient for users, and fail to effectively remind users about the presence or absence of their phones when entering or exiting vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An accelerometer or proximity sensor integrated into a vehicle door detects door opening and closing to determine the presence of a user's phone, providing audio and visual alerts to remind the user to take their phone when entering or exiting the vehicle without needing additional accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless tracking devices with fobs are used to locate missing phones, then phone location tracking is improved, but device complexity and user convenience deteriorate due to requiring additional accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phone reminder function with the vehicle door lock mechanism by integrating an accelerometer sensor directly into the door. This eliminates the need for separate tracking devices or fobs, as the door itself becomes the sensing and reminder system, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing door structure and integrated accelerometer to automatically detect door openings and trigger phone presence checks. The door serves itself as both the monitored element and the sensing platform, eliminating dependency on external accessories while maintaining reliable phone tracking
2Ease of operation
If phone presence detection is implemented using integrated sensors, then user convenience is improved by eliminating additional accessories, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to sensor integration challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer is strategically positioned within the door structure to optimize its ability to detect door opening motions. By placing the sensor at a specific location where door movement generates distinct acceleration patterns, the system achieves high measurement precision for door detection while maintaining ease of operation through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its detection thresholds and analysis methods based on the acceleration patterns detected by the accelerometer. By analyzing the temporal and spatial characteristics of door motion versus other movements (like car turns or potholes), the system maintains high measurement precision while providing convenient automated operation
3Device complexity
If accelerometer sensors are integrated into door structures, then device complexity is reduced by using existing structures, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The door structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural component of the vehicle, the mounting platform for the accelerometer, and the element being monitored for opening/closing events. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while the accelerometer's electronic integration allows for flexible positioning that accommodates manufacturing tolerances
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
Effectively reminds users about the presence or absence of their phones using integrated sensors, ensuring they do not forget their phones in vehicles, with low power consumption and compatibility with various door types.
Implementation Method 1
A preferred embodiment employs an accelerometer or proximity sensor which is capable of sensing the movement of one or more elements of a latch or lock mechanism of a door being monitored and/or the acceleration of a door opening and/or closing
Implementation Method 2
A preferred embodiment employs an accelerometer or proximity sensor which is capable of sensing the movement of one or more elements of a latch or lock mechanism of a door being monitored
Data Source
AI summary
A device placed or installed in a user's vehicle or other venue and operative to sense the opening and/or closing of a venue door and to be in wireless communication with a user's cell phone. When a user is entering, for example, a vehicle, the device senses door opening and/or closing and is triggered to search for the user's phone. Upon detection of that phone, the device provides an alert to the user that the phone is present. If the phone is not present, the device senses such absence and provides an alert that the phone is not present. Similar alerts are provided by the device when the user exits the vehicle. The device is also useable in other venues having a door. The system can also be used in devices other than cell phones that have similar communications capability to communicate with the system described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the door sensor is an accelerometer or proximity sensor operative to monitor one or more elements of a door lock mechanism and provide a unique signal profile or signature of the monitored lock mechanism. The unique profile is stored in memory and used to compare with subsequently obtained signal profiles to identify the particular door lock of a user's vehicle. Upon a positive profile comparison, a trigger signal is produced to start a processing operation to determine whether or not the user's cell phone is present in the vehicle or other monitored site.