Electronic Key Stuck Button Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic vehicle keys with stuck buttons lead to high power consumption due to components not switching into low power mode, reducing battery lifetime and potentially causing unintended functionality issues like double or super locks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic key with a microcontroller that operates in a normal state switching to low power mode when no buttons are pressed, but enters an error state if a button is stuck, marking the button as stuck and switching to low power mode even when pressed, returning to active mode when released, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining robust functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the electronic key operates in low power mode when no buttons are pressed, then power consumption is reduced and battery lifetime is extended, but if a button gets stuck in the pressed condition, the components cannot switch to low power mode resulting in high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of button states before transitioning to low power mode. By checking whether buttons are in the released state before allowing mode transition, the system prevents stuck buttons from causing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining the ability to enter low power mode when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors button states and provides feedback to the power management logic. When a button is detected in the pressed state, the system receives feedback and prevents transition to low power mode. When the button returns to the released state, the feedback mechanism allows the system to transition to low power mode, ensuring optimal power consumption based on actual button states.
2Reliability
If the electronic key switches to active mode whenever a button is pressed, then functionality is maintained, but a stuck button causes continuous active mode operation and high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Before maintaining active mode, the system performs a preliminary check to determine if the button press is intentional or if the button is stuck. By detecting whether the button returns to the released state within a predetermined time period, the system can distinguish between legitimate user input and stuck button conditions, preventing unnecessary active mode maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on button state changes. When a button is pressed and remains in the pressed state beyond a predetermined time period, the system transitions from active mode to a different operational state, adapting its behavior to the detected condition and reducing power consumption accordingly.
3Ease of operation
If the electronic key remains in active mode to ensure responsiveness to button presses, then user interaction is maintained, but power consumption increases and battery lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring of button states rather than continuous active operation. By checking button states at specific intervals and transitioning to low power mode when buttons are confirmed to be in the released state, the system maintains necessary responsiveness while significantly reducing power consumption to extend battery lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages its own power state based on button conditions. When buttons are in the released state, the system self-transitions to low power mode without requiring continuous user interaction or external control, optimizing power consumption while maintaining readiness to respond to future button presses.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5A
Figure 5B~5D
AI summary
A electronic key (30) for a vehicle comprises at least one button (31, 32, 33), a signal unit and a microcontroller. The button (31, 32, 33) has a pressed state and a released state. The signal unit (35) sends command signals to the vehicle. The key (30) operates in a normal state and in an error state. In the normal state, the key (30) changes into a low power mode when no command signals are sent to the vehicle. It changes into an active mode when a buttons (31, 32, 33) is pressed. When a button (31, 32, 33) is stuck in a pressed state, the electronic key (30) changes into the error state. Here, the key (30) marks the button (31, 32, 33) as stuck, and changes into the low power mode. It changes into the active mode when the stuck button (31, 32, 33) is released.