Flashable Antenna for Remote Starter Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote vehicle starter systems are limited to either one-way or two-way modes with fixed ranges, requiring consumers to choose at purchase without the option to upgrade or switch later, leading to frustration and additional costs for desired features.
Innovation Solution
A programmable remote starter system with a flashable antenna that can be reprogrammed to operate in one-way or two-way modes and adjust range capabilities, allowing consumers to select features post-purchase and enabling customizable functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed hardware configuration is used for remote starter systems, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but consumers cannot upgrade or switch modes after purchase leading to frustration and additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the antenna's communication mode changeable through software flashing rather than fixed hardware configuration. The antenna can be programmed to operate in one-way mode, two-way mode, or both modes, allowing the system to adapt its functionality after purchase without requiring hardware changes or multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single antenna hardware that can perform multiple functions through software programming. The same physical antenna can be flashed with different firmware to enable one-way operation, two-way operation, or both modes, eliminating the need for consumers to purchase separate devices for different functionalities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If consumers must choose between one-way and two-way modes at purchase, then inventory selection is simplified for retailers, but consumers cannot try both modes before purchasing leading to potential regrets and additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single universal remote starter system that can operate in multiple modes through software flashing. Instead of retailers needing to maintain separate inventories of one-way and two-way systems, a single inventory item can be flashed to provide the desired functionality, reducing inventory variety requirements while maintaining consumer flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing consumers to trial both one-way and two-way modes before making their final selection. The system can be flashed with different modes during a trial period, enabling consumers to experience both functionalities before committing to a permanent configuration, thereby reducing post-purchase regrets.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote starter systems have fixed range capabilities, then hardware design is simplified, but consumers cannot extend range or adjust communication modes after purchase requiring additional devices and installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna's range capability changeable through software flashing. The antenna can be programmed to support different communication ranges (e.g., up to 1,200 feet for one-way mode or extended ranges for two-way mode), allowing consumers to adjust the system's range capabilities after purchase without requiring hardware modifications or additional antennas.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote vehicle starter system having an antenna that can be flashed to operate in a one-way mode or a two-way mode, such that a user will be permitted a trial period to test the remote starter system in both modes and then the user can select the desired mode by flashing the antenna via link up to a website. The user is charged a price for the remote starter system based on the mode selected by flashing.