Foldable Keycard for Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of vehicles equipped with Phone-as-a-Key systems may face difficulties accessing their vehicles when the battery is low, as they often do not carry the large PEPS fob or the thick mechanical backup key, leading to inconvenience and potential exposure in undesirable environments while waiting for assistance.
Innovation Solution
A foldable keycard design that allows mechanical key sections to align and fold into a credit-card-sized format, enabling easy carrying and storage while maintaining the functionality of a full-thickness mechanical key, utilizing hinges and connection points to secure the sections and ensure alignment for lock operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical backup key is provided in the PEPS fob, then vehicle access is ensured during system failure, but the fob size increases and users may not carry it
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical key is segmented from the PEPS fob into a separate foldable keycard that can be carried independently. The keycard contains the mechanical key blade folded within a card body, allowing users to carry only the essential backup key without the bulk of the complete PEPS fob.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical backup key is extracted from the PEPS fob and placed in a separate foldable keycard. This extraction allows users to carry the minimal necessary backup key without the additional size and weight of the full PEPS fob, while still maintaining access capability during system failures.
2Reliability
If a thick mechanical backup key is provided, then reliable vehicle access is ensured, but the key thickness increases and is difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical key blade is nested within the foldable keycard body. When folded, the key blade is contained within the card's thickness, creating a compact form factor similar to a credit card. When unfolded, the full-length key blade extends to provide complete vehicle access functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The key transitions from a three-dimensional thick object to a two-dimensional card-like form when folded. By folding the key blade within the card body, the thickness dimension is minimized while maintaining the functional length of the key blade when deployed.
3Reliability
If users wait for roadside assistance, then vehicle access is eventually achieved, but users are exposed to undesirable environments for extended time
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable keycard enables users to independently access their vehicle without requiring roadside assistance or other people's help. Users can unfold and use the mechanical key immediately when needed, providing self-service capability that eliminates waiting time and exposure to undesirable environments.
4Ease of operation
If a foldable keycard design is used, then carrying convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keycard employs a dynamic folding mechanism that allows the key blade to transition between stored and deployed positions. The foldable structure enables the key to adapt its form - compact when carried, extended when used - providing ease of carrying while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable card includes first and second sections, each defining a base and a layer of a blade of a key extending therefrom; and a hinge interface connecting the bases of the first and second sections, wherein the first section is configured to fold over the second section at the hinge interface so that a top surface of the first section is against a bottom surface of the second section and each of the layers of the blades align to form the blade of the key, and the first and second sections are configured to fold at the hinge interface into a storage position to form a collective flat surface.