Vehicle Ignition Lockout Assembly for Driver-Seat User Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockout assemblies for vehicles lack a monitoring device that can be selectively locked to a user, preventing them from starting the vehicle, and an ignition controller that can deactuate the ignition relay only when the user is in the driver's seat, ensuring the vehicle remains operable for passengers when the user is not driving.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device with a transmitter that can be locked around a user's ankle or wrist and an ignition controller with a receiver for short-range wireless communication, mounted proximate to the vehicle's ignition relay, deactivating the ignition relay only when the user is in the driver's seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monitoring device with transmitter and ignition controller with receiver are implemented for selective lockout, then the ability to prevent specific users from starting the vehicle is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based ignition systems with an electronic monitoring device and ignition controller system. The transmitter in the monitoring device communicates wirelessly with the receiver in the ignition controller, eliminating the need for physical keys and enabling programmable user restrictions. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic ones resolves the contradiction by providing more reliable user-specific control while managing complexity through digital rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ignition controller as an intermediary component between the monitoring device and the ignition relay. The ignition controller receives signals from the monitoring device and controls the ignition relay accordingly, acting as a mediator that translates user authentication status into ignition system control. This intermediary approach allows for sophisticated user restriction logic while keeping the overall system architecture manageable and modular.
2Reliability
If the ignition relay is deactivated when the monitored user is in the driver's seat, then the safety is improved by preventing unauthorized driving, but the vehicle operability for passengers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the ignition relay based on the monitored user's position. The system continuously monitors whether the user is in the driver's seat and dynamically adjusts the ignition relay state accordingly - deactivated when the user is in the driver's seat, and activated when the user is elsewhere. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different situations, providing safety when needed while maintaining vehicle operability for legitimate driving scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different control rules based on the user's location within the vehicle. When the monitored user is specifically in the driver's seat, the ignition relay is deactivated. However, when the user is in other seats or the vehicle is being operated by someone else, the vehicle remains operable. This location-specific control strategy resolves the contradiction by targeting safety measures only where necessary (driver's seat) while preserving general vehicle functionality.
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 prevents the monitored user from starting the vehicle while allowing others to ride as passengers, ensuring safe operation by ensuring the vehicle can be driven only when the intended user is not in the driver's seat.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver and the transmitter are configured for short range wireless communication
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle ignition lockout assembly for prevented a monitored user from driving a vehicle includes a monitoring device and an ignition controller. The monitoring device comprises a transmitter and can be selectively locked, by a monitoring party, around an ankle or a wrist of a monitored user so that the monitored user is prevented from detaching the monitoring device from their person. The ignition controller comprises a receiver and is mountable to an element of a vehicle proximate to an ignition relay of the vehicle. The ignition controller also is operationally engageable to the ignition relay. When the monitored user is positioned in a driver's seat of the vehicle, the receiver and the transmitter are in wireless communication and the ignition controller deactuates the ignition relay. The vehicle is operable when the monitored user is seated elsewhere in the vehicle.