Vehicle Immobiliser Locking Antenna for Reversible Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current immobilizer systems for vehicles in car rental applications lack reversibility, can damage the vehicle or key, and do not provide adequate security against unauthorized use, as they often require cable cutting or key dismantling and are costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
An immobilizer system with a native transmitter-receiver unit and a locking device that allows or prevents wireless communication between the unit and a key transponder, using a locking antenna and control unit to block communication, which can be controlled via an authorisation signal, enabling secure and reversible operation without modifying the original key or vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional immobiliser system is used with access codes or RFID cards, then vehicle access is simplified for rental applications, but security is compromised as thieves can easily break locks and start vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transponder as an intermediary device that must be present in the switch key for the vehicle to start. The transponder communicates wirelessly with the transmitter-receiver unit, creating an additional security layer that cannot be easily bypassed. This mediator ensures that even if thieves have the physical key, they cannot start the vehicle without the corresponding transponder.
2Reliability
If customised electronic keys with intelligent systems are implemented, then security is improved with bi-directional communication, but the cost increases significantly and the key becomes more fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the intelligence from the key and places it in the vehicle's transmitter-receiver unit. The transponder in the key remains simple and passive, while all the complex processing and communication capabilities are located in the vehicle. This reversal reduces key complexity and fragility while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive relays with multiple components are installed to enable remote starting, then remote operation is achieved, but the system complexity increases and installation becomes invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter-receiver unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the immobiliser security device and the remote starting interface. The same wireless communication infrastructure is used for both security verification and remote operation authorization, eliminating the need for separate passive relay systems and reducing overall complexity.
4Reliability
If the original switch key is dismantled to integrate electronic labels, then security functionality is added, but the key may be damaged and vehicle resale value decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transponder is integrated into the switch key before any potential damage can occur, using the existing key structure. The key is designed to accommodate the transponder without requiring dismantling or modification of the original key components, thus preserving the key's integrity and the vehicle's resale value.
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
The system provides enhanced security by preventing unauthorized vehicle starting, is reversible, and can be managed remotely, allowing for secure and cost-effective operation without damaging the vehicle or key, and can be used with the original switch key.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter-receiver unit is integrated near the ignition lock of the vehicle and can transmit an electromagnetic signal to a transponder integrated in the switch key. Said electromagnetic signal powers the transponder, which returns an answer signal containing an identification code.
Implementation Method 2
a locking device for allowing or preventing the wireless communication between the native transmitter-receiver unit and the key transponder, said locking device comprising: a locking antenna arranged in the vicinity of the first antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An immobilizer system for a vehicle and an immobilizer set including an immobilizer system and a switch key equipped with a transponder is provided. The immobilizer system includes:a native transmitter-receiver unit integrated into the vehicle, the native transmitter-receiver unit including a native antenna and being configured so as to enable a wireless communication with a transponder associated with a switch key, anda locking device for allowing or preventing the wireless communication between the native transmitter-receiver unit and the transponder, the locking device including: a locking antenna arranged in the vicinity of the native antenna, anda control unit configured to control the locking antenna in an enabled state, wherein the locking antenna does not interfere with the wireless communication between the native transmitter-receiver unit and the transponder, or in a locking state, wherein the locking antenna does interfere with the wireless communication.