Integrated Keyless Entry Pad With Symbol Sequence Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing keyless entry systems for vehicles require users to remember a sequence of numbers, which can be difficult, and are aesthetically unappealing as they are visually conspicuous, detracting from the vehicle's appearance and revealing their presence to third parties.

Innovation Solution

A keyless entry system with a non-numeric keyless entry pad integrated into the vehicle's entry handle, featuring symbols that form a textual representation of the vehicle or user, such as its make, model, or name, and equipped with sensors and an illumination source for backlighting, allowing entry via a sequence of symbol selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a numeric keyless entry system is mounted on the vehicle door, then the entry function is provided, but the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle deteriorates and the system becomes visually conspicuous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekeyless entry functionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The keyless entry pad is merged with the vehicle's existing body components, such as the door handle or side mirror housing, making the entry system an integrated part of the vehicle's structure rather than a separate mounted component. This blending approach maintains aesthetic appearance while providing the keyless entry function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The entry pad uses non-numeric symbols or graphics that are localized to specific areas of the vehicle body, allowing the entry function to be provided while the visual appearance in each local area remains aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the vehicle's design language.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a numeric keyless entry system is mounted on the vehicle door, then the entry function is provided, but the system becomes readily apparent to third parties through visual inspection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekeyless entry functionVSAvoidvisibility to third parties
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The entry pad is combined with existing vehicle body features, making it indistinguishable from the vehicle's normal structure during visual inspection. This integration conceals the entry function from third parties while maintaining full functionality for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The entry pad symbols or indicators change color or become visible only under specific conditions, such as when illuminated by the vehicle's lighting system or when activated, thereby remaining invisible or inconspicuous during normal visual inspection by third parties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If numeric keys are used on the entry pad, then the entry sequence can be input, but users have difficulty remembering the number sequence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentry sequence inputVSAvoidmemory burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The entry pad uses colored symbols, graphics, or images instead of numeric keys. These visual elements are more easily remembered and recognized by users, reducing the memory burden while still providing a secure entry sequence input mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The entry pad displays visual representations or icons that represent the entry sequence, making the information more intuitive and easier to remember than abstract numeric codes. The symbols serve as visual copies or representations of the required input sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 an aesthetically integrated and user-friendly entry method that is easier to remember, blending with the vehicle's design and enhancing its appearance while maintaining security and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The illumination source can comprise light emitting diodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of sensors in register with the plurality of keys for detecting the presence of a finger on each of the keys

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS7576631B1Vehicular keyless entry system incorporating textual representation of the vehicle or user of the vehicle
Publication Date: 2009.08.18 ADAC PLASTICS INC
  • US7576631B1 patent drawing
  • US7576631B1 patent drawing
  • US7576631B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A keyless entry system for a vehicle comprises a keyless entry pad having a plurality of keys. Each key has a corresponding symbol, and the symbols collectively form a textual representation of the vehicle and/or a user of the vehicle. A plurality of sensors in register with the keys for detecting the presence of a finger on each of the keys is coupled to an entry door latch for sending an unlock signal to the latch when a keyless entry code is entered a by selecting the keys with the finger in a predetermined sequence. When the latch is unlocked, the latch can be operated to open the entry door, such as with a door handle. The keyless entry system can be integrated with the door handle.