Vehicle Key Fob Integrating Accessory Lock Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in managing and tracking multiple aftermarket accessory locks for vehicles, as each often requires a separate remote control, leading to complexity and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrate the control of aftermarket accessory locks with the vehicle's door lock system, using an electronic control unit (ECU) to receive user input and wirelessly control accessory locks based on door unlock events, consolidating control into a single interface like a car key fob.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate remote controls are used for each accessory lock, then each accessory lock can be controlled independently, but the number of objects to track increases and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functionality of multiple accessory locks into a single vehicle key fob. The key fob integrates communication modules that can send commands to both the vehicle door locks and multiple accessory locks through a network, eliminating the need for separate remote controls for each accessory lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle key fob is designed with universal control capability, allowing it to operate both the vehicle's door lock system and multiple aftermarket accessory locks. The integrated system enables a single device to perform multiple locking and unlocking functions across different components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate remotes are used for accessory locks, then each lock can be controlled individually, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network access device as an intermediary between the key fob and accessory locks. This mediator handles the complex communication protocols and signal routing, allowing the simple key fob interface to control multiple accessory locks without requiring the user to understand the underlying system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the ECU receives status information from accessory locks and door locks, processes this information, and provides appropriate responses. This feedback loop enables intelligent control decisions and simplifies the user interface by automatically managing the complexity of coordinating multiple locks.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the locking of accessories by a vehicle includes a vehicle door, a door lock, and an input device configured to receive user input including an unlock request. The system further includes an accessory lock configured to alternate between a locked accessory state and an unlocked accessory state. The system further includes a network access device. The system further includes an ECU designed to determine a door unlock event in response to the input device receiving the unlock request and to control the door lock to alternate from the locked door state to the unlocked door state in response to determining the door unlock event. The ECU is further designed to control the network access device to instruct the accessory lock to alternate from the locked accessory state to the unlocked accessory state in response to determining the door unlock event.