Key Fob Protector Covering Buttons with Panic Gap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Keyless entry systems in vehicles can be inadvertently activated, leading to unintended unlocking or malfunctioning, posing risks of theft and safety hazards due to accidental button presses, especially when the key fob is carried in bags or pockets.

Innovation Solution

A key fob protector that covers control buttons to prevent accidental activation, with a gap for the panic button to remain accessible in emergencies, and is easily installed using a strap or adhesive for secure fitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the key fob is placed in a handbag or pocket for convenient carrying, then portability and ease of access are improved, but buttons may be accidentally pressed by other objects, children, or during handling, leading to unintended vehicle operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenient carryingVSAvoidunintended activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protective cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the key fob buttons and the external environment. The cover physically blocks accidental button presses while allowing intentional activation when needed, thus preventing unintended vehicle operations without compromising convenient carrying

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover applies a preliminary protective action by covering the buttons before accidental activation can occur. This pre-emptive measure prevents harmful accidental presses while maintaining the key fob's portability and ease of access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If a protective cover is added to prevent accidental button presses, then reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation are worsened due to additional components and installation steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental activationVSAvoidadditional protective components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is designed as a thin, flexible shell that conforms to the key fob's surface. This minimizes the added bulk and complexity while providing effective protection. The thin-film approach maintains a simple overall device structure despite adding protective functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover is segmented into multiple sections, each covering specific buttons or button groups. This segmentation allows for precise protection where needed while maintaining simplicity in design and installation, reducing overall device complexity compared to a fully enclosed cover

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If buttons are completely covered to prevent accidental presses, then safety is improved, but the ability to activate buttons intentionally is worsened requiring opening the cover first

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccidental button activationVSAvoidintentional button activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic open state when needed. This dynamic design allows the cover to provide continuous protection during carrying while enabling easy access to buttons when the user intends to activate them, balancing safety and operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If all buttons including the panic button are covered, then protection from accidental activation is improved, but emergency response time is worsened requiring cover removal before panic button activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from accidental panic activationVSAvoidemergency response time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover applies different protection qualities to different areas: fully covering regular buttons to prevent accidental activation, while leaving the panic button area exposed or easily accessible. This local differentiation ensures protection where needed while maintaining rapid emergency response capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9968165B1Key fob protector

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 RAMADHAN FATIMA J

AI summary

A key fob protector for use with an electronic key fob that prevents inadvertently unlocking a vehicle door by covering a plurality of control buttons on a key fob so that no buttons are activated when the key fob is stowed in a bag, purse or pocket. The key fob protector has a gap, exposing a panic button, so that the panic button can easily be activated in an emergency situation without opening the cover. The key fob protector is easily installed using a strap that wraps around the key fob securing the key fob protector in place when the strap is fastened.