Vehicle Key Locker with Faraday Cage Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle sharing contexts, logistical challenges arise from physically providing a vehicle key to the intended driver for the proper duration, limiting access to authorized drivers, and exposing providers to risks of key copying or retention for malicious purposes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle key locker system that shields the key from radio signals using a metal mesh or faraday cage, allowing access only when the correct access data and code are provided, enabling the key to be used to start the vehicle without physically exchanging the key, and sensing when the key is returned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle key is physically provided to the driver, then the driver can access and start the vehicle, but the key may be copied or retained for malicious purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radio frequency identification tag from the physical key and places it inside a shielded container within the vehicle. This separates the authentication function (RFID tag) from the physical key, allowing the key to start the vehicle without being physically transferred to the driver, thereby preventing key copying and retention risks while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a shielded container and RFID reader. The container with Faraday cage shielding acts as an intermediary that controls radio signal transmission, allowing authentication only when the vehicle is in the correct state (e.g., parked in a designated location). This intermediary mechanism enables secure access without physical key exchange
2Reliability
If the key is stored in a shielded container, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the key must be accessible for authorized drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic shielding mechanism where the Faraday cage can transition between shielded and unshielded states. The container includes a door or opening mechanism controlled by the vehicle's authentication system. When authorized, the shielding is temporarily removed or opened to allow RFID signals to pass through, enabling key access without compromising security. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the shielding adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous authentication capability by maintaining the RFID tag in a permanently accessible location within the vehicle, rather than requiring physical key exchange. The shielded container continuously protects the key while allowing authorized access through controlled signal transmission. This continuous authentication mechanism eliminates the need for intermittent physical key handovers while maintaining security
3Productivity
If the key is made accessible to drivers, then vehicle usage is enabled, but the provider loses control over key retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication function from the physical key and embeds it in a permanently installed RFID tag within the vehicle. This eliminates the need for providers to physically manage key distribution and retrieval. The RFID tag remains in the vehicle continuously, enabling any authorized driver to start the vehicle without physical key exchange, thereby improving productivity while maintaining control through electronic authentication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service system where the vehicle itself manages key authentication through the embedded RFID tag and reader system. The vehicle can independently verify authorized drivers and enable starting without external key management. This self-service mechanism improves vehicle sharing efficiency while maintaining security control through automated authentication, eliminating the need for provider intervention in key retention
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
This system ensures secure and controlled access to vehicles, preventing unauthorized use and key retention, while allowing authorized access without physically exchanging the key, thus addressing logistical and security challenges in vehicle sharing services.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle key locker system that shields the key from radio signals using a metal mesh or faraday cage
Data Source
AI summary
A key locker sized to store a key provides selective access. A radio signal is selectively allowed to reach a radio device of the key based on an access signal and/or access data.