Portable Key Orientation Control for Multi-Vehicle Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require multiple keys for different vehicles or necessitate the user to be in close proximity to the vehicle for operation, and programming is required for each additional vehicle, making it impractical for fleets with more than two vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A single portable key device uses orientation and position determination to control locking devices of multiple vehicles, employing a control device that ascertains the key's position and orientation relative to vehicles, allowing precise control without selection or reprogramming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single key is used for multiple vehicles, then the number of keys is reduced, but it becomes difficult to control which specific vehicle should be operated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial orientation as a new dimension for vehicle selection. Instead of selecting vehicles through menu interfaces or proximity alone, the system uses the three-dimensional orientation of the key device (azimuth and elevation angles) to precisely target specific vehicles in a fleet, enabling intuitive directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual vehicle selection mechanisms (such as selector switches or menu navigation) with an automated orientation-based selection system. The control device automatically determines the target vehicle based on the key's spatial orientation and signal strength measurements, eliminating the need for explicit user selection.
2Ease of operation
If KeylessEntry/Go type systems are used, then contactless operation is enabled, but the user must be standing directly next to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the operational range beyond immediate proximity by incorporating angular orientation measurements. The system can distinguish between multiple vehicles at varying distances and orientations, allowing the user to operate vehicles from a greater effective range while maintaining precise identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal strength measurement as an intermediary parameter between the key device and the vehicle. By measuring signal strength in combination with orientation data, the system can accurately identify the intended target vehicle even when multiple vehicles are present at different distances, resolving the ambiguity of proximity-based systems.
3Ease of operation
If selector switches are added to the key for multiple vehicles, then vehicle selection is enabled, but the key must be reprogrammed for each additional vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the key device universally applicable to any number of vehicles through orientation-based targeting rather than through programmed vehicle identifiers. The same key can control an expanding fleet by simply pointing in different directions, eliminating the need for reprogramming or adding physical selector switches for each new vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static vehicle selection mechanism (fixed selector switches with predetermined positions) into a dynamic orientation-based system. The key device can adapt to any number of vehicles in real-time by measuring spatial orientation and signal strength, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to fleet changes without reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a control device includes determining that a portable key device is located in a given reception zone around at least two motor vehicles; determining a physical position of the portable key device in relation to at least one of the motor vehicles; ascertaining, based on the physical position of the portable key device, one of the at least two motor vehicles at which a predetermined reference of the portable key device is pointing; providing a control signal that operates a locking device of the one of the at least two motor vehicles, where the control signal causes at least partial unlocking or at least partial locking of the one of the at least two motor vehicles; and transmitting the control signal to the locking device of the one of the at least two motor vehicles.