Vehicular Electronic Key Valet Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular electronic key systems do not effectively manage the transition to a valet mode when the mechanical key is detached, allowing unauthorized access and potential misuse, especially when the key battery is dead.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular electronic key system that includes a key body and a mechanical key, where the key body detects the attachment and detachment state of the mechanical key to transition into a valet mode, limiting vehicle functions and preventing unauthorized access by only allowing the valet mode to be activated when the mechanical key is detached, thereby enhancing security and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mechanical key is detached from the key body, then the valet mode is activated to limit vehicle functions, but unauthorized access and potential misuse may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the vehicle by detecting the detachment state of the mechanical key and automatically transitioning to valet mode, which limits specific vehicle functions. This parameter change approach resolves the contradiction by dynamically adjusting system behavior based on the key attachment state, ensuring security while preventing unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The key detector provides continuous feedback about the mechanical key attachment state to the control unit. When detachment is detected, the system responds by activating valet mode limitations. This feedback mechanism ensures that security measures are automatically applied when the mechanical key is removed, resolving the contradiction between enabling valet mode and preventing unauthorized access.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the key body transitions to valet mode when mechanical key is detached, then unauthorized access is prevented, but convenience for the owner is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting the mechanical key detachment state and transitioning to valet mode without requiring manual intervention from the owner. The key detector and control unit work autonomously to manage security, resolving the contradiction by eliminating the need for owner action while maintaining both security and convenience.
3Ease of operation
If the system allows mechanical key operation when battery is dead, then accessibility is maintained, but security control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the key functionality by separating the mechanical key operation from the electronic control functions. When the battery is dead, the mechanical key can still operate the vehicle, but the system detects this state and applies valet mode limitations to maintain security control over electronic functions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing mechanical accessibility while preserving electronic security control.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular electronic key system includes a vehicle having a key cylinder and a portable device. The portable devise includes a key body and a mechanical key. The key body is communicatable with the vehicle. The mechanical key is attachable to and detachable from the key body and mechanically rotates the key cylinder whereby the communication between the vehicle and the portable device allows the vehicle to execute predetermined functions. The key body includes a key detector configured to detect an attachment state and a detachment state of the mechanical key to and from the key body so that the key body transitions to a valet mode to limit some of the predetermined functions executable by the vehicle in accordance with the communication between the vehicle and the portable device while the key detector detects the detachment state of the mechanical key from the key body.