Keyfob Retaining Tool for Vehicle ECM Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians on vehicle assembly lines face challenges in programming electronic control modules (ECMs) to recognize and respond to keyfob commands during vehicle assembly, as existing methods require complex wiring and assembly of the center console, limiting efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A handheld keyfob retaining tool with an ignition switch retaining section and a keyfob retaining section, allowing temporary connection to the vehicle's ECM for electronic communication, enabling easy programming and pairing of the keyfob with the ECM without the need for full center console installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full center console installation and complex wiring are used for programming ECM, then reliable electronic communication is achieved, but assembly time and process complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the programming function from the complete center console assembly by using a standalone keyfob retaining tool that interfaces directly with the ECM through a simplified wiring harness connector. This allows the programming function to be separated and performed independently without requiring installation of the entire center console, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyfob retaining tool acts as an intermediary device between the keyfob and the ECM. It provides a temporary but reliable communication pathway during programming operations, eliminating the need for complex permanent wiring while ensuring stable electronic communication for keyfob pairing and programming tasks.
2Reliability
If full center console installation is required for keyfob programming, then proper electronic connection is ensured, but assembly process flexibility and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the programming system into independent modular components: the keyfob retaining tool, the wiring harness connector, and the ECM. This segmentation enables the programming function to be accessed at any assembly station without requiring the center console to be installed, providing flexibility in assembly process design and workstation configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyfob retaining tool is designed as a temporary, removable device that can be connected and disconnected as needed for programming operations. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different assembly scenarios and stations, enabling programming to occur at any point in the assembly process rather than requiring a fixed, permanent installation.
3Reliability
If complex wiring and center console assembly are used, then complete vehicle integration is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential programming function from the complex center console assembly and wiring system. By removing only the necessary communication interface components and placing them in a standalone keyfob retaining tool, the system achieves the required electronic integration without the burden of complete center console installation, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining integration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyfob retaining tool creates a simplified copy or representation of the full center console's programming capability. It replicates the essential electronic communication functions needed for ECM programming without duplicating the entire center console structure, thereby reducing complexity while preserving the core integration functionality.
4Productivity
If temporary keyfob retention without full console installation is used, then assembly efficiency is improved, but communication connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The keyfob retaining tool serves as a stable intermediary that ensures reliable communication connection despite its temporary nature. It provides a dedicated, purpose-built interface between the keyfob and ECM that maintains connection stability throughout the programming process, eliminating concerns about communication reliability that might otherwise arise from temporary installation methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyfob retaining tool includes an ignition switch retaining section, a keyfob retaining section attached to the ignition switch retaining section and an ignition switch installed to the ignition switch retaining section. The ignitions switch is configured to temporarily connect to wiring of a vehicle for electronic communication with an ECM (electronic control module) of the vehicle. The keyfob retaining section is configured to temporarily retain a keyfob adjacent to the ignition switch such that the keyfob establishes a communication connection via the ignition switch with the ECM of the vehicle in order to electronically pair the keyfob with the ECM of the vehicle.