Keyless Control System with Mechanical Actuator Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive entry passive start (PEPS) systems in vehicles often fail when mobile communications devices, such as key fobs or smartphones, are unavailable or inoperable due to battery issues or loss, preventing users from entering or starting their vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A keyless control system that includes an actuator and switch on the vehicle, allowing users to input an access code to a controller, which compares it to a stored authorization code to enable entry or starting of the vehicle, even without a functioning key fob or smartphone, using a display to assist in entering the code and generating control signals to switch between locked and unlocked states or active and inactive states of vehicle subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If PEPS systems use mobile communications devices (key fobs, smartphones) for vehicle access and starting, then convenience and contactless operation are improved, but reliability deteriorates when device batteries fail or devices are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical actuator system with switches as an intermediary backup method. When the mobile communication device fails, the user can physically actuate switches (e.g., on the door handle or steering wheel) to input an access code, which the controller then processes to grant vehicle access or starting capability. This intermediary mechanical system ensures reliability when the primary wireless system fails.
2Reliability
If a mechanical actuator system with switches is added for backup access, then reliability of vehicle access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator switches are integrated into existing vehicle components that already have mechanical functions. For example, door handle actuators serve both their original door operation function and the new access code input function. Similarly, steering wheel actuators maintain steering control while providing backup authentication input. This multi-functionality approach adds reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the controller processes actuator actuation sequences to authenticate access codes, then security is improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with the authentication algorithm and access code validation logic before the vehicle is delivered to the user. When actuator switches are actuated in a sequence, the controller immediately processes the input against the stored authentication criteria without requiring external verification or complex real-time computations. This preliminary preparation minimizes verification time during actual access attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyless entry and start system for a vehicle includes a vehicle subsystem configured to control at least one of access to an interior compartment of the vehicle and starting of the vehicle. The system further includes an actuator movable between first and second positions and a switch coupled to the actuator. The switch assumes a first state when the actuator is in the first position and a second state when the actuator is in the second position. The system further includes a controller coupled to the switch and configured to detect an actuation sequence of the actuator, the actuation sequence corresponding to an access code. The controller is further configured to compare the access code to an authorization code and generate a control signal configured to cause the vehicle subsystem to switch states when the entry code corresponds to the authorization code.