Keyless Entry via Vehicle Component Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyless vehicle access systems face issues such as the need for additional hardware, increased costs, and vulnerability to unauthorized access due to reliance on transmitters or codes that can be lost, misplaced, or replicated.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generates a customized unlock code sequence using pre-existing vehicle components, which can be recorded and recognized by a control unit, allowing access to the vehicle without additional hardware, and can be configured through the vehicle's instrument cluster for enhanced security and user-defined access levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless RF transmitter tag is used for keyless entry, then the user does not need to carry a physical key, but the system requires additional hardware that can be lost, misplaced, or water logged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security function from a separate transmitter device and integrates it into the vehicle's existing components. The unlock code is generated by actuating pre-existing vehicle components (door handle, horn, brake pedal) rather than requiring a separate key fob or transmitter, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware while maintaining keyless entry convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing vehicle components serve multiple functions. The door handle not only opens the door but also generates security codes when actuated in specific sequences. The horn and brake pedal similarly serve their primary functions while also capable of generating unlock codes, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated keyless entry hardware
2Ease of operation
If a coded wireless system is used, then keyless access is enabled, but the code may be replicated by sophisticated copying software enabling unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of code generation from static pre-programmed codes to dynamic codes generated in real-time through physical actuation sequences. Each unlock code is created by the sequence, timing, and force of physical component actuation, making replication impossible while enabling keyless access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prevents copying by using physical actuation characteristics (timing, sequence, force) that cannot be replicated through software copying. The system captures the unique physical interaction pattern between the user and vehicle components, creating a code that is inherently uncopyable while maintaining convenient keyless operation
3Ease of operation
If a keypad or micro-switches are installed for keyless entry, then no transmitter is needed, but extra hardware adds to vehicle cost and may become damaged over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for additional keyless entry hardware by extracting the code generation function from separate components (keypad, micro-switches) and implementing it within the existing vehicle components. The door handle, horn, and brake pedal generate codes through their normal actuation, eliminating the need for extra hardware while achieving keyless entry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing vehicle components multi-functional by enabling them to generate security codes through their normal actuation. The door handle serves both as an entry mechanism and a code generator, the horn serves both its alert function and code generation, and the brake pedal similarly serves dual purposes, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated keyless entry hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A key-less entry system for motor vehicle uses actuations of one or more pre-existing vehicle components accessible from outside the vehicle, such as door handles, to generate an unlock an unlock code that is stored in a control unit. The code represents a sequence of actuations of component(s). Upon leaving the vehicle, the user locks the vehicle and sets the code by actuating the components in the desired sequence. To later unlock the vehicle, the user repeats the sequence of actuations, and the control unit sends an unlock signal to one or more door latches.