Keyless Ignition Authentication With Shift Interlock for Drive-Off Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Keyless automobile systems face security risks and inconvenience due to the potential loss or misplacement of the key fob, leading to unauthorized vehicle operation and operational uncertainties.

Innovation Solution

A two-step detection authentication process is implemented, where the presence of the key fob is initially authenticated for ignition, and a shift lever interlock is controlled to prevent shifting into drive gear unless the key fob is detected and authenticated when the brake pedal is pressed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If keyless ignition system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication of the key fob's presence and validity before allowing ignition. The controller continuously monitors for the key fob and authenticates it before enabling engine start, preventing unauthorized operation while maintaining convenient keyless access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback regarding key fob detection status through instrument panel warnings and operational restrictions. When the key fob is not detected or is invalid, the system warns the driver and prevents certain operations, creating a feedback loop that maintains security while allowing convenient operation when conditions are proper.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If keyless system allows driving without key fob presence detection, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of key fob presence and authentication status before allowing drive operations. The shift lever interlock mechanism checks for valid key fob detection before permitting transmission engagement, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based ignition and transmission locking systems with an electronic keyless system using radio frequency communication and electronic control. This substitution maintains reliability through electronic authentication while improving productivity by eliminating manual key insertion and mechanical locking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shift lever interlock is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity risksVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the keyless ignition authentication functionality with the transmission shift lever interlock control into a single integrated key fob detection and authentication system. The same controller that manages ignition also controls the shift lever interlock, eliminating the need for separate security systems and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The key fob detection and authentication system serves multiple functions: it controls ignition operation, manages shift lever interlock, and provides security warnings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security devices and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining enhanced security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260070510A1Vehicle movement restrictions premised on electronic keys
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 ENGLE GRANGE LLC
  • US20260070510A1 patent drawing
  • US20260070510A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An ignition start system in which authentication of a key is carried out twice, first to activate the ignition switch to allow starting the engine and second at the time prior to moving the vehicle from a parked position. The two step authentication prevents driving off in a car that has been started without having the key for security purposes and also to avoid inconvenient situations that can otherwise occur.