Keyless Vehicle Locking with Dual Antennas and Power Splitting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locking systems for vehicles are costly due to the need for multiple transmitting and receiving units with antennas, which increases manufacturing expenses while providing similar functionality.
Innovation Solution
A locking system utilizing a single transmitting and receiving unit with two spatially separated antennas, connected via an asymmetrical signal distributor, which operates with different power levels to ensure effective signal coverage indoors and outdoors, potentially replacing the electronic key with a smartphone using Bluetooth Low Energy technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple transmitting and receiving units with antennas are used for both interior and exterior areas, then signal coverage is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmitting and receiving units into a single unit that serves both interior and exterior areas. This single unit includes multiple antennas (at least two antennas for different spatial directions) and a signal distributor that routes signals appropriately, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive signal coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting and receiving unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both interior and exterior communication tasks. By incorporating a signal distributor that can direct signals to different antennas based on the target area, the system achieves universal coverage without requiring separate dedicated units for each area.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single transmitting and receiving unit with multiple antennas is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but signal distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal distributor as an intermediary component that manages the complexity of signal distribution. This signal distributor acts as a mediator between the transmitting and receiving unit and the multiple antennas, intelligently routing signals to the appropriate antennas based on whether communication is needed for interior or exterior areas, thereby managing complexity without requiring multiple separate units.
3Use of energy by moving object
If different power levels are used for interior and exterior antennas, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different power levels to different antennas based on their specific functional requirements. The signal distributor is configured to provide higher power to exterior antennas for long-range communication and lower power to interior antennas for short-range communication, optimizing energy efficiency for each local context without requiring complex adaptive control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional transmitting and receiving units, maintains reliable signal coverage, and simplifies the Bluetooth Low Energy connection maintenance, avoiding signal delays and malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
the two devices comprise transmitting and/or receiving units for transmitting, in particular electromagnetic signals, wherein the transmitting and/or receiving unit has an antenna for transmitting the signals
Implementation Method 2
the transmitting and/or receiving unit for the first device comprises two antennas. Furthermore, a signal distributor in the form of a power splitter is provided for the two antennas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking system (3), in particular for providing authorization to access and/or drive of a motor vehicle (1) in the manner of a keyless entry/go functionality. The locking system (3) comprises a first device (4), having at least two states and being configured as a control system, such as a control system for releasing and/or locking the car doors (6), the ignition lock, the steering wheel lock, for releasing and/or blocking the immobilizer, the motor control device or the like, and an associated second device (5) in the form of an electronic key, an ID transmitter, a chip card or the like. Both devices (4, 5) comprise for the operation thereof transmission and/or receiving units for the transmission of in particular electromagnetic signals (7), wherein the transmission and/or receiving unit has an antenna for transmitting the signals (7). At least one of the signals (7) transmitted between the second device (5) and the first device (4) is a coded operating signal for authenticating said second device (5) in such a way that once the transmitted operating signal has been positively identified for the authorized second device (5), the state of the first device (4) can be modified. The transmission and/or receiving unit (10) for the first device (4) comprises two antennae (11, 12). Furthermore, a signal distributor (13) in the form of a power splitter is provided for both antennae (11, 12). The transmission and/or receiving unit (10) is in communication with both antennae (11, 12) via the signal distributor (13).