Keyless Mobility Vehicle Immobiliser With Charge-Inhibit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key-operated mobility vehicles are vulnerable to theft, difficult to operate for users with limited finger movement, and pose a safety risk if the user becomes incapacitated, with existing keyless systems not adequately addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A keyless activation system using a remote operation transmitter paired with a battery charging circuit inhibit circuit, which prevents vehicle operation when a charging cable is connected or if the transmitter is not authorized, featuring a visual indicator and optional proximity operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key-operated activation system is used, then the vehicle can be activated, but the vehicle is vulnerable to theft and easy to circumvent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-operated activation system with an electronic immobilizer system that uses a microprocessor and electronic sensors. The mechanical key insertion and turning action is substituted with electronic signal transmission between a transmitter and receiver, making the system immune to traditional mechanical lock picking and key duplication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The immobilizer system integrates multiple functions into a single electronic control unit: it serves as both the activation system and the security system. The microprocessor-controlled circuitry manages both the engine start authorization and the anti-theft protection, eliminating the need for separate mechanical locking mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a key-operated activation system is used, then the vehicle can be activated, but it is difficult to operate for users with limited finger movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key insertion and turning operation with a contactless electronic activation method. A transmitter (which could be a key fob, card, or proximity sensor) communicates with the receiver electronically, eliminating the need for manual dexterity to manipulate physical keys in tight lock spaces.
3Reliability
If a key-operated activation system is used, then the vehicle can be activated, but keys can be broken in the lock causing the vehicle to be stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical key-lock interface entirely, replacing it with an electronic communication system. The transmitter and receiver use electromagnetic fields or optical signals to exchange activation data, completely removing the risk of physical key breakage within a locking mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If a key-operated activation system is used, then the vehicle can be activated, but it is difficult to bring the vehicle safely to a stop if the user becomes incapacitated
Solution Approach 1:
The immobilizer system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the microprocessor that can monitor system state and respond to emergency conditions. The electronic control allows for remote deactivation signals or automatic safety protocols that can stop the vehicle even when the user is incapacitated, as the electronic system can receive and process external stop commands that a mechanical system cannot.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An electrically powered mobility vehicle including a keyless activation system, wherein the vehicle includes a rechargeable battery arrangement; a drive circuit which includes one or more electric motors; and a battery charging circuit, wherein the battery charging circuit has a first condition wherein power output from the rechargeable battery to the drive circuit is prevented, and a second condition where power output from the rechargeable battery to the drive circuit is permitted; wherein the keyless activation system includes a control module carried by the vehicle and a remote operation transmitter, wherein the control module includes an immobiliser connected to the battery charging circuit, the immobiliser having a first configuration in which a first electrical signal is sent to the battery charging circuit which activates the first condition of the battery charging circuit, and a second configuration in which a second electrical signal is sent to the battery charging circuit which activates the second condition of the battery charging circuit if the battery is not being charged; and a signal receiver electrically connected to the immobiliser, wherein the signal receiver is wirelessly coupled to the remote operation transmitter and the signal receiver controls the immobiliser in accordance with signals received from the remote operation transmitter.