Integrated Lug Nut Alarm Device for Theft Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The theft of automobile rims and tires is prevalent due to their high value, and existing solutions fail to effectively alert owners or authorities when unauthorized removal occurs.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle wheel lug nut device equipped with an alarm circuit, wireless signal receiver or transmitter, and a self-powered system that alerts owners or authorities when a lug nut is being removed, utilizing a circuit board, Bluetooth transmitter, battery, and wireless transceiver to communicate with a control module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an alarm system is installed in the lug nut, then theft detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (alarm circuit, wireless transmitter, battery, control module) into a single integrated lug nut device. This merging approach maintains comprehensive theft detection capability while consolidating complexity into one compact unit that is easier to install and manage compared to multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lug nut device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a fastening component and a security system with alarm, wireless communication, and power management capabilities. This multi-functionality improves theft detection while avoiding the need for additional separate devices, thereby managing overall system complexity.
2Loss of information
If wireless communication components are added to the lug nut, then remote alert capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wireless communication function into a dedicated transmitter component that communicates with a separate control module. This extraction allows remote alert capability to be implemented while isolating the communication complexity into a specialized subsystem, making the overall architecture more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves as an intermediary between the lug nut transmitter and the remote user's device. It handles the complex tasks of signal reception, processing, and communication protocol management, thereby simplifying the lug nut itself while maintaining robust remote alert functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a self-powered system with battery is implemented, then operational independence is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lug nut device is designed to be self-powered through an integrated battery system that provides operational independence. The device monitors its own power status, manages battery life, and maintains functionality without requiring external power sources or complex wiring to the vehicle's electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic power management strategies, including sleep modes and intermittent transmission, to extend battery life. The alarm system activates periodically or event-driven rather than continuously, reducing power consumption while maintaining operational independence and simplifying the power management architecture.
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
The system effectively warns vehicle owners or authorities of potential theft by sending alerts via wireless communication when a lug nut is removed, providing enhanced security and reducing the likelihood of stolen rims and tires.
Implementation Method 1
battery
Implementation Method 2
wireless transceiver having a wireless receiver and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle wheel lug nut device and system for automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, trailers and the like that is equipped with an alarm device and system for alarming owners when a lug nut is being removed in a potential theft situation wherein the alarm device and system includes a lug nut with a cavity housing a circuit board, blue tooth transmitter on one side of the circuit board, circuit board mounting screws, battery connect, retention spring, activation button and mounting screws, and wireless transceiver having a wireless receiver and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® transmitter, reset button, activation or arming button and back-up power supply.