Mobile Device Disabling System for Insurance Premium Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distracted driving caused by mobile device usage remains a significant safety concern, leading to accidents and liability issues, as existing solutions are not entirely effective in preventing distractions while driving.

Innovation Solution

A system that provides insurance discounts to customers who use mobile device disabling technologies, which are correlated with specific discount levels based on their effectiveness in restricting phone use during driving, and periodically verifies the use of these technologies to ensure compliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mobile device disabling technologies are implemented to prevent distracted driving, then driving safety is improved, but device functionality and user convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving safetyVSAvoidmobile device usability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts mobile device functionality based on driving conditions. During driving hours or when motion is detected, the device automatically disables certain functions (texting, browsing) while allowing essential functions (calls, navigation). When not driving, full functionality is restored. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing safety when needed and convenience when driving is not occurring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The disabling technology applies selective restrictions to specific functions rather than completely blocking all device usage. Essential functions like voice calls and navigation remain accessible, while distracting functions like texting and web browsing are disabled during driving. This localized approach maintains necessary usability while eliminating safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If insurance discounts are offered for using mobile device disabling technologies, then safe driving behavior is promoted, but system complexity increases due to verification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe driving behaviorVSAvoidverification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic feedback loops where the mobile device disabling technology continuously reports its operational status to the insurance company's server. The server verifies compliance periodically and automatically adjusts insurance premiums based on verified usage. This automated feedback mechanism promotes safe driving through financial incentives while minimizing manual verification complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device disabling technology includes built-in verification capabilities that automatically report compliance status without requiring manual intervention from users. The device self-monitors its own functionality restrictions and communicates this information to the insurance provider, simplifying the verification process and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If complete mobile device disabling is implemented during driving, then distraction is eliminated, but essential communication functions are also blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedistractionVSAvoidcommunication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies function-specific restrictions rather than blanket disabling. Texting, web browsing, and app usage are blocked during driving, while essential functions like voice calls, navigation, and emergency services remain fully accessible. This selective approach eliminates distracting functions while preserving necessary communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer that manages device functionality based on driving context. This intermediary selectively permits or blocks specific functions based on safety considerations, allowing essential communications to proceed while preventing distracting interactions. The intermediary acts as a smart filter between the driver and device functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12175542B2Mobile device disabling and verification system and method
Publication Date: 2024.12.24 HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE CO
  • US12175542B2 patent drawing
  • US12175542B2 patent drawing
  • US12175542B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for processing and administering insurance policy premium discounts for mobile device disabling technology to promote safer driver is disclosed. An insurance policy premium discount is determined based on the level of disabling technology implemented by a user on a user's mobile device.