NFC Antenna and Control Module for Keyless Vehicle Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals often forget their vehicle keys or fob devices, making it inconvenient to start their vehicles without a key or fob, even with existing Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses near field communication (NFC) to detect a mobile electronic device, allowing the vehicle to be activated to a key-on state by coupling an NFC tag with an NFC antenna and sending a signal through the vehicle bus when the start button is pressed, eliminating the need for a key or fob.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) systems are used, then vehicle starting convenience is improved, but the system still requires a key or fob device which users may forget
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an NFC tag as an intermediary authentication element that can be integrated into mobile devices or wallet cards. This intermediary serves as a backup authentication method when the traditional key or fob is forgotten, allowing the system to verify user identity and activate vehicle starting functions through NFC communication with the vehicle's antenna
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the key function by embedding an NFC tag that contains authentication data. Instead of relying on a physical key or electronic fob, the system uses a digital representation of key credentials stored in the NFC tag, which can be accessed through mobile devices or wallet cards to authenticate and activate vehicle starting
2Ease of operation
If NFC technology is used to detect mobile devices, then keyless activation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the NFC antenna and control module serve multiple functions: they not only detect mobile devices with NFC tags for authentication but also work with the existing start button and vehicle bus system. This multi-functionality allows the system to integrate NFC-based keyless activation into existing vehicle architectures without requiring completely separate dedicated components for each function
3Reliability
If the system requires the mobile device to be powered on for NFC communication, then authentication security is maintained, but usability is reduced when the device is dead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a backup authentication copy by placing an NFC tag in a wallet card that contains the same authentication credentials as the mobile device. When the mobile device is dead or unavailable, the NFC tag in the wallet card serves as a standalone copy of the authentication key, allowing users to still activate vehicle starting through NFC communication without requiring the mobile device to be powered on
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
Enables vehicle activation without a key or fob, ensuring convenience by utilizing NFC technology to authenticate and power the vehicle, even when the mobile device is dead or in a docking station, and includes a wallet card for third-party access.
Implementation Method 1
an NFC antenna and a control module. The NFC antenna is positioned to selectively couple with the NFC tag if the NFC tag is within a predetermined distance from the NFC antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A system for activating a vehicle to a key-on state by detecting a presence of a near field communication (“NFC”) tag is provided. The system includes a vehicle bus, a start button in communication with the vehicle bus, an NFC antenna, and a control module. The NFC antenna is positioned to selectively couple with the NFC tag if the NFC tag is within a predetermined distance from the NFC antenna. The control module is in communication with the NFC antenna and the start button. The control module includes control logic for determining if the determining if the NFC antenna is coupled with the NFC tag. The control module includes control logic for determining if the start button has received the input to activate the vehicle to the key-on state. The control module includes control logic for sending a signal through the vehicle bus to activate the vehicle.