OBD Dongle Key Pairing via Protocol Selection and Ownership Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key pairing devices for vehicles are complex, costly, and often require external devices or specialized tools, leading to high costs and limited accessibility for consumers, especially for older vehicles or those no longer supported by manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A standalone OBD port dongle that allows for manual selection of communication modes and protocols, enabling direct pairing of vehicle keys with vehicles without external devices, while verifying user ownership and limiting usage to prevent unauthorized pairing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing key pairing devices are used, then key pairing functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential key pairing functionality from complex existing systems and implements it in a simplified standalone OBD dongle. The dongle contains only the necessary components (microcontroller, OBD interface, key interface) to perform pairing, eliminating dependencies on external devices, computers, or specialized tools that characterize traditional pairing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pairing device is designed to be self-sufficient, containing all necessary pairing logic and protocols internally. The standalone OBD dongle can independently communicate with both the vehicle and the key, performing authentication and pairing without requiring external assistance from computers, smartphones, or other specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If existing key pairing devices are used, then key pairing functionality is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable or single-use OBD dongle design that is intentionally kept simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Each dongle is a low-cost device containing basic pairing functionality, suitable for one-time or limited use, eliminating the need for expensive reusable professional pairing tools while achieving the same functional result.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential pairing functionality from expensive professional tools and implements it in a minimal standalone device. By removing unnecessary features, external dependencies, and complex components, the resulting OBD dongle achieves cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining reliable key pairing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection of communication modes is implemented, then adaptability to different vehicles is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that guide the user through the pairing process. The system provides visual or audible feedback about the current communication mode, pairing status, and required user actions, allowing users to understand what the device is doing and how to proceed without needing to manually configure technical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting or pre-configuring the appropriate communication mode based on the vehicle or key type. The system prepares the necessary communication protocols in advance, so users don't need to manually select modes during operation - the device handles protocol selection automatically or through simple user guidance.
4Reliability
If ownership verification is implemented, then security is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service ownership verification where the system automatically checks and verifies ownership credentials without requiring complex user input. The OBD dongle independently communicates with the vehicle to verify ownership status, and the key interface automatically validates key authorization, performing security checks transparently without burdening the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides clear feedback to users about the ownership verification process. The system communicates verification status through simple indicators (visual or audible), informing users whether ownership is confirmed and pairing can proceed, making the security process transparent and easy to understand without requiring technical knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system, method, and apparatus for pairing a vehicle key or remote keyless entry device with a vehicle by a dongle connected to an OBD port of the vehicle. The OBD programming dongle operates without a connection to an external device and pairs one or more keys with a vehicle without user intervention after the pairing process has started. The OBD programming dongle may be linked to a specific vehicle by the VIN code of the specific vehicle.