Reusable OBD2 Vehicle Access Module for Car-Share Fleet Turnover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle management systems for rental and car-sharing companies incur high labor and installation costs due to the need to remove and reinstall hardware every 18 to 24 months, which is time-intensive and expensive, and existing hardware is costly and power-hungry.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle management system utilizing a CAN bus interface, QR/Bar code, RFID/NFC auto detect read/writer, GPS, and a mobile app, coupled with a wireless network, allows for remote monitoring and configuration, enabling customers to access vehicles without reservation desks and reducing installation time by using a single control module that plugs into the OBD2 port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional hardware modules are used in RCS vehicles, then vehicle management functionality is provided, but installation and reinstallation costs are high and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hardware modules with a software-based solution that utilizes the vehicle's existing CAN bus system. The control module communicates with vehicle systems through standardized protocols, eliminating the need for complex physical installations and reconfigurations when vehicles are rotated.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed to be universally compatible with multiple vehicle makes and models by interfacing with the standardized OBD2 port and CAN bus system. This universal design allows the same hardware to be deployed across different vehicle types without requiring vehicle-specific customization or reinstallation procedures.
2Reliability
If sophisticated hardware and RFID readers are used, then vehicle management functionality is enhanced, but hardware cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the vehicle's existing communication infrastructure (CAN bus and OBD2 port) to provide vehicle management functionality. By using already-present components and protocols, the solution avoids adding power-hungry hardware while maintaining reliable access to vehicle data and control capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware modules are deployed, then comprehensive vehicle management is achieved, but system complexity and installation burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple vehicle management functions into a single control module that interfaces with the vehicle's existing CAN bus system. This unified approach combines functions such as vehicle monitoring, access control, and data communication into one integrated unit, reducing the number of separate hardware components required and simplifying installation and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described that wirelessly connects vehicles with a remote computer system using a vehicle control unit that is re-usable with different vehicles. The vehicle control unit can be detachably connectable with different vehicles over time to support rental transactions of the vehicles to which it is connected. Pairing techniques are described for linking the vehicle control unit with the vehicle to which it is connected. Furthermore, to re-use that vehicle control unit with a different vehicle, an unpairing process can be used to de-link the vehicle control unit from a first vehicle; and that vehicle control unit can then be paired with a different vehicle. To support the rental transactions, the remote computer system can send wireless signals to the vehicle control unit to control one or more vehicle functions of the paired vehicle to which the vehicle control unit is connected.