Vehicle Locking Key With Passive Transponder Emergency Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locking systems for motor vehicles require a mechanical emergency key when the key battery is depleted, which is costly and offers limited theft protection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a passively operating transponder in the electronic key, allowing emergency operation by transmitting a coded additional signal between the control device and the key, even when the key battery is dead, thus eliminating the need for a mechanical emergency key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical emergency key is integrated into car doors for emergency access when the key battery is depleted, then access to the vehicle is possible, but the system becomes expensive and offers only limited theft protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical emergency key system with an electromagnetic signal-based transponder system. The passive transponder uses electromagnetic fields to communicate with the control device, eliminating the need for mechanical components while maintaining emergency access functionality. This substitution reduces system complexity and cost while improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a passive transponder as an intermediary component that facilitates communication between the electronic key and the control device when the battery is depleted. The transponder acts as a mediator that can be activated by electromagnetic fields from the control device to transmit authentication signals, enabling emergency access without direct power supply from the key battery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic locking systems operate using electromagnetic waves with transmitters and receivers, then access authorization and driving authorization functions are enabled, but the system becomes inoperable when the key battery is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a passive transponder into the electronic key that is pre-configured to function without active power supply. This preliminary preparation ensures that even when the battery is depleted, the transponder can still respond to electromagnetic fields from the control device, maintaining system operability for emergency access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the key system by introducing a passive transponder that operates on different energy principles. Instead of relying on active battery-powered transmission, the transponder uses passive electromagnetic induction to receive energy and transmit signals, enabling operation under depleted battery conditions.
3Reliability
If a passive transponder is added to the electronic key for emergency operation, then emergency access is possible without a mechanical key, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the passive transponder component with the existing electronic key structure. By integrating the transponder into the key housing alongside other electronic components, the design minimizes additional complexity while maximizing emergency functionality. The transponder shares space and electromagnetic infrastructure with other key components.
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 cost-effective and secure emergency access to the vehicle without a mechanical key, enhancing theft protection and eliminating the need for expensive mechanical emergency key systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a coded additional signal between the control device and the key for authentication of the key
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking system (3) in a motor vehicle, having a first device (4) having at least two states, as a control device for locking and/or unlocking the automobile doors, and having a second device designed as an electronic key (5). Both devices (4, 5) have transmitters/receivers (11, 12) for the intended operation thereof. The transmitted signals (7) are an encoded operating signal for authentication of the second device (5), such that once the transmitted operating signal (7) has been positively identified for the authorized second device (5), the state of the first device (4) can be modified. The locking system (3) furthermore comprises an energy store (10) for supplying energy to the second device (5) for the intended operation thereof. A passively operating transponder (17) is provided in the second device (5), such that, in the case of the energy store (10) being exhausted, emergency operation is enabled.