PCB Key Fob with Conductive Loop for Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key management systems face challenges in creating user-friendly, cost-effective key fobs that prevent tampering, enable bidirectional communication without an on-board power source, and allow for tracking of key fobs and their users.
Innovation Solution
A key fob manufactured from a printed circuit board (PCB) with a conductive loop for tampering detection, a microcontroller for identification, and three electrical contacts or a wireless transceiver for bidirectional communication with the key management system, eliminating the need for an on-board power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If bidirectional communication is implemented without an on-board power source, then power consumption is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but communication reliability and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power transfer mechanism as an intermediary between the key fob and key management system. This intermediary not only transfers power but also serves as a communication medium, allowing bidirectional communication without requiring an on-board power source in the key fob. The power transfer interface acts as a mediator that carries both power and data signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer interface is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transfer, enables bidirectional communication, and offers tamper detection capabilities. By making the interface universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate power source and communication components in the key fob, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the key ring structure is made from PCB material with conductive loop, then manufacturing cost and complexity decrease, but tamper detection capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the key ring structure with the PCB material, integrating the conductive loop directly into the key fob body. This combination eliminates the need for separate key ring components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining tamper detection capability through the conductive loop integrated in the PCB.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction where the key ring is made from PCB material that incorporates conductive elements. This composite approach allows the structure to serve both mechanical (key ring) and electronic (conductive loop for tamper detection) functions simultaneously, reducing manufacturing steps and cost.
3Device complexity
If only three contact points are used for communication, then device complexity and manufacturing cost decrease, but communication functionality must remain bidirectional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the power transfer interface to be multi-functional, using the same physical connection for both power transfer and bidirectional communication. This universal interface approach allows three contact points to handle multiple functions that would traditionally require separate connections, reducing device complexity while maintaining full communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges power transfer and communication functions into a single interface connection. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate hardware pathways into one integrated interface with three contact points, the patent reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
4Ease of manufacture
If the key fob body is integrally formed from PCB material, then manufacturing steps and cost decrease, but structural durability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction where PCB material serves as the integral body structure. This composite approach allows the key fob to be manufactured as a single piece reducing manufacturing steps, while the inherent properties of PCB material provide sufficient structural durability for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple components (body structure, key ring, circuit board) into a single integrally formed PCB structure. This consolidation eliminates assembly steps and potential weak points from connections, while the PCB material itself provides the necessary structural strength and rigidity for the key fob application.
Data Source
AI summary
A key fob for retaining a key or other object, including: a body structure manufactured from a printed circuit board material; a key ring structure manufactured from the printed circuit board material coupled to the body structure; and a conductive loop disposed one or more of within, on a surface of, and coupled to the printed circuit board material of the key ring structure. Optionally, the body structure and the key ring structure are integrally formed from the printed circuit board material.