Portable Memory Ignition System for Fleet Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automobile ignition systems lack integration with leading-edge computer functions and portable memory devices, limiting their capabilities and not providing unique applications such as efficient fleet management.
Innovation Solution
A portable memory device, like a USB flash drive or cell phone, is used as a substitute for the key, communicating with an onboard computer to control ignition, door locks, and other systems, enabling data transmission and storage for personalized settings, navigation, and fleet management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional physical keys are used for ignition and door locks, then the system is simple and reliable, but it lacks integration with computer functions and portable memory devices, limiting capabilities and fleet management applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single portable memory device to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an ignition key and a door lock key, and can be used across different vehicles in a fleet. The device integrates computer functions including data storage, authentication, and communication capabilities, allowing one device to replace multiple traditional keys and provide additional smart features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system with an electronic/portable memory-based system. Instead of using physical keys that insert into mechanical ignition switches and lock cylinders, the invention uses portable memory devices that communicate electronically with the vehicle's computer system, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic data exchange.
2Productivity
If portable memory devices are used as key substitutes, then data transmission and personalized settings are enabled, but the need for manual verification and physical key management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the portable memory device to automatically perform authentication, data transmission, and vehicle identification functions without requiring manual verification. The device autonomously communicates with the vehicle's computer system, transfers necessary data, and completes the ignition and door lock processes without human intervention in the verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the portable memory device with necessary authentication data, vehicle identification information, and personalized settings before the user approaches the vehicle. This preliminary preparation enables rapid automatic verification and eliminates the need for manual data entry or verification during the ignition process.
3Quantity of substance
If electronic data from chips is used for ignition, then key uniqueness is maintained, but integration with advanced computer functions and mass storage capabilities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the authentication chip functionality with a portable memory device that has mass storage capabilities. The device integrates both the secure authentication elements (for maintaining key uniqueness) and the large-capacity memory storage (for data transmission and personalized settings), creating a unified device that provides both security and advanced computer function integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable memory device consisting of a cell phone used in substitution of an automobile key and interfaced with an automobile onboard computer and ignition system. The portable memory device contains data that, when read by the onboard computer, enables the ignition system. The portable memory device is read and write capable, thereby allowing for data to be used by the onboard computer in conjunction with several automobile systems, and allowing for data to be transferred from said systems to the portable memory device by the onboard computer, thus facilitating vehicle operation and, in one embodiment, a method for managing a transportation fleet using portable memory devices in place of mechanical ignition keys and manual check-out and check-in procedures.