Protected Idle Activation for Secure Parked Emergency Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency or first responder vehicles require frequent manual activation of an idle mode, which is cumbersome during high-stress scenarios, necessitating an automated solution to improve operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A protected idle system with an electronic control unit (ECU) that automatically activates an automatic protected idle function when the vehicle enters park mode, utilizing brake and control switch states to set hold times for enabling or disabling the idle function based on user input, and re-enabling it upon ignition-off or detection of an authorized user device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual activation of idle mode is implemented, then the vehicle can be secured against unauthorized use, but the operational process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming for first responders
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically activating the protected idle mode when the vehicle enters park mode, eliminating the need for manual activation. The ECU detects park mode and automatically engages the idle protection function, securing the vehicle before the operator needs to take further action.
Solution Approach 2:
The protected idle system serves itself by automatically detecting when the vehicle is in park mode and activating the idle function without requiring operator intervention. The system monitors its own state through the ECU and autonomously manages the idle activation and deactivation based on predefined conditions.
2Reliability
If repeated manual activation of idle mode is required, then the lock function remains secure, but the operational efficiency decreases during high-stress scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares in advance by automatically activating the protected idle mode upon entering park mode, so that when the first responder needs to exit the vehicle, the security function is already engaged without requiring repeated manual activation during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU continuously monitors vehicle state and provides feedback control by automatically deactivating the protected idle mode when specific conditions are met (such as detecting the operator's return or specific ignition states), allowing the system to adapt to operational needs without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If automated protected idle function is implemented, then operational convenience is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU performs multiple functions: it detects park mode, activates the protected idle mode, monitors operational conditions, and automatically deactivates the function when appropriate. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit that already manages other vehicle systems, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system manages itself through the existing ECU infrastructure, using available sensors and communication protocols already present in modern vehicles. The system leverages existing vehicle data buses and control networks to implement the protected idle function without requiring entirely new communication architectures or control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method when executed by data processing hardware causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include detecting a park mode of a vehicle equipped with an automatic protected idle function and activating the automatic protected idle function automatically in response to the detected park mode. A state of a control switch associated with the automatic protected idle function is determined, and a hold time is set in response to a respective determined state of the control switch. The operations also include modifying the automatic protected idle function for one or more ignition cycles in response to the set hold time.