Two Button Remote Control Actuator for Vehicle Key Fob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for vehicles and devices require extensive custom engineering and professional installation to interface with vehicle electronics, and existing solutions like RF and data bus control techniques face limitations such as complex setups and incompatibility with various vehicle designs, making it difficult to add wireless connectivity enhancements without special tools or training.
Innovation Solution
A remote control button actuation system using two button actuator tips controlled by a servo motor, powered by a programmable controller receiving signals from a mobile device, which can manually position and activate buttons on a key fob within an isolation enclosure to prevent external RF interference, allowing secure and versatile remote control functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extensive custom engineering efforts are used to interface electronics with vehicle systems, then remote control functionality is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an OBD-II connector as an intermediary device that interfaces between the added RF transmitter and the vehicle's existing data bus system. This standardized connector serves as a mediator that requires no custom engineering, allowing the RF control system to communicate with various vehicle electronics through existing protocols without complex installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the universal OBD-II connector standard that is present in all light-duty vehicles since 1996, making the remote control system universally compatible across different vehicle makes and models. This eliminates the need for vehicle-specific custom engineering and enables DIY installation by consumers
2Adaptability or versatility
If data bus commands are reverse engineered for each vehicle, then long-range remote control is achieved, but extensive effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by utilizing pre-existing data bus communication protocols and commands that are already standardized in vehicles. Rather than requiring reverse engineering during installation, the OBD-II connector and RF transmitter are pre-configured to work with standard vehicle protocols, eliminating time-consuming customization efforts
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service installation by consumers without requiring professional technicians. The standardized OBD-II interface and plug-and-play RF transmitter allow vehicle owners to install long-range remote control themselves, eliminating the need for expensive professional installation services while achieving the same functionality
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 easy and cost-effective self-installation of remote control enhancements for vehicles, compatible with various key fob designs, providing secure and reliable wireless connectivity without the need for specialized tools or training, allowing users to control vehicle functions from a mobile device.
Implementation Method 1
A servo motor may be controlled by a programmable controller that receives signals from a mobile device via short or medium-range wireless signals
Implementation Method 2
The isolation enclosure is designed to prevent radio frequency (RF) signals from entering into or leaving an open interior of the isolation enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation system used to actuate two buttons on a remote control device, such as a key fob, based upon commands that are generated from a mobile device. The actuation system includes an outer housing that defines an isolation enclosure. The actuation system includes a support frame that allows the vertical position of the button actuator to be manually adjusted. The lateral and longitudinal position of the actuator can also be manually adjusted, as can the distance between a pair of actuator tips. The controller receives the command signals from the mobile device and converts the command signals into actuation commands that are used to activate a servo motor to move the one of two actuation tips into contact with one of the buttons of the key fob. The system includes a RF receiver and transmitter to communicate a vehicle command signal for receipt by the vehicle.