Remote Engine Control via Auxiliary Key Reader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles with auxiliary equipment, such as cherry pickers, face security risks and inefficiencies due to the need for the engine to remain running when the operator is remote, leading to potential theft and unnecessary fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle apparatus allowing remote start and stop of the engine using existing key systems, with a controller and key readers that authenticate signals from both proximate and remote locations, enabling the engine to be controlled without the key being inside the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine remains running to provide power to auxiliary equipment when the operator is remote, then power availability for auxiliary equipment is improved, but security risk increases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode where the key reader is proximate to the vehicle cabin allowing traditional key-in-ignition operation, and a second mode where the key reader is remote allowing engine operation without the key being physically present in the vehicle. This dynamic mode switching enables the engine to remain running for auxiliary equipment operation while the operator works remotely, eliminating security risks associated with leaving the key in the ignition.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote key reader positioned away from the vehicle cabin acts as an intermediary between the operator and the engine control system. This remote key reader receives authentication signals from the key and transmits commands to the controller to start or stop the engine, allowing the operator to control engine operation from a remote location without the key needing to be physically inside the vehicle.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine remains running to provide power to auxiliary equipment when the operator is remote, then power availability for auxiliary equipment is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine operation based on operational needs. In the second mode, the engine can remain running to provide power to auxiliary equipment while the operator works remotely. When the operator returns to the vehicle or does not need auxiliary equipment, the system switches to the first mode where the engine can be stopped, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining power availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the operator about engine status and auxiliary equipment power consumption, enabling informed decisions about whether to keep the engine running. The controller monitors engine operation and can automatically adjust engine state based on detected conditions, optimizing the balance between power availability and fuel consumption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the key must be inside the vehicle to start the engine, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when the operator needs to work remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its security model based on operational context. In the first mode, traditional security applies requiring the key to be in the ignition. In the second mode, the system accepts authenticated remote key signals as sufficient for engine control, eliminating the need for physical key insertion while maintaining security through authentication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote key reader serves as an intermediary authentication device that validates the key's credentials without requiring physical presence in the vehicle cabin. This intermediary maintains security by verifying authentication credentials while enabling remote operation, thus preserving security principles while improving ease of operation for remote work scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle apparatus has a controller, a first key reader disposed in a cabin of the vehicle, and a second key reader disposed external of the vehicle, such as on an auxiliary equipment. The controller is configured to actuate an engine control unit upon receipt of an authenticated signal. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the first key reader when the vehicle apparatus is operable in a first mode, and the controller is configured to receive a signal from the second key reader when the vehicle apparatus is operable in a second mode.