Remote Ignition Disconnect for Fleet Vehicle Theft Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle theft deterrent systems are difficult to use, easily circumvented, and may damage vehicle components, void warranties, and lack scalability for fleets.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled power supply disconnect system that can be installed on vehicles without damaging them, allowing centralized control over multiple vehicles, with features like wireless communication, user authentication, and manual override for emergency use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional disconnect switch is used to prevent theft, then vehicle security is improved, but the device is easily circumvented and provides limited functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The remote vehicle battery disconnect device incorporates multiple functions including theft prevention, fleet management, remote monitoring, and controlled power disconnection. The device can operate as a simple disconnect switch or provide comprehensive fleet management capabilities through wireless communication and centralized control, making it adaptable to various security and management needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static disconnect switch to a dynamic system with remote control capabilities. The disconnect function can be activated or deactivated remotely, and the device can adapt its behavior based on received commands, vehicle status, and security conditions, providing flexible and responsive security management.
2Reliability
If a disconnect switch is installed to control power, then theft deterrence is improved, but the device is difficult to use and may damage vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual mechanical operation with electronic remote control. Instead of requiring physical access to the vehicle to operate the disconnect switch, users can control the disconnect function wirelessly through a remote interface, eliminating the need for physical manipulation and reducing the risk of accidental damage to vehicle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces a remote control interface as an intermediary between the user and the disconnect function. This intermediary layer allows users to control the disconnect switch from a distance, improving ease of operation while preventing direct contact with vehicle components that could be damaged.
3Reliability
If a conventional theft deterrent device is used, then basic security is provided, but the device lacks scalability for fleet management
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to serve both individual vehicle security and fleet management functions. It includes wireless communication capabilities and centralized control features that enable scalability from single-vehicle applications to multi-vehicle fleet operations, allowing the same device to provide basic security while also supporting advanced fleet management protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The device adds a communication and control dimension to the traditional disconnect switch. By incorporating wireless communication capabilities and remote monitoring features, the device transitions from a simple local security component to a networked system that can be managed centrally across multiple vehicles, enabling fleet-scale deployment and management.
4Productivity
If remote control capability is added to the disconnect device, then centralized fleet management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device architecture is segmented into distinct functional modules including the disconnect switch, wireless communication interface, control logic, and power management systems. This modular segmentation allows the complex functionality to be organized into manageable components, simplifying design, manufacturing, and maintenance while enabling advanced fleet management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A theft deterrent device configured to facilitate remote disconnection of a power supply from a powertrain of one or more vehicles may be coupled to an ignition circuit of a vehicle and may comprise a transceiver configured to send and receive data. Vehicle(s) may be grouped by myriad criteria data (which a user may define in an associated smartphone application) and may be remotely enabled/disabled based on each vehicles' association with the criteria data (membership in the group defined by criteria data). For example, based on a vehicles attribute data (e.g., lot number, VIN number, geolocation), the techniques herein may be configured to remotely enable/disable the vehicle by engaging a switch to close/interrupt an ignition circuit of the vehicle.