Remote Ignition Disconnect for Scalable Vehicle Theft Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle theft deterrent systems are difficult to use, easily circumvented, and may damage vehicles, 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 authentication and manual overrides for emergency use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disconnect switches are used to prevent theft, then vehicle security is improved, but the system is easily circumvented and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical disconnect switches with a remote electronic control system. The system uses a remote device (such as a smartphone or key fob) to send wireless signals to an electronic control unit in the vehicle, which then actuates an electronic disconnect mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for physical access to the vehicle's electrical system, making the system both more secure and easier to operate from a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the user's remote device and the vehicle's electrical system. This intermediary receives authentication signals, processes security protocols, and controls the disconnect mechanism accordingly. The intermediary layer adds security through authentication requirements while maintaining ease of use through automated control, resolving the contradiction between security and usability.
2Reliability
If conventional theft deterrent devices are installed, then vehicle security is improved, but the devices may damage vehicles and void warranties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the disconnect function from invasive mechanical switches that require physical installation within the vehicle's electrical system. Instead, the system uses a remote electronic control approach where the control unit communicates wirelessly with the vehicle's existing electronic systems. This extraction eliminates the need for damaging installations while maintaining the security function through electronic rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing electronic control architecture and communication systems to perform the disconnect function. By leveraging the vehicle's own electronic infrastructure rather than adding invasive external components, the system avoids damage to vehicle components and preserves warranty coverage while achieving theft deterrence through software and electronic control.
3Reliability
If conventional disconnect switches are used, then individual vehicle protection is achieved, but scalability to fleet management is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the remote control system with universal functionality that can operate on a single vehicle or be scaled to manage entire fleets. The electronic control unit can receive and process commands from centralized fleet management systems, allowing the same basic architecture to serve both individual vehicle protection and multi-vehicle fleet management. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt from protecting one vehicle to coordinating security across numerous vehicles without requiring fundamental redesign.
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.