Remote Vehicle Immobilization via Dynamic Profile Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle immobilization systems are ineffective in preventing theft and carjacking, as they rely on static immobilization methods that can be easily bypassed and do not allow for remote control or consideration of vehicle dynamics and driving conditions, failing to provide progressive and variable control over immobilization.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for remotely immobilizing vehicles by generating and sending immobilization profiles based on current vehicle dynamics and driving conditions, using wireless communication to adjust powertrain and braking parameters, and providing warnings to the operator before immobilization, allowing for gradual or sudden speed reduction depending on conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static immobilization is used based on authentication systems, then vehicle security is improved, but the system can be easily defeated by thieves and does not allow remote control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle securityVSAvoidremote control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote center as an intermediary between the vehicle operator and the vehicle's immobilization system. This remote center communicates with the vehicle's onboard computer via wireless networks to send immobilization commands, enabling remote control while maintaining security through a mediated authentication and control process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If immediate immobilization is implemented, then theft prevention is improved, but the vehicle operator has no opportunity to move to a safe location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidoperator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by sending a warning message to the vehicle operator before implementing immobilization. This allows the operator time to safely park or move the vehicle to a secure location before the immobilization command takes effect, balancing security with operator safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The immobilization process is made dynamic by allowing variable timing between warning and actual immobilization. The system can adjust the immobilization timeline based on vehicle conditions, location, and risk assessment, transitioning from immediate to delayed immobilization as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If complete immobilization is applied suddenly, then security response is improved, but the vehicle may be in an unsafe location without progressive control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity responseVSAvoidimmobilization control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The immobilization process is segmented into multiple stages: warning phase, gradual immobilization phase, and complete immobilization phase. This segmentation allows the vehicle to be controlled progressively, moving from operational to fully immobilized state through intermediate steps that maintain safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If remote immobilization is implemented without considering vehicle dynamics, then system simplicity is improved, but the immobilization may be unsafe or impractical in public locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidimmobilization safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dynamic parameters including vehicle speed, acceleration, location, and environmental context to determine the appropriate immobilization approach. This dynamic assessment ensures immobilization is safe and practical by considering real-time vehicle conditions and location factors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7518489B2Method and system for remote immobilization of vehicles
Publication Date: 2009.04.14 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US7518489B2 patent drawing
  • US7518489B2 patent drawing
  • US7518489B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for preventing vehicle theft and carjackings. There is provided a method comprising generating an immobilization profile based on the received current vehicle data, and sending the immobilization profile to the vehicle over a wireless communication network. There is also provided a method generally comprising determining current vehicle data regarding vehicle dynamics and driving conditions, obtaining an immobilization profile based on the received current vehicle data, and adjusting vehicle throttle and/or braking (e.g., friction-type braking, engine braking, etc.) so that vehicle speed approximates the immobilization profile. In one embodiment, the above described methods further comprise communicating with the vehicle operator prior to implementing vehicle immobilization profiles.