Remote-Activated Electronic Key for Temporary Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle key authorization procedures are inconvenient, costly, and require invasive modifications to vehicles, lacking safety and efficiency in temporary use scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An electronic key system that operates independently of vehicle control units, transitioning between enabled and disabled states via direct wireless commands from external devices, eliminating the need for vehicle modifications and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional key authorization procedures are used, then vehicle access and engine start are enabled, but the process requires physical visits to counters/shops and dedicated operators, increasing time loss and operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service authorization where users can remotely activate or deactivate their electronic keys through a mobile device without needing to visit physical counters or interact with operators. The infrastructure automatically processes authorization requests, eliminating the need for dedicated operator intervention and significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic key is pre-configured with recognition data and can be activated remotely before the user needs to access the vehicle. The authorization infrastructure can pre-approve users, and the key can be enabled remotely via mobile device, allowing users to access vehicles without waiting at physical locations for key collection.
2Ease of operation
If smartphone-based solutions with control units are implemented, then key collection convenience is improved, but the system requires invasive modifications to vehicles and dedicated control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authorization logic from the vehicle control unit and places it in a separate infrastructure system. The electronic key operates independently with its own processing unit that can interpret authorization commands and communicate with the vehicle without requiring the vehicle's control unit to have special capabilities. This eliminates the need for invasive vehicle modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic key is designed as a universal device that can work with multiple vehicle models without requiring vehicle-specific modifications. The key's processing unit can handle authorization protocols generically, and the infrastructure can manage different vehicle types through the same key design, making the system universally applicable across various vehicle makes and models.
3Ease of operation
If permanent activation of electronic keys is used, then vehicle access is simplified, but security is reduced as unauthorized use cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic key's activation state is made dynamic rather than static. The key can be remotely activated or deactivated by the authorized user through their mobile device at any time. This dynamic control allows the system to balance ease of operation (when activated) with security (when deactivated), giving users flexible control over when their key is functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the infrastructure and mobile device can receive status information from the electronic key and send activation/deactivation commands based on authorization events. This feedback loop enables real-time control over key activation status, allowing the system to respond to authorization events and maintain security while enabling convenient access when appropriate.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electronic key (3) for the use of a motor vehicle (2), preferably to be able to manage the temporary use of a motor vehicle (2), characterized by the fact of comprising, inside its containment casing (4), the following components: - at least one processing and/or control unit (10), - at least one memory unit (11, 11', 11'') in which at least one recognition data (12, 12', 12'') is stored to control at least one function and/or system of a motor vehicle (2), preferably to allow/unlock the ignition of the engine of said motor vehicle and/or to allow/unlock the opening of at least one door of the motor vehicle, - at least one transmitter and/or transceiver unit (13) to communicate with at least one control unit (6) which is mounted in/on said motor vehicle (2) and which is configured to command, following the receipt of said at least one recognition data (12, 12', 12''), at least one functionality and/or system of the vehicle, - at least one receiver and/or transceiver (14) which is connected to the processing and/or control unit (10) and is configured to receive at least one command signal (15) directly from the outside, and characterized in that said at least one processing and/or control unit (10) is configured so that, upon receipt - by means of said at least one receiver/transceiver (14) - of said at least one command signal (15) directly from the outside, intervenes on at least one of said components of the key itself so as to make said key pass by: - an enabled state, in which it communicates - through said at least one transmitting and/or transceiver unit (13) - said at least one recognition data (12, 12', 12'') to at least one control unit (6) mounted in/on said motor vehicle (2), to thus successfully control at least one function and/or system of said motor vehicle (2), for example - a disabled state, in which it is unable to communicate with said at least one control unit (6) mounted in/on said vehicle (2) and/or does not communicate said at least one recognition data (12, 12', 12'') to said at least one control unit (6), thus preventing from controlling said at least one functionality and/or system of the motor vehicle (2), and/or for passing said key (3) from said disabled state to said enabled state.