Remote Sentinel Device for Vehicle Key-Off Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle systems that operate during ignition-off conditions, such as theft deterrent systems, can drain the battery, leading to a reduced state of charge and potential inability to start the engine, especially with increased electronic systems, which complicates battery size, weight, cost, and fuel economy considerations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a remote sentinel device with RF communication to activate boundary alert sensors only when an object is detected, using sensors like cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, and a controller to manage power consumption by activating sensors and alerting devices only when necessary, thereby reducing power draw during key-off conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If more electronic systems are added to operate during ignition-off conditions, then vehicle security and monitoring capabilities are improved, but battery power consumption increases and battery state of charge decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote sentinel device performs preliminary detection of objects approaching the vehicle before the vehicle's own sensors would detect them. This allows the vehicle to activate its boundary alert sensors only when necessary, rather than continuously, thereby maintaining security while reducing power consumption during ignition-off conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The remote sentinel device acts as an intermediary between the approaching object and the vehicle's boundary alert sensors. It detects objects at a distance and triggers the vehicle's sensors only when needed, serving as a power-efficient mediator that extends detection range without requiring the vehicle's sensors to operate continuously
2Power
If the battery power capability is increased to support more ignition-off systems, then system operational capability is improved, but battery size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote sentinel device performs preliminary detection before the vehicle's sensors need to activate, allowing the existing battery to support the additional electronic systems without needing to be oversized. This preliminary action enables the vehicle to use smaller, more fuel-efficient batteries while still supporting enhanced security features
3Measurement precision
If boundary alert sensors are activated continuously during ignition-off, then detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases and battery drains faster
Solution Approach 1:
The remote sentinel device performs preliminary detection of approaching objects at a distance from the vehicle. This allows the boundary alert sensors to remain inactive until actually needed, providing early warning while maintaining detection capability without continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous activation, the boundary alert sensors are activated periodically or event-driven based on detection by the remote sentinel device. This periodic action maintains detection capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption during ignition-off conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution extends the detection range and enhances vehicle security without draining the battery, allowing earlier detection of objects and reducing the risk of a no-start condition by activating sensors only when needed, thus maintaining battery health and improving fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The boundary alert sensor includes one or more of a microphone, a camera, a radar, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 2
The boundary alert sensor includes one or more of a microphone, a camera, a radar, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 3
a remote keyless entry system including a radio-frequency (RF) interface
Implementation Method 4
The boundary alert sensor includes one or more of a microphone, a camera, a radar, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A remote sensing device is utilized to activate boundary alert sensors in a vehicle to reduce current loading during a key-off condition. Communication between the remote sensing device and the vehicle is via a radio-frequency interface that is part of a remote keyless entry system. The remote sensing device transmits a signal to the vehicle when an object is detected within a predetermined range of the remote sensing device. In response to the signal, the vehicle activates one or more boundary alert sensors. The boundary alert sensors may include a camera, a radar, and an ultrasonic sensor. The remote sensing device can be configured to extend a range of the radio-frequency interface by repeating messages that it receives.