Vehicle Remote Start Controller Bus Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote vehicle starting systems face challenges due to increased wiring complexity and the need for hardwiring, which complicates installation and increases costs, especially when integrating features like engine starting, climate control, and window operation, particularly when bypassing immobilizer devices and determining transmission positions.
Innovation Solution
A remote start system utilizing a data communications bus within the vehicle to control engine starting, climate control, and window operation, with a processor generating commands on the bus to manage these functions, allowing for integration with existing vehicle systems and simplifying installation through multiplexing, and enabling remote control via a transmitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote start systems are hardwired to vehicle components, then control functionality is achieved, but wiring complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data communications bus as an intermediary communication medium between the remote start controller and vehicle components. Instead of direct hardwired connections, the controller communicates with the engine controller, climate control system, and window control through standardized bus protocols, eliminating the need for complex custom wiring harnesses and T-connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical hardwiring system with an electronic communication bus system. The physical wiring connections are substituted with digital signal transmission over existing vehicle data buses, transforming a hardware-intensive installation into an electronics/software-based solution that requires minimal physical modification to the vehicle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicle devices are integrated into remote start system, then functionality is enhanced, but wiring harness size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface based on standardized data bus protocols that can control multiple different vehicle subsystems through a single controller. The same bus communication infrastructure supports engine starting, climate control, window operation, and other functions, allowing one system to perform many roles without requiring separate wiring for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions (engine start, climate control, window operation) into a single integrated remote start controller that communicates with all subsystems through the data communications bus. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate control circuits and wiring harnesses for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If vehicle wiring is reduced to decrease weight and cost, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but integration of remote control features becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the vehicle's existing data communications bus infrastructure, which is already present in modern vehicles for internal component communication. The remote start system does not require additional dedicated wiring but instead utilizes the vehicle's own communication network, allowing the system to serve itself by using resources already provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal data bus communication protocols that can interface with multiple vehicle subsystems through standardized connections. This approach maintains high integration capability despite reduced wiring, as the same communication bus can control engines, climate systems, windows, and other components without requiring function-specific wiring harnesses.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote start control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending through the vehicle, an engine, a window motor associated with a window and operating the window based upon a move window command on the data communications bus, and a vehicle climate control system operable based upon a climate control command on the data communications bus. The remote start control system may include a remote start transmitter to generate a remote start signal, and a vehicle remote start controller at the vehicle that may include a receiver to receive the remote start signal, and at least one processor cooperating with the receiver. The at least one processor, in response to the remote start signal, may generate the move window command on the data communications bus, generate the climate control command on the data communications bus, and start the engine.