Remote Vehicle Control Interface for Start and Climate Preconditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle key and key fob systems are prone to misplacement, require physical presence for vehicle operation, and lack remote starting and climate control capabilities, especially in colder climates.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device with a main body containing a vehicle control unit, power button, trunk button, climate control buttons, and auxiliary buttons, enabling remote control of vehicle functions such as starting, trunk operation, and climate settings via wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional key or key fob is used for vehicle access, then the vehicle can be locked and unlocked remotely, but the user must physically present the key or key fob to start the vehicle and cannot control climate or other functions remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a simple key fob into a multi-functional device by integrating a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) within a protective case. This mobile device runs an application that provides comprehensive vehicle control capabilities including remote start, climate control, audio system control, and vehicle diagnostics, thereby making a single device capable of performing multiple functions that previously required separate tools or physical presence in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines three separate elements into one integrated system: the traditional key fob, a mobile computing device (smartphone or tablet), and a vehicle control interface. The mobile device is physically housed within a protective case that attaches to the key fob, creating a unified control system that leverages the computational power of the mobile device while maintaining the portability and recognition functions of the traditional key fob.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle is started remotely without physical presence, then convenience is improved for cold climates, but security and verification challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multiple feedback mechanisms to ensure secure remote operation. The mobile device application communicates with the vehicle's control systems to verify user authentication, confirm vehicle status, and provide real-time feedback on whether remote commands were successfully executed. This includes verification that the correct user initiated the remote start and confirmation that the vehicle responded as expected, thereby maintaining security while enabling convenient remote operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control device, including a main body, a vehicle control unit disposed within the main body to allow a user to control a vehicle, a vehicle power button disposed on at least a portion of the main body to allow the user to power on the vehicle from a distance, a trunk button disposed on at least a portion of the main body to allow the user to open a trunk of the vehicle from a distance, and a plurality of climate control buttons to allow the user to control an air conditioner or a heater of the vehicle from a distance.