Remote Vehicle Starter With Tactile Reset Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote starting systems for vehicles require users to restart the engine frequently, leading to increased engine wear and pollutant production, as well as disrupting climate control systems, which can cause uncomfortable temperature fluctuations in the vehicle compartment.
Innovation Solution
A remote starting system with a tactile indicator and reset functionality, allowing users to extend the engine run time period before shutdown, reducing unnecessary engine startups and maintaining climate control operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the engine is remotely started to maintain climate control, then the climate control system operates, but the engine must be shut off after a run time period causing temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the engine to continue running beyond the initial run time period by detecting user presence through the proximity sensor. When the user approaches the vehicle, the engine extension is automatically activated, maintaining continuous climate control operation without shutdown and temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor provides feedback about user presence to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically extend engine operation when the user is detected near the vehicle, ensuring climate control continuity and eliminating the need for manual intervention.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the engine run time is extended automatically when user approaches, then climate control continuity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting user presence and extending engine operation without requiring manual input from the user. The proximity sensor and control system work autonomously to determine when engine extension is needed, eliminating the need for complex user interfaces or manual override mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor serves multiple functions: it detects user presence for engine extension and can potentially be used for other vehicle access and control functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If frequent engine restarts are required to maintain climate control, then the engine can be restarted for another run time period, but engine wear and pollutant production increase
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the engine run time continuously when user presence is detected, the system eliminates the stop-start cycle that causes excessive engine wear and pollutant emissions. The engine operates continuously throughout the period when the user is near the vehicle, maintaining climate control without unnecessary shutdowns and restarts.
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
The system reduces engine wear and pollutant emissions by minimizing frequent engine startups and maintains climate control functionality, enhancing user convenience and comfort by allowing continuous operation of the engine and climate control.
Implementation Method 1
The tactile indicator may comprise a vibration unit
Data Source
AI summary
A remote starting system for an engine of a vehicle includes a remote start handheld unit. A remote start controller may be positioned at the vehicle for starting the engine based upon the remote start handheld unit and causing the engine to run for a run time period before shutting off the vehicle engine. The remote start controller is resettable based upon the remote start handheld unit to cause the engine to run for an additional run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine. The remote start handheld unit includes a tactile indicator for providing a tactile indication to a user prior to expiration of the run time period to permit a user to use the remote start handheld unit to reset the run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine.