Reusable Keyfob Mode Switching for Vehicle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle manufacturers face challenges in replacing traditional keyfobs with virtual keyfobs during the manufacturing, transportation, and selling processes, as they need a cost-effective solution to enable vehicle testing and demonstration without relying on multiple smartphones or virtual keyfobs.
Innovation Solution
A reusable keyfob with limited functionality is paired with new vehicles at the assembly plant, allowing mode switching between assembly, transportation, and user modes, and is unpaired when the virtual keyfob is activated, enabling efficient vehicle testing and minimizing costs by reusing the keyfob across multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a virtual keyfob on smartphone is used to eliminate traditional keyfobs, then the cost of replacement and repair is reduced, but vehicle manufacturers lose the ability to easily start vehicles during manufacturing, transportation, and selling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments keyfob functionality into two types: permanent virtual keyfobs for purchasers and temporary physical keyfobs for manufacturing/transportation/demonstration purposes. This segmentation allows each type to serve its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between eliminating traditional keyfobs and maintaining manufacturer control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or reusable physical keyfobs for temporary use during manufacturing, transportation, and demonstration. These keyfobs are inexpensive compared to smartphones and can be easily replaced or reset, allowing manufacturers to maintain operational flexibility without the complexity of managing multiple smartphones or virtual keyfobs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple smartphones are used for vehicle testing and demonstration, then vehicle functionality can be fully tested, but the cost and complexity of providing multiple devices increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The physical keyfob design incorporates multiple functions including start/stop control, mode switching (assembly, transportation, demonstration), and pairing capabilities. This multi-functionality allows a single physical keyfob to replace multiple smartphones, as it can perform all necessary vehicle control operations without requiring separate devices for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a standardized physical keyfob design that can be replicated and reused across multiple vehicles and locations. Instead of providing custom solutions for each vehicle, the patent employs identical physical keyfobs that work with multiple vehicles through pairing protocols, reducing the total number of unique devices needed.
3Reliability
If a physical keyfob is used for manufacturing and transportation, then vehicle control is maintained, but the keyfob needs to be unpaired and re-paired for each new vehicle owner
Solution Approach 1:
The pairing and unpairing process is designed to be automated and self-service oriented. The physical keyfob and vehicle system automatically manage pairing status, mode transitions, and connection establishment without requiring manual intervention from manufacturers or dealers. This reduces the operational burden despite the need to transfer control between different users.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyfob system incorporates dynamic mode switching between assembly mode, transportation mode, and demonstration mode. This dynamic capability allows the same physical keyfob to adapt to different operational contexts automatically, simplifying the transition between different usage scenarios and reducing the complexity of manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyfob and related method of utilizing a keyfob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a purchaser having a virtual keyfob are provided. The method broadly includes the steps of pairing a keyfob to a computer of the new vehicle at an assembly plant, using the keyfob to switch a mode of the new vehicle between an assembly mode and a transportation mode, and unpairing the keyfob from the computer upon pairing the computer to the virtual keyfob of the purchaser. The step of unpairing the keyfob may include providing instructions from a remote location to the computer via a wireless network, and from the computer to the virtual keyfob via a local area wireless network. The method may further include the step of re-pairing the keyfob to a computer of a second new vehicle at the first or a third location.