Secure access to storage devices within vehicle cargo compartments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Public service vehicles often face challenges in securely accessing stored equipment, such as weapons, due to complex authentication sequences that can hinder timely access during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a body control module (BCM) to simultaneously unlock a rear gate and storage device for a predefined period in response to specific requests, using switches, key fobs, mobile apps, or remote servers, and automatically relocks them based on predefined conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex authentication sequences are used to secure storage devices, then security is improved, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and unlocks the storage device before the actual need for access occurs. The BCM receives authentication signals from key fobs, mobile apps, or remote servers in advance, and proactively unlocks the storage device and rear gate, eliminating the need for complex authentication sequences at the moment of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the authentication process by accepting multiple types of authentication signals (key fob, mobile app, remote server) and automatically managing the unlock sequence. The BCM dynamically controls the timing and sequence of unlocking the rear gate and storage device based on the received authentication signal, optimizing access time while maintaining security.
2Productivity
If simultaneous unlocking of gate and storage device is implemented, then access speed is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through position sensors that detect whether the rear gate is open or closed. The BCM continuously monitors the gate position and automatically relocks both the gate and storage device when the gate is closed, providing continuous feedback-based security control that mitigates the security risks of simultaneous unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service security management by automatically relocking the gate and storage device based on sensor input without requiring manual intervention. The BCM autonomously monitors gate position and executes relocking commands, ensuring security is maintained while allowing rapid access when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed for secure access to storage devices within vehicle cargo compartments. An example vehicle includes a rear gate including a gate lock, a cargo compartment accessible via the rear gate, a storage device positioned within the cargo compartment and including a storage lock, and a body control module (BCM) communicatively coupled to the gate lock and the storage lock. The BCM is to simultaneously unlock the rear gate and the storage device for a predefined period-of-time responsive to receiving a storage-access request.