Self-arming Vehicle Immobilizer with Proximity Disarm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immobilizer systems for emergency vehicles require manual intervention to engage and disengage, leading to security lapses and inefficiencies, particularly in situations where quick access is needed, and may fail to prevent unauthorized access or operation when vehicles are left idling.
Innovation Solution
A self-arming immobilizer system that automatically engages when an authorized operator leaves the vehicle, using a combination of sensors and a security key fob to disarm the system, allowing for immediate immobilization and quick reactivation, with remote disarming capabilities to enhance security and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is required to engage and disengage the immobilizer system, then the system can be controlled by authorized operators, but security lapses occur when operators forget to arm the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The immobilizer system automatically arms itself when the vehicle is parked and the operator leaves, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system monitors operator presence and autonomously engages the immobilization function, ensuring security is maintained without requiring operator action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operator presence through sensors and automatically adjusts the immobilizer state based on this feedback. When the operator is detected as absent, the system arms the immobilizer; when present, it disarms, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains security appropriately.
2Reliability
If the immobilizer system is automatically armed upon operator departure, then security is maintained without manual intervention, but the operator cannot quickly disarm the vehicle in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions the disarm function within easy reach of the operator through proximity sensors and key fob technology. When the operator approaches or presents the key fob, the disarm mechanism is immediately activated, eliminating delays in emergency situations while maintaining automatic arming for security.
3Reliability
If proximity sensors and key fobs are used for automatic arming and disarming, then security is enhanced and quick access is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key fob serves multiple functions: it acts as a proximity identifier for automatic disarming, a remote control for manual arming/disarming operations, and an authentication device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing system complexity while maintaining enhanced security capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a self-arming immobilizer system for immobilizing a vehicle. In an embodiment, the system comprises a signal input for receiving a signal indicating the absence of an authorized operator in a position of control in the vehicle; and an immobilizer unit adapted to receive the signal input, and in response to the signal indicating the absence of an authorized operator in a position of control in the vehicle, switch one or more relays to disable one or more circuits in the vehicle to immobilize and secure the vehicle. In an embodiment, upon arming, the immobilizer unit is adapted to passively disarm the vehicle upon detection of a first key fob within a defined first distance from a sensor located on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the first key fob is operable to wirelessly arm or disarm the vehicle from a defined second distance from a sensor located on the vehicle.