Server-Controlled Ignition Block for Secure After-Hours Vehicle Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle pick-up systems do not allow for secure after-hours retrieval of serviced vehicles without ensuring payment has been made, leading to potential losses for service establishments and inconvenience for users.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a server to remotely control the powertrain control module of a vehicle, disabling it until payment is confirmed, allowing secure after-hours pick-up by enabling the module only after payment acceptance is received.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional key-fob or mobile app remote control is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security and payment verification capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control operationVSAvoidpayment verification security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile device and the vehicle. The server receives the unlock request from the mobile device, verifies payment status with the service establishment, and then communicates with the vehicle's control system. This intermediary ensures that convenience is maintained while security is enforced through centralized payment verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where the server continuously monitors payment status and vehicle state. When payment is received, the server receives confirmation feedback and automatically sends an enable signal to the vehicle's powertrain control module. This feedback mechanism ensures that vehicle access is dynamically controlled based on payment verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If after-hours vehicle pick-up is enabled without payment verification, then user convenience is improved, but financial loss risk worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveafter-hours pick-up convenienceVSAvoidfinancial loss risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary payment verification before enabling vehicle access. The server checks payment status in advance and only sends unlock commands after confirming that payment has been received. This preliminary action ensures that financial risk is eliminated while after-hours convenience is maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by blocking vehicle ignition and powertrain functions before payment is confirmed. The server sends disable commands to the vehicle's control system in advance, preventing any vehicle operation until payment verification is complete. This preemptive blocking eliminates financial loss risk while allowing convenient after-hours pickup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If remote ignition control is implemented, then payment security is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment securityVSAvoidremote control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing multi-functional mobile devices and vehicle control systems. The mobile device serves both as a communication tool and a payment verification trigger, while the vehicle's infotainment and powertrain control systems handle both entertainment and ignition control functions. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automated server-side payment verification and vehicle control. Once the user initiates an unlock request, the server automatically verifies payment status, communicates with the service establishment, and controls vehicle access without requiring manual intervention from staff. This automation reduces operational complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10019771B2Method and system for enabling after-hours vehicle pick up

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 GENERAL MOTORS LLC

AI summary

In an example of a method for enabling after-hours vehicle pick up, a server recognizes that a service payment request is outstanding for a serviced vehicle. In response to the recognizing, the server transmits an ignition block command to the serviced vehicle. The ignition block command triggers a powertrain control module of the serviced vehicle to enter a disengaged state that electrically prohibits the powertrain control module from providing tractive power to a vehicle drive wheel. At the server, a notification of a payment acceptance is received from an infotainment unit of the serviced vehicle or a mobile communications device associated with the serviced vehicle. In response to receiving the notification, the server transmits an ignition enabling command triggering the powertrain control module to enter an engaged state that electrically enables the powertrain control module to provide tractive power to the vehicle drive wheel.