Servo-Driven Boom Actuator for Universal Remote Control Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for vehicles require extensive custom engineering and professional installation to interface with vehicle electronics, limiting their accessibility and affordability for consumers, and fail to accommodate varying remote control designs and mobile device integration.
Innovation Solution
A configurable remote control button actuation system using a rotatable and extendable boom with servo motors, powered by a programmable controller, that can be calibrated for specific remote control designs and operated via mobile devices or telematics gateways, allowing universal actuation of buttons without special tools or training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive custom engineering efforts are used to interface electronics with vehicle systems, then remote control functionality is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an OBD-II connector as an intermediary interface between the aftermarket remote control system and the vehicle's existing data bus. This standardized connector serves as a mediator that requires no custom engineering, allowing the system to interface with various vehicle electronics through existing protocols while avoiding complex wiring modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a universal OBD-II connector that works across multiple vehicle types and manufacturers. By leveraging the standardized nature of OBD-II ports and existing vehicle data bus protocols, the same device can interface with different vehicle systems without requiring vehicle-specific custom engineering, thus reducing installation complexity while maintaining functionality.
2Reliability
If professional technicians are employed for installation, then proper integration with vehicle electronics is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-installable by consumers using a standardized OBD-II connector that plugs directly into the vehicle's existing port. The modular design with clear instructions allows users to perform the installation themselves without requiring professional technician expertise, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining proper electronics integration through the standardized interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF transmitters are added to existing vehicles, then remote control capability is provided, but compatibility with various vehicle systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the universal OBD-II connector standard that is present in all light-duty vehicles, enabling the same RF transmitter device to be installed across different vehicle makes and models. By utilizing existing vehicle data bus protocols through this standardized interface, the system achieves broad compatibility without requiring vehicle-specific adaptations, thus enhancing adaptability while managing complexity.
4Reliability
If data bus commands are reverse engineered for each vehicle, then long-range remote control is achieved, but installation time and expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system comes pre-configured with the necessary software and communication protocols to interface with vehicle data buses through the OBD-II connector. Rather than requiring reverse engineering during installation, the device is prepared in advance with universal compatibility features, allowing consumers to install it quickly without needing specialized expertise in vehicle electronics or time-consuming customization procedures.
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
Enables easy, cost-effective, and adaptable remote control of vehicle functions from mobile devices, compatible with various remote control designs, and prevents vehicle theft by hiding the system within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
A remote control button actuation system is disclosed including a rotatable and extendable boom with a button actuator tip. The boom includes a first servo motor to rotate the boom and a second servo motor to extend the boom.
Implementation Method 2
A button actuator tip is disclosed mounted on the boom and configurable to press buttons on a remote control when the boom is positioned over the remote control.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that can house a remote control for activating or controlling one or more features or functions of a vehicle. The device securely holds the remote control and upon reception of a command, operates to control a boom, actuator and pin such that the pin is moved over a particular button of the remote control, and then pressed for a requested period of time. A serious of commands or complex commands can result in causing multiple pressing patterns of the various buttons of the remote control. Thus, the features or functions of the vehicle can be activated remotely.