Shift Interlock Solenoid Kill Switch for Hidden Vehicle Theft Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle security systems fail to prevent unauthorized users from displacing the transmission gear shift knob from the park position to other gear positions while the vehicle engine is running, as they primarily rely on disabling power or fuel, which is not sufficient to prevent theft.
Innovation Solution
A stealthy transmission shift interlock solenoid kill switch system that includes a hidden user interface, a power interrupt feature, and a controller to prohibit power from reaching the automatic transmission shift interlock solenoid switch unless an authorized user input is received, ensuring the gear shift knob remains locked in the park position until the brake pedal is depressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional brake transmission shift interlock features are used, then the shift lever can be moved from park position when brake pedal is depressed, but unauthorized users can still steal the vehicle while the engine is running
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply to the transmission shift interlock solenoid into separate controllable circuits. The controller independently manages power delivery to the solenoid based on authentication status, separating the normal shift interlock function from security control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the user interface and the transmission shift interlock solenoid. It mediates power delivery to the solenoid based on received signals, providing a layer of security control that prevents unauthorized gear position changes while maintaining normal vehicle operation.
2Reliability
If power is disabled to prevent gear displacement, then theft prevention is improved, but the vehicle cannot operate normally
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls power delivery to the transmission shift interlock solenoid based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors engine running status and receives user inputs to dynamically adjust whether power is supplied to the solenoid, enabling flexible security management without compromising normal vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter (power delivery) to the transmission shift interlock solenoid based on security requirements. When theft prevention is needed, the controller stops power delivery to the solenoid, rendering the gear shift inoperative. When authorized, power is restored to allow normal shifting operations.
3Ease of operation
If a visible user interface is provided for security control, then ease of use is improved, but stealth and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is positioned in a specific location (driver's footwell area) that provides ease of access for the authorized driver while remaining hidden from view. This local placement creates different visibility qualities for different users - visible and accessible to the driver, but invisible to unauthorized persons outside the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simple foot-based interface (footrest or pedal) instead of complex visible controls. This inexpensive, simple interface provides sufficient functionality for security control while being difficult for unauthorized users to locate or operate, effectively using a 'disposable' level of complexity that meets security needs without attracting attention.
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
Effectively prevents unauthorized users from stealing the vehicle by ensuring the transmission cannot be shifted out of the park position while the engine is running, allowing the driver to exit the vehicle without worrying about theft.
Implementation Method 1
automatic transmission shift interlock solenoid switch
Data Source
AI summary
A stealthy transmission shift interlock solenoid kill switch system includes a first stealthy user interface being located within the vehicle and further being configured to be stealthy and hidden from a vehicle driver's line of sight, a vehicle center console transmission gear shift knob configured to operate an automatic transmission gear position of the vehicle, a vehicle power interrupt feature, an automatic transmission shift interlock solenoid switch, a controller being operably coupled to the first stealthy user interface, a brake pedal of the vehicle, and the vehicle power interrupt feature. The controller is configured to manage an operating mode of the vehicle center console transmission gear shift knob and thereby prohibit power from reaching the automatic transmission shift interlock solenoid switch so that the vehicle center console transmission gear shift knob is prohibited from being displaced out of a park position.