Smart Key System Communicable Distance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart key systems unnecessarily extend the communicable distance, leading to increased battery consumption and potential failure in extending the distance when necessary, due to periodic sensitivity switching without proper timing control.
Innovation Solution
A smart key system with a communicable distance extending unit that adjusts the transmission intensity and reception sensitivity of the request signal only when a predetermined manipulation is performed, allowing the system to determine if the user is sufficiently apart from the vehicle, thereby extending the communicable distance only when necessary and ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the reception sensitivity is periodically switched to high sensitivity to extend communicable distance, then the communicable distance is extended, but the consumption current increases and battery lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reception sensitivity adjustable based on operational conditions. The control unit dynamically switches between normal sensitivity and high sensitivity modes depending on whether a predetermined manipulation has been performed and the current communicable distance requirements, rather than maintaining a fixed periodic sensitivity pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reception sensitivity parameter from a fixed periodic pattern to a conditional variable state. The sensitivity parameter is modified based on the occurrence of predetermined manipulations and current communication needs, allowing the system to extend communicable distance only when necessary while conserving battery power during normal operation.
2Length of stationary object
If the reception sensitivity is periodically switched to high sensitivity, then the communicable distance is extended, but the system may fail to extend distance when needed due to timing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit monitor whether a predetermined manipulation has been performed and adjust the reception sensitivity accordingly. The system receives feedback about operational state and uses this information to determine when to extend communicable distance, ensuring reliable distance extension precisely when needed rather than according to a fixed periodic schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the high sensitivity mode in advance when a predetermined manipulation is detected. The control unit switches to high sensitivity reception before the actual communication need arises, ensuring the system is ready to extend communicable distance immediately when required, rather than waiting for periodic cycles.
3Measurement precision
If the communicable distance is extended by increasing reception sensitivity, then the user distance determination becomes more accurate, but the battery lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using high sensitivity reception only partially - specifically when a predetermined manipulation has been performed and communicable distance extension is needed. During normal operation, the system uses normal sensitivity mode, thereby achieving accurate distance determination only when necessary while minimizing battery consumption overall.
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
The system effectively extends the communicable distance only when needed, reducing battery consumption and ensuring accurate determination of the user's distance from the vehicle, preventing unnecessary operations like door closure or locking.
Implementation Method 1
a first transmitting unit mounted on the vehicle and configured to transmit a request signal toward an outside of a vehicle compartment of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a first receiving unit mounted on the vehicle and configured to receive an electric wave from an outside of the vehicle compartment of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a second receiving unit mounted on the portable device and configured to receive an electric wave from an outside of the portable device
Implementation Method 4
a second transmitting unit mounted on the portable device and configured to transmit an electric wave to the outside of the portable device, the second transmitting unit being configured to transmit a response signal to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A smart key system includes a control unit mounted on a vehicle and configured to cause vehicle-mounted equipment to perform a predetermined operation when a first receiving unit has shifted from a state where a response signal is receivable to a state where the response signal is unreceivable in a case where a predetermined manipulation has been performed in the vehicle or a portable device; and a communicable distance extending unit configured such that at least one of a transmission intensity with which a first transmitting unit transmits a request signal and a reception sensitivity with which a second receiving unit receives the request signal is made higher than a predetermined normal value until a predetermined timing when the predetermined manipulation has been performed in the vehicle or the portable device.