Smart Key Magnetic Force Control for Vehicle Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Smart keys used in vehicles are limited in controlling various functions remotely and lack a convenient in-vehicle control system, especially with increasing demands for complex functionalities like remote parking, due to their design and reliance on mechanical key buttons.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle control apparatus and method using a smart key with a display that adjusts magnetic force levels based on attachment and detachment states, allowing for enhanced control of vehicle functions through a smart key recognizer with electromagnets and a controller, enabling intuitive operation and integration with vehicle systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of key buttons on smart key is increased to control more vehicle functions, then the control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidkey button configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smart key recognizer is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting smart key presence, determining attachment/detachment states, sensing orientation, and controlling various vehicle functions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate buttons while maintaining comprehensive control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical key buttons with a magnetic field-based detection system. The smart key recognizer uses electromagnets and magnetic sensors to detect key presence and state, substituting mechanical button presses with wireless magnetic field communication, thereby simplifying the physical interface while expanding control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If magnetic force is increased to secure smart key attachment during driving, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the ease of attachment and detachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidease of attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic force is made dynamic rather than static. The controller adjusts the electromagnet current based on vehicle state: using weaker magnetic force when the vehicle is stationary to facilitate easy attachment/detachment, and stronger magnetic force during driving to ensure secure attachment. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic force parameter based on operating conditions. By monitoring vehicle speed and driving state, the system adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter, using lower values for ease of operation during attachment/detachment phases and higher values for reliability during driving, thus resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If electromagnetic force is used to fix smart key, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the control precision over magnetic force deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing mechanismVSAvoidmagnetic force control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback control where the smart key recognizer continuously monitors the magnetic field strength and attachment state. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the electromagnet current to maintain the desired magnetic force level, ensuring precise control despite variations in manufacturing tolerances of the electromagnetic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution provides a more convenient and intuitive in-vehicle control system, simplifying key design, integrating functions, and ensuring safe attachment and detachment of the smart key using magnetic forces, while enabling wireless charging and reducing the need for separate charging slots, thus enhancing user experience and safety.

Implementation Method 1

adjusting a magnetic force of at least one electromagnet provided in a smart key recognizer disposed in a predetermined attachment region inside the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the smart key including a magnet, and adjusting, by the integrated apparatus, a magnetic force of at least one electromagnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10960847B2In-vehicle control apparatus using smart key provided with display and method for controlling the same

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A method for controlling a vehicle using a smart key is provided and includes sensing at least one of a vehicle state, an attachment state of the smart key, and a detachment state of the smart key, the smart key including a magnet, and adjusting a magnetic force of at least one electromagnet provided in a smart key recognizer disposed in a predetermined attachment region inside the vehicle based on a plurality of levels and a result of the sensing. The levels include at least a first level occurring before driving and a second level occurring during driving, and a magnetic force corresponding to the second level is greater than a magnetic force corresponding to the first level.