Smart Key Operating Mode Switching for Power and Temperature Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle keys, including smart keys, face issues with unnecessary power consumption during idle carrying and performance degradation due to environmental factors, leading to battery drain and functional failures.

Innovation Solution

A portable device for unlocking vehicles that adapts its operating mode based on motion status and ambient temperature, adjusting scanning frequency, transmit power, and sensor usage to conserve power and maintain functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the portable device continuously scans and transmits signals to ensure vehicle unlocking functionality, then the unlocking reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operating modes (working mode, standby mode, sleep mode) that adjust the scanning and transmission activities based on motion status and environmental conditions. The device transitions between these modes to balance unlocking reliability with power consumption, scanning frequently when motion is detected and reducing scans when stationary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters (scanning frequency, transmission power, sensor activation) based on detected conditions. When motion is detected or temperature extremes occur, the device adjusts these parameters to maintain reliable operation while optimizing power usage during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the portable device uses high transmit power to ensure signal transmission in severe weather, then the unlocking functionality is improved, but the power consumption and battery life are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking functionalityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmit power is dynamically adjusted based on environmental conditions and motion status. The device uses high power only when necessary (severe weather, motion detected) and reduces power during normal conditions or idle periods, extending battery life while maintaining functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the portable device activates all sensors and functions continuously to detect environmental conditions, then the adaptability to environment is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device activates sensors and functions partially based on needs. Motion sensors trigger full environmental scanning only when motion is detected, otherwise the device uses minimal sensing. Temperature sensors are activated selectively to determine operating mode, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Speed

If the portable device maintains high scanning frequency to quickly detect vehicle presence, then the response speed is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning frequency is implemented as periodic action that varies by operating mode. In working mode, scans occur frequently for quick detection. In standby and sleep modes, scanning becomes less frequent, reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly resume high-frequency scanning when motion is detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4242991B1Portable device for unlocking vehicle, method, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 NIO TECH ANHUI CO LTD
  • EP4242991B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a portable device for unlocking a vehicle, a method, and a storage medium. The portable device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to scan a pairing request signal from the vehicle, and transmit a locking/unlocking signal to the vehicle. The processing unit is configured to: receive a motion status signal indicating a motion status of the portable device and a temperature signal indicating an ambient temperature of the portable device; and switch an operating mode of the portable device based on at least one of the motion status signal and the temperature signal. The portable device for unlocking a vehicle proposed in the disclosure can switch its operating mode in response to a change in the motion status and the ambient temperature, thereby solving a problem of fast power consumption and a short service life of a smart key, and solving a problem of failure of a function of the smart key at high temperature in summer or at low temperature in winter.