Smart Key Reminder System Preventing Stranded Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often mistakenly leave vehicles running with wireless smart keys, leading to the next driver being stranded without a key when the vehicle is turned off, as existing systems lack a reliable reminder mechanism to prevent this scenario.
Innovation Solution
A smart key reminder system that includes a sensor system to detect the location of the wireless smart key relative to the vehicle and a control system to send alerts via the key or vehicle occupants when the key is beyond a predefined distance from the vehicle while it is running, using sensors and a control module with communication capabilities to prevent the user from leaving the vehicle without a key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless smart keys are used for convenient remote operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of leaving vehicle running without key
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the location of the wireless smart key relative to the vehicle and provides real-time feedback through alerts when the key is detected beyond a predetermined distance while the vehicle is running. This feedback loop enables the user to be immediately notified and return to retrieve the key, thereby maintaining both the convenience of wireless operation and the reliability of preventing accidental vehicle shutdown.
2Device complexity
If no reminder mechanism is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information occurs regarding key location status
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the existing wireless communication infrastructure between the smart key and vehicle control system to automatically monitor key location and generate alerts. By leveraging the already-present wireless transceiver components intended for other vehicle functions, the system provides location monitoring without requiring separate dedicated hardware, thus minimizing additional complexity while preventing information loss about key status.
3Reliability
If alert system is implemented to warn users, then reliability is improved by preventing accidental vehicle shutdown, but device complexity increases due to additional sensor and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transceiver system originally designed for other vehicle functions (such as remote locking, unlocking, and ignition control) is repurposed to also monitor smart key location and trigger alerts. By making the existing wireless communication system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated monitoring hardware, thereby improving reliability through comprehensive key tracking while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a smart key reminder system. The smart key reminder system prevents a user from mistakenly leaving a vehicle with a wireless smart key in his possession when the vehicle is running, which would otherwise result in the next driver being without a key and stranded once the vehicle is turned off. When the smart key travels more than a predefined distance from the vehicle when the vehicle is running, the smart key reminder system will give the person in possession of the smart key and/or vehicle occupants a warning not to leave the next driver without a key. A system for a vehicle can include a wireless smart key operable to receive an alert in response to a location of the wireless smart key with respect to the vehicle if the vehicle is operating.