Smartphone Digital Key for Keyless Vehicle Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional key-based vehicle rental systems require physical keys or key fobs, leading to inefficiencies and drawbacks such as the need for key exchange and return, which can be cumbersome and insecure.

Innovation Solution

A keyless vehicle system that uses a smartphone to communicate with a vehicle's security system via Wi-Fi or cellular frequencies, allowing users to access and operate vehicles without physical keys through a digital key and authorization code, utilizing a touch pad for entry and a powered latch system for door operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If physical keys or key fobs are used for vehicle rental, then vehicle access and operation can be controlled, but the system requires key exchange and return processes that are cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle rental efficiencyVSAvoidkey exchange process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key system with a wireless communication system using smartphones and inbuilt WiFi. The digital key transmitted via wireless communication eliminates the need for physical key exchange, allowing users to access and operate vehicles remotely through their smartphones, thereby improving rental efficiency and eliminating cumbersome key return processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the key function through smartphone applications and wireless communication protocols. Instead of transferring a physical key object, the system transmits digital authentication data that replicates the key's function, enabling seamless vehicle access without physical key handover

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If physical keys or key fobs are used for vehicle rental, then vehicle security can be maintained, but the risk of loss or misplacement of keys increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle securityVSAvoidkey loss or misplacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical keys with wireless digital authentication systems. The smartphone-based digital key eliminates the risk of physical key loss or misplacement while maintaining security through encrypted wireless communication and remote authentication protocols, preventing unauthorized access even if the smartphone is lost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary layer between the user and the vehicle security system. This intermediary uses encrypted data transmission and authentication protocols to maintain security without requiring physical key possession, thereby eliminating the harmful factor of key loss while preserving reliable vehicle security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional key systems are used, then vehicle access control is established, but the system complexity increases due to key management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control capabilityVSAvoidkey management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the smartphone serve multiple functions: it acts as the key, the remote control, and the authentication device. The inbuilt WiFi system similarly performs multiple roles including communication, authentication, and vehicle control interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate key management infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatile access control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the key function, remote control function, and authentication function into a single smartphone device. The vehicle's inbuilt WiFi system combines communication and authentication capabilities in one integrated system, eliminating the need for separate key management components and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10086797B2Keyless car sharing mechanism using smartphones and inbuilt WiFi systems for authentication

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A method of operating/renting keyless motor vehicles includes configuring a user's smartphone to wirelessly communicate with the security systems of at least a selected keyless vehicle, whereby the user's smartphone can transmit a digital key to the security system of a keyless vehicle to permit operation thereof. A digital key for a selected keyless vehicle is transmitted to the user's smartphone, and the user is provided with an authorization code that can be used to gain entry into the selected vehicle. The user enters the authorization code using the user input device of the selected keyless vehicle, and the user's smartphone then transmits the digital key to the security system of the selected keyless vehicle. The user can enter and operate the selected vehicle without receiving a conventional key and/or key fob.