Steering Lockout Control for Emergency Vehicle Theft Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle theft deterrent systems fail to allow non-legitimate users to move vehicles during emergencies while preventing theft, as they require the key to be left inside, which can hinder evacuation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle theft deterrent apparatus equipped with a driver verifier, steering torque detector, and actuator that allows unauthorized drivers to steer a vehicle for a set distance before prohibiting steering, using a combination of sensors and processors to verify driver information and control the steering system's torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the key is left in the vehicle to enable a third person to move the vehicle during emergencies, then the vehicle can be moved for evacuation, but the vehicle becomes vulnerable to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on verification results and travel distance. Initially, steering is permitted freely for emergency evacuation. After the vehicle travels a predetermined distance, the system automatically transitions to prohibiting steering input, thereby dynamically changing from an emergency-response mode to a theft-prevention mode without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the steering system's operational parameters based on verification results and distance traveled. The steering prohibition threshold is adjusted: initially set to prohibit steering for unauthorized users, but after the vehicle travels a predetermined distance, the threshold is effectively raised to permit continued steering for emergency evacuation purposes
2Object-affected harmful factors
If strict driver verification is implemented to prevent theft, then theft prevention is improved, but legitimate emergency evacuation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary driver verification before theft prevention is fully activated. When an unauthorized driver attempts to operate the vehicle, the system first verifies the driver information and then permits steering for a predetermined distance without immediate prohibition. This preliminary action allows legitimate emergency evacuation while setting the stage for subsequent theft prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The steering control system dynamically transitions from permissive mode to restrictive mode based on travel distance. Initially, steering is permitted to allow emergency evacuation. After the vehicle travels a predetermined distance, the system automatically activates steering prohibition, dynamically adapting the security level based on the situation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the actuator generates drive torque to prohibit steering immediately upon verification failure, then theft prevention is enhanced, but emergency response is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification and permits steering for a predetermined distance before activating the actuator to generate drive torque for steering prohibition. This preliminary action ensures that if emergency evacuation is needed, the vehicle can be moved immediately without delay, while still preparing for theft prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the vehicle to be moved a predetermined distance without immediate actuator activation, effectively skipping the theft prevention step initially. This rushing through the initial phase enables rapid emergency evacuation, while the actuator is activated later to prevent ongoing theft
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
Enables vehicles to be moved during emergencies by non-legitimate users while preventing theft by allowing steering until a set distance is traveled, then inhibiting further steering, thus balancing emergency access with theft prevention.
Implementation Method 1
a steering torque detector configured to detect steering torque input by a driver who drives the vehicle to a steering system of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
an actuator configured to generate drive torque to be given to the steering system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle theft deterrent apparatus includes a driver verifier, a steering torque detector, an actuator, and a steering controller. The steering torque detector is configured to detect steering torque input by a driver to a steering system. The actuator is configured to generate drive torque to be given to the steering system. The driver verifier is configured to verify whether driver information obtained from the driver matches registered information registered in advance. The steering controller is configured to control the drive torque generated by the actuator based on the steering torque. In a case where the driver verifier determines that the driver information does not match the registered information, the steering controller is configured to permit the driver to steer until a vehicle drives a set distance, and then to cause the actuator to generate the drive torque prohibiting the driver from steering.