Telematics Control Unit Scheduling for Remote Vehicle Engine Start

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote vehicle starting devices have limited range and often cause compatibility issues with vehicles, compromising other functions and not allowing for pre-warming of the vehicle before arrival, especially for users returning from distant locations.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) that interfaces with an onboard transceiver to schedule engine start and stop times over a cellular network, allowing remote starting without hardware modifications, and integrating with existing vehicle systems to maintain battery health and driver comfort, with features like theft alerts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an aftermarket remote starting device is installed, then remote starting capability is added, but compatibility issues with vehicle systems occur and other functions may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote starting capabilityVSAvoidvehicle system compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the remote starting function with the vehicle's existing telematics control unit rather than installing a separate aftermarket device. The telematics control unit combines remote starting capability with existing vehicle control systems, eliminating compatibility issues while maintaining reliability of other vehicle functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a traditional remote starting device is used, then remote starting is enabled, but the range is limited to 200 feet requiring user proximity to the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote starting convenienceVSAvoidcommunication range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical radio frequency transmission system with a cellular network communication system. The telematics control unit communicates with mobile devices through cellular networks, eliminating the 200-foot range limitation and enabling remote starting from any location with cellular coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If the vehicle is started remotely from a distant location, then pre-warming capability is achieved, but battery drain and motor oil damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-warming timeVSAvoidbattery drain and motor oil damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of vehicle conditions (battery state of charge, motor oil temperature) before executing remote starting. Based on these assessments, the telematics control unit intelligently determines whether to start the engine and for how long, preventing unnecessary battery drain and motor oil damage while still providing pre-warming when conditions are appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The telematics control unit continuously monitors vehicle parameters (battery charge level, motor oil temperature) and uses this feedback to make real-time decisions about remote starting. The system adjusts starting duration and frequency based on monitored conditions, optimizing the balance between pre-warming benefits and preventing battery drain or motor oil damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7542827B2Scheduling remote starting of vehicle

Publication Date: 2009.06.02 AUMOVIO SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A method is described for scheduling the remote starting of an engine of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a remote starting device and a controller coupled to a communication device and to the remote starting device. The remote starting device is responsive to commands from the controller. The method includes a first step of defining a schedule of starting times. A next step includes entering the schedule in the controller. A next step includes controlling an operation of the remote starting device in accordance with the schedule.