Trainable Transceiver Integrated in Vehicle Mirror Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional systems for remotely controlling home appliances and electronic devices require separate remote controls for each device, making it difficult to control multiple devices with a single consolidated system due to the need for specific predetermined control signals.

Innovation Solution

A trainable transceiver unit integrated into a vehicle's rear view mirror assembly that can 'learn' the characteristics of multiple remote control signals and store them for subsequent retransmission, allowing for the control of multiple electronic devices with a single control system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate remote controls are used for each electronic device, then each device can be controlled reliably with its specific predetermined control signal, but the complexity of the control system increases and multiple devices cannot be consolidated into a single control system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to control multiple devicesVSAvoidnumber of remote controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trainable transceiver unit is designed to perform multiple functions by learning and storing control signals from different remote controls. It can control various electronic devices (garage door openers, security gates, lighting systems) using a single device, making the system universal and multi-functional rather than requiring separate specialized remote controls for each device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The trainable transceiver unit learns by copying the control signals from original remote controls. It receives, analyzes, and stores the carrier frequency and data codes of transmitted signals, creating replicas that can be retransmitted to control different devices. This copying mechanism allows one device to replace multiple original remote controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If a trainable transceiver unit is integrated into the mirror assembly, then consolidation of control for multiple devices is achieved, but the mirror assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsolidated control capabilityVSAvoidmirror assembly integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The trainable transceiver unit is merged with the rear view mirror assembly, combining two separate functional systems into one integrated unit. The transceiver circuit, battery, and control components are housed within the mirror assembly structure, creating a unified device that provides both mirror functionality and remote control capabilities without requiring separate mounting locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mirror assembly is transformed into a multi-functional device that serves both as a rear view mirror and as a universal remote control system. This integration allows the single component to perform multiple functions (reflection and signal transmission), reducing the need for additional separate control devices while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If the transceiver circuit continuously monitors for control signals, then response time to control commands is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal response timeVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver circuit operates using periodic action by entering low-power sleep modes between signal transmission events and activating only when needed for learning or retransmission operations. The system monitors for user input or training commands periodically rather than continuously transmitting, thereby maintaining responsiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during standby periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3014586B1Battery powered rear view mirror display and integrated trainable transceiver unit
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 GENTEX CORP
  • EP3014586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3014586B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3014586B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A trainable transceiver unit for mounting in a vehicle includes a transceiver circuit configured to reproduce and transmit control signals for operating a plurality of remote electronic devices, a user interface element, a battery configured to power the transceiver circuit and the user interface element, and a housing. The housing contains the transceiver circuit, the user interface element, and the battery and is integrated with a component of the vehicle.