Universal Remote Control Actuation Module with RF Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for vehicles require extensive custom engineering and professional installation to interface with vehicle electronics, limiting their accessibility and affordability for consumers, and often struggle with compatibility across different vehicle models and secure RF designs, which complicates the addition of wireless connectivity enhancements.
Innovation Solution
A remote control button actuation system utilizing servo motors and a programmable controller to actuate buttons on vehicle remote controls, allowing for universal compatibility and mobile device linkage without specialized tools, with an isolation enclosure to prevent RF interference and secure key fob retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary telematics systems are implemented, then remote control functionality is achieved, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary OBD-II interface that standardizes communication between the remote control system and vehicle electronics. This mediator approach allows universal compatibility with multiple vehicle models without requiring vehicle-specific custom engineering, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining remote control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by leveraging the standardized OBD-II protocol that exists in virtually all vehicles manufactured since 1996. This multi-functional interface enables a single remote control system to work with various vehicle makes and models, eliminating the need for proprietary vehicle-specific systems and reducing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom engineering efforts are performed, then vehicle interface compatibility is achieved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the remote control system with standardized OBD-II communication protocols and mechanical connectors that are universally compatible with vehicle interfaces. This preparation before installation eliminates the need for time-consuming custom engineering during the installation process, allowing for quick plug-and-play setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves compatibility through parameter changes by dynamically adjusting communication parameters (such as baud rate, data format, and protocol versions) to match the specific vehicle's OBD-II implementation. This allows the same hardware system to adapt to different vehicle interfaces without physical modification or custom engineering.
3Reliability
If professional technician installation is required, then installation reliability is improved, but consumer accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service installation by providing consumers with all necessary installation components, including the OBD-II interface module, mounting hardware, and calibration tools. The system includes user-friendly calibration procedures that allow consumers to independently configure the remote control system without requiring professional technician assistance, thereby maintaining reliability while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms during installation through automated detection and diagnostic features that guide consumers through the calibration process. The system provides real-time feedback on connection status, signal strength, and configuration correctness, enabling consumers to self-diagnose and resolve issues without professional intervention while maintaining installation reliability.
4Reliability
If secure RF designs are used, then security is improved, but system compatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The OBD-II interface acts as an intermediary that handles secure communication protocols between the remote control system and vehicle electronics. This mediator approach allows the system to maintain secure RF designs while achieving compatibility by translating between different security protocols and communication formats through the standardized interface, rather than requiring direct compatibility with each vehicle's proprietary security system.
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 easy, cost-effective, and secure remote control of vehicle functions from mobile devices, eliminating the need for custom engineering and ensuring compatibility with various vehicle systems, while preventing unauthorized access through RF blocking.
Implementation Method 1
an isolation enclosure to prevent RF interference
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
An actuation system used to actuate one or more buttons on a remote control device, such as a key fob, based upon commands that are generated from a mobile device. The actuation system includes an isolation enclosure that prevents RF signals from entering into or leaving an open interior of the enclosure. The enclosure surrounds a controller, a button actuator and the remote control device. The controller receives the command signals from the mobile device and converts the command signals into position commands that are used to activate the button actuator to move the plunger into alignment with one of the buttons on the key fob. The button actuator moves the plunger into contact with one of the buttons which generates an RF signal from the key fob. The controller utilizes a transmitting antenna to communicate a vehicle command signal out of the isolation enclosure for receipt by the vehicle.