Valet Keyfob Segmentation for Vehicle Security

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing keyless vehicle access systems, such as keyfobs, often provide unnecessary features when used by valet services, compromising security and aesthetics, as they typically offer full functionality and are not designed to be limited or easily storable.

Innovation Solution

A valet keyfob system that allows wireless activation of a predetermined set of vehicle features, enabled only when needed, with a secondary keyfob that can be stored within the vehicle and programmable for customized use, separate from the master keyfob, which retains full functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a master keyfob with full functionality is provided to valet services, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to access to unnecessary features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The keyfob system is segmented into a master keyfob with full functionality and a separate valet keyfob with limited functionality. The valet keyfob contains only a subset of buttons and features necessary for basic vehicle operation, while the master keyfob retains all features including access to lockable storage areas. This segmentation allows valet services to operate the vehicle without accessing sensitive features, thereby improving security while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a master keyfob with full functionality is provided to valet services, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetics is worsened due to temporary possession of decorative keyfob

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidaesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The keyfob system is segmented into a master keyfob with full functionality and a separate valet keyfob with limited functionality. The valet keyfob contains only a subset of buttons and features necessary for basic vehicle operation, while the master keyfob retains all features including access to lockable storage areas. This segmentation allows valet services to operate the vehicle without accessing sensitive features, thereby improving security while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a valet keyfob with limited functionality is created, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to need for multiple keyfobs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple keyfobs into a single valet keyfob device. The valet keyfob integrates a limited set of buttons for basic vehicle functions (lock, unlock, trunk release) into one compact unit. This consolidation provides security through limited functionality while avoiding the complexity of managing multiple separate keyfobs, as the valet keyfob is a self-contained device with all necessary limited features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8487743B2Valet keyfob system

Publication Date: 2013.07.16 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system for activating a predetermined set of vehicle features on a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a valet keyfob in wireless communication with the vehicle and configured to activate the predetermined set of vehicle features when enabled, and a first processor coupled to the vehicle and configured to enable the valet keyfob to activate the predetermined set of vehicle features.