Vehicle Access Actuator for Backup Entry Without Key Fob
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles equipped with passive entry passive start (PEPS) systems face challenges when key fobs or mobile communications devices are unavailable or inoperable, preventing users from accessing the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle access system that includes an actuator and controller allowing users to input an access code, providing audible, visual, or tactile feedback, and switching vehicle subsystems like door locks or charging ports between states upon successful code verification, even without a functioning key fob or mobile device, using a display system to assist in code entry and integrating with in-vehicle communication networks for authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PEPS systems (key fob or mobile device) are used for vehicle access, then convenience and security are improved, but the system becomes unreliable when the key fob or mobile device is unavailable or inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary access system that mediates between the user and the vehicle when PEPS components are unavailable. This intermediary system uses an actuator on the door handle to input access codes, serving as a backup communication channel that doesn't depend on electronic key fobs or mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the access method from wireless electronic communication (PEPS) to mechanical actuation-based code input. By altering the interaction parameter from wireless signal transmission to physical actuator manipulation, the system provides a reliable alternative when electronic components fail.
2Reliability
If an access code system is implemented without PEPS components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional actuators and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a conventional door handle component and as an input device for the access code system. This universal component performs multiple functions: mechanical door operation, code digit input, and system activation, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding backup access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own existing components (door handle, actuators, display systems, audio feedback) to provide the backup access method. Rather than introducing entirely new external components, the vehicle serves itself by repurposing existing elements for dual functions.
3Ease of operation
If multiple vehicle subsystems are integrated for feedback and control, then user experience and security are improved, but ease of operation decreases due to complex interaction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multiple feedback mechanisms (visual display, audio output, tactile actuator response) that provide real-time confirmation to the user during code entry. This feedback loop simplifies operation by guiding the user through the process and confirming correct input, despite the underlying complexity of coordinating multiple subsystems.
Data Source
AI summary
An access system for a vehicle includes a first vehicle subsystem configured to control access to an interior compartment of the vehicle, an actuator mounted on the vehicle and movable between first and second positions, and a controller coupled to the actuator and configured to: detect a first actuation sequence of the actuator, the first actuation sequence corresponding to an access code; during the first actuation sequence of the actuator, provide an audible, visual, or tactile response from the vehicle, by causing activation of a vehicle system; compare the access code to an authorization code; and generate a first control signal configured to cause the first vehicle subsystem to switch between a first state and a second state when the access code corresponds to the authorization code.