Vehicle Access Button Assembly with BLE Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle access systems lack secure and convenient methods for controlling access, especially in scenarios where the user's smartphone may be out of range or locked inside the vehicle, and do not provide efficient solutions for temporary or shared access.
Innovation Solution
A device mounted on the vehicle featuring a transmitter, receiver, microcontroller, and unlocking mechanism that uses Bluetooth Low Energy for secure connection with a smartphone, enabling unlock signals to be sent via ultra-high frequency, and incorporating biometric or NFC authentication for secure access, with the option for remote credential sharing and appless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional keyless entry system is used, then the user can unlock the vehicle remotely, but the system lacks security when the smartphone is locked inside the vehicle or out of range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a button assembly as an intermediary device mounted on the vehicle that mediates between the user and the vehicle's locking system. When the smartphone is unavailable or locked inside, the button assembly serves as a fallback authentication mechanism, allowing users to unlock the vehicle through alternative methods such as proximity detection or paired device communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a paired state between the button assembly and the smartphone before the actual unlocking event. The smartphone and button assembly authenticate and pair in advance, storing encryption keys and authentication data. This preliminary pairing ensures that when the smartphone is later unavailable, the pre-established trust relationship enables secure alternative access methods.
2Reliability
If multiple authentication methods are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a physical button interface and a wireless communication device. It can authenticate users through multiple methods including smartphone pairing, proximity detection, and direct button presses, making a single device perform multiple authentication functions rather than requiring separate systems for each method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple authentication mechanisms into a single integrated button assembly unit. The physical button, wireless receiver, microcontroller, and authentication logic are merged into one compact device mounted on the vehicle, consolidating what could have been separate systems into a unified authentication hub.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth Low Energy is used for smartphone connection, then power consumption is reduced, but connection range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly acts as an intermediary that extends the effective communication range. Instead of requiring direct long-range communication between the smartphone and vehicle, the smartphone communicates with the button assembly via low-power Bluetooth Low Energy, and the button assembly (mounted on the vehicle) handles the final authentication and unlocking, effectively bridging the range gap.
4Reliability
If the system requires smartphone pairing, then security is enhanced, but ease of operation decreases when smartphone is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pairing between the smartphone and button assembly in advance, storing authentication credentials and encryption keys before they are needed. This pre-authentication allows the button assembly to function independently when the smartphone is unavailable, as the trust relationship has already been established.
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly is designed to serve itself as an authentication mechanism when the smartphone is unavailable. It can detect paired devices, verify authentication credentials, and execute unlocking commands independently without requiring real-time smartphone involvement, making the system self-sufficient for authentication.
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 secure, convenient, and range-limited access to vehicles, allowing temporary access sharing and preventing locking users out, while ensuring security through multiple authentication methods and eliminating the need for a dedicated app for smartphone linkage.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitter is configured to send an unlock signal to an electronic control unit inside the vehicle to unlock a door of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the remote device and the receiver communicate via a short-range wireless transmission technique
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling access to a vehicle, the device including: a housing, the housing including a transmitter, a receiver, a microcontroller and an unlocking mechanism, wherein the housing is configured to be mounted to a vehicle and, in response to a triggering event at the unlocking mechanism, the microcontroller is configured to advertise itself to allow a previously linked remote device to connect and, once a connection is established with the remote device, the transmitter is configured to send an unlock signal to an electronic control unit inside the vehicle to unlock a door of the vehicle.