Vehicle Access Control System Energy Consumption Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Access control systems for vehicles consume high energy due to regular interrogation signals, reducing battery life, especially when the vehicle is stationary for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

An access control system with a sensor device that detects user or ID transmitter approaches, switching from a deactivation to an activation state only when proximity is detected, reducing unnecessary energy usage by generating detection signals only when necessary, and using low-energy detection methods like NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy for authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If regular query signals are sent to detect ID transmitter, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic query signals at specific intervals instead of continuous transmission. The control unit is configured to send query signals only at predetermined time intervals, allowing the system to maintain detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption during vehicle downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its detection behavior based on vehicle state. When the vehicle is moving, regular query signals are sent for reliable detection. When parked, the system reduces query frequency or enters low-power mode, adapting the detection strategy to current operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If detection means is continuously activated, then detection precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is divided into multiple operational states: a low-power standby mode and an active detection mode. The detection means remains in standby mode during vehicle downtime, consuming minimal energy, and transitions to active mode only when a user approach is detected or the vehicle is in operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A preliminary detection stage uses a low-power detection means to detect user approach in a near area before activating the full detection system. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for accurate authentication only when necessary, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining detection precision when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If detection range is extended, then detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection space is segmented into a near area and a detection range area. The near area is monitored by a low-power detection means that detects user approach, while the detection range is monitored by the main detection means that consumes more energy. This segmentation allows the system to maintain extended detection capability while managing energy consumption through selective activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The low-power detection means acts as an intermediary between the user and the main detection system. It detects user approach in the near area and triggers the main detection means to activate only when needed, serving as a energy-efficient mediator that enables extended detection range without continuous high energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3651126B1Access control system, vehicle and method for detecting an access wish
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3651126B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3651126B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP3651126B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

The invention relates to an access control system (10) for a vehicle (1) comprising a sensor device (20) with a detection means (22) for detecting an approach (90) in a near-field (32) of the vehicle (1) and a recognition means (21) for recognizing the approach (90) in a detection area (33) of the vehicle (1). The invention further relates to a vehicle (1) and a method (100) for recognizing a request for access to a vehicle (1).