Vehicle Access Dongles With Bluetooth Fleet Usage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle dealership access management systems rely on physical keys, which are inefficient, time-consuming, and lack record-keeping, preventing dealerships from gaining insights into employee management, vehicle security, and buyer interest.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle fleet and access management system utilizing a uniquely coded dongle device installed in each vehicle, allowing access through a portable electronic device, with communication via Bluetooth, and recording access data in a central database to track vehicle usage and adherence to terms and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical keys are used for vehicle access, then vehicle access control is achieved, but time is lost in accessing and returning keys and searching for lost or misplaced keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system with an electronic access system using portable electronic devices that communicate with dongle devices in vehicles. This substitution eliminates physical key handling, returning, and searching operations, thereby resolving the time loss associated with mechanical key management while maintaining secure vehicle access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the key function through portable electronic devices that store access credentials. Instead of relying on a single physical key that must be manually returned, the system uses electronic copies that can be remotely managed, tracked, and revoked, eliminating the time spent on physical key return and search operations.
2Ease of operation
If physical keys are used for vehicle access, then vehicle access is enabled, but no record of the key or vehicle access is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the central server receives and stores data from portable electronic devices and dongle devices regarding vehicle access events. This creates an automatic record-keeping system that provides feedback on who accessed which vehicle and when, eliminating the information loss associated with untracked physical key usage while maintaining ease of vehicle access.
3Loss of information
If a dongle device system is implemented, then access records and business operational data are captured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal dongle devices that can interface with multiple vehicles and multiple portable electronic devices using standard communication protocols. This multi-functionality allows a single dongle device design to serve numerous vehicles, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive access data recording capabilities across the entire vehicle fleet.
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
This system streamlines vehicle access management, eliminating the need for physical keys, providing detailed records for business operations, such as salesperson performance analysis and buyer interest tracking, enhancing operational efficiency and security.
Implementation Method 1
The communication between the first user device and the first dongle device is blue tooth communication
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to manage and document user access to a set of vehicles in a vehicle dealership or fleet setting are provided. In one aspect, a dongle device is uniquely installed in each vehicle. The dongle communicates with a vehicle's controller to allow vehicle access. A user interacts with the dongle through a portable electronic device. The dongle is uniquely and permanently coded, by way of the VIN for example, to a particular vehicle. The user communicates at least some of the VIN to the dongle to request vehicle access. Vehicle access and other data associated with accessed vehicles are recorded as subject to terms and conditions established and maintained through a central database. Vehicle access data, such as vehicle access timings, allow a dealership to assess business operational data, such as salesperson vehicle access tempo and breadth, and buyer interest in vehicles or groups of vehicles.