Vehicle Access Control Lock Modes for Walk-Away Locking Flexibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle access control systems with walking away locking (WAL) functionality lack user control over lock modes, leading to situations where repeated trips back to the vehicle are not possible without automatic locking, and the system may not provide adequate security in all scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An access control system for vehicles that allows users to select from multiple lock modes via a lock mode request module, enabling the system to change its lock state response based on user preference when the user device exceeds a threshold distance from the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If walking away locking (WAL) functionality is implemented to automatically lock the vehicle when the user exits, then the vehicle security is improved, but the user loses the ability to make repeated trips back to the vehicle without automatic locking occurring when it may not be desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different lock modes (first lock mode with automatic locking, second lock mode without automatic locking) based on user needs. The controller receives mode selection signals and adjusts the locking behavior accordingly, allowing the system to adapt its security characteristics rather than being fixed in one state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the access control system by switching between lock modes. In the first lock mode, the threshold distance triggers automatic locking; in the second lock mode, the same threshold distance does not trigger locking. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate different user scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If the access control system automatically locks when the user device exceeds threshold distance, then convenience is improved, but the system lacks user control over lock modes for different scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different lock modes. The same hardware infrastructure (controller, receiver, access systems) handles both automatic locking and manual locking scenarios, as well as providing user education functionality, making the system universal rather than single-purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user through the user education functionality, which can inform users about the current lock mode and the effects of their actions. This feedback loop helps users understand system behavior and make informed decisions about lock mode selection.
3Reliability
If the system provides automatic locking functionality, then security is enhanced, but the system may not provide adequate security in all scenarios due to lack of mode selection
Solution Approach 1:
The security level of the system is dynamically adjusted through mode selection. The first lock mode provides automatic locking for enhanced security, while the second lock mode allows manual control. The system can transition between these security levels based on user requirements and environmental context.
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
The system provides users with greater control over lock modes, allowing for flexible use scenarios such as multiple trips back to the vehicle without automatic locking, while also enhancing security through double locking modes.
Implementation Method 1
communicate with a control unit in the vehicle via a receiver... send signals over a Radio Frequency (RF) communications channel
Implementation Method 2
the control unit sends a signal to a transmitter to emit a powerful Low Frequency (LF) electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An access control system (53) for a vehicle (10) having at least one access system associated with a closure (19) of the vehicle (10), the access control system (53) comprising one or more controllers (22), the access control system configured to receive a first signal (34) from an associated user device (12), the first signal (34) being indicative that the user device (12) is beyond a threshold distance from the vehicle (10); receive a second signal (30) indicative of a user request to change a lock mode of the access control system (53); operate in a lock mode selected from a plurality of lock modes in dependence on receipt of the second signal (30); and generate a control signal to activate the at least one access system (51) into a lock state in dependence on the selected lock mode and in response to the first signal (34) indicating that the proximity of the user device (12) to the vehicle (10) exceeds the threshold distance.