Vehicle Compartment Locking Linked to Ignition and Park State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valuables stored in vehicles are susceptible to theft as existing vehicle locking systems do not provide adequate protection, allowing thieves to access compartments quickly despite alarm systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that connects lockable compartments to the ignition or vehicle locking system, enabling automatic locking and unlocking based on predefined conditions, such as ignition state or key fob instructions, to secure valuables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard vehicle locking system is used, then the vehicle doors can be locked, but the compartments inside the vehicle remain accessible to thieves
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interior is divided into accessible areas and lockable compartments. The locking system is segmented to control specific compartments (glove box, console, trunk) independently from the main vehicle doors, allowing selective security protection for valuable storage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Lockable compartments are nested within the vehicle structure. The compartments contain additional storage spaces within the vehicle interior, creating a nested hierarchy where the outer vehicle doors provide first-level security and the inner compartments provide second-level security for valuables.
2Extent of automation
If the vehicle locking system is connected to control compartment locks, then automatic locking can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control for lockable compartments is merged with the existing vehicle locking system. The same control unit that manages door locks also controls compartment locks, and the same communication bus (CAN bus) is used for signal transmission, eliminating the need for a separate control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle locking system is given multi-functionality by enabling it to control both the main vehicle doors and the internal compartments. A single locking system provides universal security control across different vehicle access points, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If compartments are locked automatically, then theft prevention is improved, but the user must ensure proper locking conditions are met
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system operates autonomously by monitoring vehicle state parameters (ignition status, door lock state, transmission position) and automatically locking compartments when security conditions are met. The system serves itself by making security decisions without requiring explicit user commands, reducing operational burden on the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors feedback from vehicle sensors (ignition switch position, door lock status, transmission gear) to determine when to lock or unlock compartments. This feedback mechanism ensures compartments are locked during parking and unlocked when the vehicle is in use, maintaining security while ensuring accessibility when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A wired or wireless vehicle locking system including a processor capable of determining that a first condition has occurred and send a lock signal to a lock mechanism of a door to a compartment or sub-compartment to lock the door and prevent access to the compartment or sub-compartment. The first condition may include: (i) determining that an ignition system of the vehicle has been placed in an off-state, (ii) determining that a key has been removed from the ignition system, or (iii) determining that a transmission of the vehicle has been placed in a park position. The processor may also determine that a second condition has occurred and send an unlock signal to the lock mechanism to unlock the door and enable access to the compartment or sub-compartment.