Vehicle Compartment Locking for Automatic Valuables Protection
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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 against unauthorized access, allowing thieves to quickly remove items even with alarm systems in place.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that connects lockable compartments or sub-compartments to the vehicle's ignition or locking system, enabling automatic locking and unlocking based on predefined conditions, such as ignition state or key fob instructions, to securely store valuables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If valuables are stored in the vehicle, then the occupants can conveniently keep items accessible, but the valuables become vulnerable to theft by unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interior is segmented into multiple compartments with different security levels. The glove compartment is divided into a main storage area and a secure sub-compartment. This segmentation allows occupants to store different items in different locations based on their security requirements, maintaining convenience while protecting valuable items.
Solution Approach 2:
A lockable sub-compartment is nested within the glove compartment structure. The sub-compartment door is integrated into the existing glove compartment door assembly, creating a nested configuration where a secure storage space is embedded within a larger, more accessible compartment. This nested design provides enhanced security for valuables while maintaining the overall glove compartment functionality.
2Reliability
If a traditional vehicle locking system is used, then the vehicle doors can be locked, but thieves can still quickly access the interior by breaking windows or forcing door locks
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically locks the glove compartment and sub-compartment doors when the vehicle is locked or when specific conditions are detected (ignition off, key removed, transmission in park). This preliminary locking action occurs before a theft attempt can occur, preventing unauthorized access even if the vehicle exterior is compromised. The lock mechanism is engaged in advance, eliminating the vulnerability window.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate locking mechanism for the glove compartment is introduced as an intermediary security layer between the vehicle exterior and the stored valuables. This independent lock system operates separately from the main vehicle locking mechanism, providing an additional barrier that must be overcome even if the vehicle doors are forced open or windows are broken.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the glove compartment is always locked to prevent theft, then security is improved, but the occupants cannot quickly access their items when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment locking system is dynamic rather than static. The sub-compartment lock automatically engages and disengages based on vehicle state (locked/unlocked, ignition on/off, transmission position). This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide maximum security when the vehicle is unattended while enabling quick, automatic access when the owner returns, eliminating the need for manual locking/unlocking decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle state (lock status, ignition position, transmission gear) and automatically adjusts the compartment lock status in response. This feedback mechanism ensures the compartment is locked during parking to prevent theft, but automatically unlocks when the vehicle is unlocked or the ignition is turned on, providing rapid access without manual intervention and reducing time loss.
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.