Vehicle Connectivity Deactivation With Smartphone Backup Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle connectivity systems face challenges in maintaining cybersecurity over their long lifespan due to hardware limitations, making software updates insufficient for ensuring long-term safety and security, especially as vehicles age and become less updateable.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that deactivates in-vehicle connectivity after a defined time period, transitioning to backup connectivity via an end-user terminal, such as a smartphone, using irreversible or reversible methods, and employing a demultiplexer and timer module to manage connectivity paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If software updates are used to maintain cybersecurity, then security vulnerabilities can be fixed, but hardware limitations prevent updates after a certain period

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecybersecurityVSAvoidupdate capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two connectivity modes: initially using in-vehicle connectivity for updates, then transitioning to backup connectivity via end-user terminals when in-vehicle capabilities are exhausted. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining update capability throughout the vehicle's entire lifespan despite hardware limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of connectivity responsibility from manufacturer-controlled (in-vehicle) to user-controlled (end-user terminal) over time. This parameter change allows the system to extend its functional lifespan by leveraging the user's device capabilities rather than being constrained by the vehicle's aging hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If in-vehicle connectivity is provided for the entire vehicle lifespan, then continuous updates are possible, but hardware performance limitations are exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity durationVSAvoidhardware performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The end-user terminal acts as an intermediary device that takes over the connectivity function when the vehicle's built-in capabilities are insufficient. This intermediary approach allows the system to extend connectivity duration without overloading the vehicle's limited hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connectivity function is segmented into two phases: initial in-vehicle connectivity for manufacturer-managed updates, and subsequent backup connectivity via user terminals for user-managed updates. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its performance capabilities while collectively achieving extended service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If in-vehicle connectivity is deactivated after a defined time period, then security risks are reduced, but connectivity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidconnectivity availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares backup connectivity via end-user terminals in advance, so when in-vehicle connectivity is deactivated for security reasons, the connectivity function is not lost but seamlessly transferred to the backup system. This prior preparation cushions against the potential harm of connectivity loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20260020106A1Method for deactivating in-vehicle connectivity of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A method for deactivating in-vehicle connectivity of a vehicle. The method includes: providing the in-vehicle connectivity of the vehicle for at least one vehicle function, wherein the in-vehicle connectivity provides a wireless connection of the vehicle to the Internet via a component of the vehicle; deactivating the in-vehicle connectivity after a defined time period. A system, a computer program, a device, and a storage medium, are also described.