Vehicle Electronic Key System with Integrated Connector Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic key systems for vehicle security are vulnerable to unauthorized security cancellation due to the ease of replacing ECUs, which compromises the security against vehicle theft.

Innovation Solution

An electronic key system that stores identification data in a control unit and a connector integrated into the wiring harnesses, making it difficult to detach without removing other accessories, thereby preventing unauthorized security cancellation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If ID codes are stored in ECUs that are easily detached, then the system structure is simple and ECUs can be replaced for maintenance, but security against vehicle theft is compromised due to unauthorized replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of ECU replacementVSAvoidsecurity against vehicle theft

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identification data storage function is segmented from the ECU and placed in a separate connector. This allows the ECU to be replaced for maintenance while the connector with the embedded memory retains the security-critical ID data, preventing unauthorized security cancellation even if the ECU is swapped.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector acts as an intermediary between the ECU and the vehicle's security system. It holds the master ID codes and verifies them against transmitted codes, serving as a security gatekeeper that cannot be easily bypassed or compromised by simple ECU replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ID data is stored in a connector integrated into wiring harnesses, then security against theft is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against vehicle theftVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory for storing ID data is merged directly into the connector structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate memory modules or additional security devices, as the connector itself becomes the security storage unit, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enhancing security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If security canceling is enabled when control unit is detached, then ease of maintenance is improved, but unauthorized security cancellation becomes possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the attachment state of the control unit through the attaching/detaching detecting unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between authorized maintenance activities (where proper procedures are followed) and unauthorized attempts, enabling security canceling only under controlled conditions while preventing unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9457766B2Electronic key system

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

An electronic key system enabling to improve security against vehicle theft is provided. A smart ECU acquires encrypted data from an electronic key. When all identification data stored in a memory and a memory of an electronic component embedding connector correspond to the identification data transmitted from the electronic key, the smart ECU cancels security and permits operations of a door lock driving unit, a steering lock driving unit, and an engine control unit.