Vehicle Key-On Detection via Accelerometer and Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communications between a data collection device and a vehicle diagnostic system can cause operational interferences and battery drainage when the vehicle is powered off, leading to issues such as preventing the vehicle from starting and erratic behavior of indicators/dash lights and other systems.
Innovation Solution
The system determines the vehicle's key-on or key-off state using accelerometer and voltage measurements without communicating with the diagnostic system, thereby avoiding communication when the vehicle is in the key-off state to prevent interferences and battery drainage, and allows communication when the vehicle is in the key-on state to collect necessary data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If communication with the vehicle diagnostic system is attempted when the vehicle is powered off, then data collection can occur, but operational interferences and battery drainage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the vehicle's key-on/key-off state using the accelerometer and voltage sensor before initiating communication with the diagnostic system. This preliminary action allows the system to determine whether communication should be attempted, thereby preventing harmful effects while enabling data collection when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the vehicle's state through accelerometer and voltage measurements, using this feedback to dynamically control communication behavior. When the key-off state is detected, communication is blocked; when key-on state is detected, communication is enabled. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by adapting system behavior to current conditions.
2Productivity
If communication with the diagnostic system is enabled continuously, then data can be collected whenever needed, but the vehicle system becomes unstable when powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting its state based on real-time detection of the vehicle's key-on/key-off status. The system transitions between communication-enabled and communication-blocked states, allowing high productivity when needed while ensuring system reliability when the vehicle is powered off.
3Loss of information
If the system detects key-on/key-off state through communication with the diagnostic system, then state information can be obtained, but communication interferences occur when the vehicle is powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary detection mechanism consisting of the accelerometer and voltage sensor that operates independently of the diagnostic system communication. This intermediary allows the system to detect the key-on/key-off state without attempting to communicate with the diagnostic system when powered off, thereby eliminating communication interferences while still obtaining necessary state information.
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
This approach prevents operational interferences and battery drainage by determining the vehicle's state without communicating with the diagnostic system when it's off, ensuring smooth vehicle operation and accurate data collection when it's on.
Implementation Method 1
determine whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary based on an accelerometer measurement
Implementation Method 2
determine whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary based on a voltage measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A device may receive a first type of measurement associated with a vehicle and receive a second type of measurement associated with a power source connected to the vehicle. The second type of measurement may be different than the first type of measurement. The device may determine a key-on or a key-off status of the vehicle based on the first type of measurement and the second type of measurement without communicating with a vehicle diagnostic system associated with the vehicle. The key-off status may correspond to an engine of the vehicle being powered off and the key-on status may correspond to the engine of the vehicle being powered on. The device may initiate communications with the vehicle diagnostic system based on determining the key-on status.