Vehicle Key RF Control for Auxiliary Vehicle Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for managing auxiliary systems in vehicles, such as recreational and commercial vehicles, require users to access a control panel or use a dedicated remote control, which can be cumbersome and require significant structural modifications for towing vehicles.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device that can be installed on board a vehicle to allow remote control of auxiliary systems using a vehicle key, through wireless radio frequency communication, by mapping key identification data to specific system functionalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a control panel is installed on board to control auxiliary systems, then the auxiliary systems can be managed, but the user must access the control panel which is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of operationVSAvoidDevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote control unit as an intermediary device between the user and the auxiliary systems. This remote control unit communicates wirelessly with the control panel, allowing users to operate auxiliary systems without physically accessing the control panel, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining system functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction required by traditional control panels with wireless communication technology. The remote control unit transmits control signals wirelessly to the control panel, eliminating the need for physical access to buttons or switches, thereby improving user convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a control panel is installed on board a towing vehicle to manage auxiliary systems, then the auxiliary systems can be controlled, but considerable structural modifications and complex wiring operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptabilityVSAvoidEase of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into separate functional modules: a control panel with processing unit, wireless communication interface, and auxiliary system controllers. This modular architecture allows the system to be installed in different vehicle configurations without requiring extensive structural modifications, as each module can be independently installed and configured

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of auxiliary systems across different vehicle platforms. The system can adapt to various vehicle types including towing vehicles, recreational vehicles, and commercial vehicles through software configuration rather than hardware modification, thereby improving ease of manufacture and installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables simple and effective remote management of vehicle auxiliary systems without the need for a control panel or dedicated remote control, suitable for various vehicle types including recreational and commercial vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic device according to the invention is adapted to communicate wirelessly in radio frequency with a vehicle key

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4538122A1Accessory electronic device for vehicles
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 KEYLINE
  • EP4538122A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4538122A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4538122A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic device for vehicles adapted to be installed on board a vehicle as an accessory device to allow a remote control of one or more auxiliary systems of said vehicle. The electronic device is adapted to communicate wirelessly in radio frequency with a vehicle key and is adapted to communicate with field devices on board said vehicle.