Vehicle Key Unit Using RF Interference for Remote Key Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key units for vehicle door locks require users to manually retrieve the electronic key for engine starting and require cumbersome key transfer during car sharing, leading to inconvenient and time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
A key unit that includes an interference antenna to interfere with communication between the vehicle and electronic key, a near field communication antenna for communication with a mobile terminal, and a control unit to manage interference based on communication content, allowing for remote locking and unlocking without the need to physically retrieve the key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic key is stored in the key storage unit with attenuation material, then the vehicle security is improved by preventing unauthorized access, but the user convenience deteriorates because the electronic key must be manually retrieved for engine starting and key transfer during car sharing becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication unit that enables wireless communication between the key storage unit and the terminal device. This intermediary communication mechanism allows the terminal device to remotely control the electronic key operations (locking, unlocking, engine starting) without requiring physical retrieval of the key, thus resolving the contradiction between security and convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The key storage unit is equipped with a control unit that automatically authenticates the terminal device and executes key operations based on authentication results. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual key retrieval and transfer, as the system automatically performs the required operations when authenticated, improving user convenience while maintaining security
2Reliability
If the attenuation material is used to block radio waves, then the unauthorized vehicle access is prevented, but the operational efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming manual key retrieval and transfer processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key retrieval and transfer process with a wireless communication system. The communication unit and control unit enable remote electronic key operations through wireless signals from the terminal device, eliminating the need for physical key handling and significantly improving operational efficiency while maintaining the security provided by attenuation material
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the user's terminal device and the electronic key stored in the key storage unit. This intermediary enables remote control of key operations without physical key transfer, resolving the contradiction between unauthorized access prevention and operational efficiency
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 secure and convenient remote locking and unlocking of vehicle doors, eliminating the need for manual key retrieval and simplifying key transfer during car sharing, thereby enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an interference antenna configured to propagate, in the air, interference radio waves interfering with communication performed using a first frequency band between a transmission antenna of the vehicle and the electronic key
Implementation Method 2
a communication antenna configured to communicate with a mobile terminal in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A key unit that houses an electronic key of a vehicle includes: an interference antenna configured to propagate, in the air, interference radio waves interfering with communication performed using a first frequency band between a transmission antenna of the vehicle and the electronic key; a communication antenna configured to communicate with a mobile terminal in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; and a control unit configured to control an output of the interference antenna according to a communication content in the second frequency band.