Dual-Wireless Vehicle Key for Smartphone-Based Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current computerized systems for accessing vehicles are complex and costly to implement, requiring dedicated electronic devices on each vehicle and complex management of identification codes, especially in car sharing and rental services.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle key with a control unit and dual wireless communication modules for radio frequency and local communication, such as Bluetooth, allowing interaction with the vehicle's control system via a mobile device using a software application, eliminating the need for dedicated electronic devices on the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dedicated electronic device is installed on each vehicle for keyless access, then vehicle access functionality is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle access functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the existing vehicle key perform multiple functions. The key not only provides traditional mechanical access but also incorporates wireless communication capabilities (Bluetooth, radio frequency) to enable keyless entry, locking, and vehicle control functions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated electronic devices while maintaining all required functionalities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the traditional vehicle key with electronic communication modules. By integrating Bluetooth and radio frequency communication capabilities into the key itself, the system combines mechanical and electronic functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity and eliminating the need for separate electronic access devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a dedicated electronic device is installed on each vehicle for keyless access, then vehicle access functionality is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle access functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the existing vehicle key perform multiple functions. The key not only provides traditional mechanical access but also incorporates wireless communication capabilities (Bluetooth, radio frequency) to enable keyless entry, locking, and vehicle control functions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated electronic devices while maintaining all required functionalities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by replicating the identification code onto multiple keys rather than requiring a dedicated electronic device for each vehicle. The control unit stores the identification code and transmits it wirelessly to the vehicle, allowing multiple copies of the key to be created without additional hardware installation on the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If an upgrade kit is coupled to the vehicle key to modify its functions, then keyless access capability is added, but device complexity and management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey functionalityVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the traditional vehicle key with electronic communication modules. By integrating Bluetooth and radio frequency communication capabilities into the key itself, the system combines mechanical and electronic functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity and eliminating the need for separate electronic access devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit in the key automatically performs identification and authentication functions without requiring external management systems. The key self-manages the wireless communication and identification code transmission, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing management complexity compared to server-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If an upgrade kit is coupled to the vehicle key to modify its functions, then keyless access capability is added, but management difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey functionalityVSAvoidmanagement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit in the key automatically performs identification and authentication functions without requiring external management systems. The key self-manages the wireless communication and identification code transmission, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing management complexity compared to server-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution simplifies and cost-reduces vehicle access management, enabling secure and versatile interaction with vehicles using a smartphone app, suitable for car sharing, rental services, and corporate fleets, improving security and user comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a first wireless communication module operatively connected to said control unit and adapted to allow said control unit to communicate with a control system of said vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second wireless communication module operatively connected to said control unit and adapted to allow said control unit to communicate with a mobile computerized device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBluetooth wireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12154399B2Computerized system for accessing to a vehicle and related method
Publication Date: 2024.11.26 KEYLINE
  • US12154399B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computerized system as disclosed herein for accessing a vehicle comprises a vehicle key comprising a control unit, a first wireless communication module operatively connected to said control unit and configured to allow said control unit to communicate with a control system of said vehicle, and a second wireless communication module operatively connected to said control unit and configured to allow said control unit to communicate with a mobile computerized device. The system further comprises a software application which can be stored on and executed by at least one mobile computerized device, said software application being configured to control said control unit to interact with said control system to cause the unlocking of one or more doors of said vehicle. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a computerized method for accessing to a vehicle.