Vehicle Functionality Limiting Control for Driver Absence Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-theft systems for motorized vehicles are inefficient if the specific key device or ID card is stolen, and they do not allow limited use by a non-authorized user when the authorized driver leaves the vehicle without switching off the engine.

Innovation Solution

A functionality limiting system that uses sensors to detect operational parameters such as door closure, seat pressure, park brake application, and seat belt buckling to determine when the authorized driver has left the vehicle, allowing limited use by a non-authorized user without requiring driver action or bypassing the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional anti-theft systems using key devices or ID cards are implemented, then vehicle access control is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to theft if the key device or ID card is stolen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle access controlVSAvoidtheft vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors operational parameters (door status, seat pressure, brake application, seat belt buckling) to detect driver absence and activate functionality limitation without requiring any action from the driver. The vehicle itself performs the security function by self-detecting and self-limiting based on sensor data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based access control with an electronic sensor-based system that monitors operational parameters. Instead of relying on physical keys or ID cards, the system uses electronic sensors to detect driver presence and automatically control vehicle functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the engine is kept running when the driver leaves the vehicle, then convenience is improved, but security risk increases due to potential unauthorized starting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver convenienceVSAvoidunauthorized vehicle starting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors operational parameters (door status, seat pressure, brake application, seat belt buckling) to detect driver absence and activate functionality limitation without requiring any action from the driver. The vehicle itself performs the security function by self-detecting and self-limiting based on sensor data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system activates functionality limitation in advance after detecting driver absence through sensor monitoring, before any potential unauthorized starting attempt can occur. The predetermined time delay allows the system to proactively secure the vehicle once driver absence is confirmed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If functionality limitation is activated immediately upon driver absence detection, then security is improved, but false activation occurs when the driver temporarily leaves the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity activationVSAvoidfalse activation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system activates functionality limitation in advance after detecting driver absence through sensor monitoring, before any potential unauthorized starting attempt can occur. The predetermined time delay allows the system to proactively secure the vehicle once driver absence is confirmed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a predetermined time delay period that dynamically adjusts the activation timing based on the duration of driver absence. This dynamic waiting period allows temporary departures (driver returning within the delay period) while ultimately activating security for prolonged absences, adapting the response to the actual situation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3969333B1Functionality limiting system for a motorized vehicle and method for limiting the functionality of a motorized vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

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AI summary

The invention relates to a functionality limiting system (110) for a motorized vehicle (100) provided with a motion system, comprising: - first sensor means (101) adapted to sense if the power is on and providing a first sensing signal; - second sensor means (102a-102d) adapted to sense one or several operational parameters relative to at least one part of the vehicle (100) and providing a second sensing signal; - deactivation means (103) adapted to verify if a deactivation condition is met and providing a deactivation signal; - a control unit (104) in communication with the first and second sensor means (101; 102a- 102d) and the deactivation means (103), the control unit (104) receiving said first and second sensing signals and said deactivation signal, the control unit (104) being adapted to control the speed and/or the power supplied by the motion system in response to said first and second sensing signals and said deactivation signal, in such a manner that said speed and/or said power is limited in an activated mode of the system and is not limited in a deactivated mode of the system.