Vehicle Performance Mode Selection via Key Fob Holder Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle owners face challenges in selectively limiting vehicle performance when loaning out their vehicles, as existing systems struggle to definitively choose between standard and high-performance modes when multiple key fobs programmed for different performance levels are present in the vehicle's cabin.
Innovation Solution
A method where the vehicle controller selects a standard performance level when a key fob is within the cabin but not in the key fob holder, and a high performance level when the qualified key fob is placed in the holder, using a security token to authorize the higher performance mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple key fobs programmed for different performance levels are present in the vehicle cabin, then the vehicle can be accessed by multiple users, but the controller cannot definitively select between standard and high-performance modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the key fob detection space into two distinct segments: inside the key fob holder and outside the key fob holder. This spatial segmentation allows the controller to definitively determine which performance mode to use based on the key fob's location, resolving the ambiguity that occurs when multiple key fobs are present in the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The key fob holder acts as an intermediary device between the key fob and the vehicle controller. By requiring the key fob to be placed in this intermediate location for high-performance mode activation, the system creates a clear mediation mechanism that eliminates uncertainty in performance mode selection.
2Power
If a key fob is placed in the key fob holder to authorize high performance mode, then high performance level is selected, but the system complexity increases due to additional detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The key fob holder serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical storage location for the key fob, a detection zone for determining performance mode, and an authorization mechanism for high-performance operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex systems while achieving the desired performance selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing key fob and key fob holder infrastructure to automatically determine performance mode without requiring additional user input or complex control interfaces. The mere presence or absence of the key fob in the holder self-determines the performance level, eliminating the need for separate mode selection mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different keys with different control parameters are used for different performance levels, then performance can be limited for loaned vehicles, but the device complexity increases with multiple keys
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functionality of multiple performance-level keys into a single key fob system. Instead of requiring multiple physical keys with different control parameters, the system uses one key fob whose location (inside or outside the holder) determines the performance mode, simplifying key management while maintaining performance limitation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension (location within the key fob holder) to the key fob authorization process. Instead of using different keys for different performance levels, the same key fob can access different performance modes based on its physical location, adding a new dimension to the authorization mechanism that eliminates the need for multiple keys.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility.