Vehicle Power Source Activation Without Mobile Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with passive entry passive start systems cannot activate power sources when a mobile device key is depleted, leaving users stranded without a valid key for starting the vehicle or recharging the device.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow the activation of a power source within the vehicle cabin for a predefined time period without detecting a valid mobile device key, using a passive Key Fob, NFC Card, or keypad ignition code, enabling the vehicle to start and recharge the mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle uses passive entry passive start system requiring mobile device key, then the vehicle security and convenience are improved, but the user cannot start the vehicle or recharge the mobile device when the key is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alternative authentication intermediaries (passive key fob, NFC card, keypad code) that can mediate between the user and the vehicle's security system when the primary mobile device key is unavailable. These intermediaries allow the system to authenticate the user and activate power sources without requiring the depleted mobile device, thus resolving the contradiction between security and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication using alternative methods (passive key fob, NFC card, or keypad code) before activating the power source. This preliminary action ensures security is maintained while preparing the system to provide power to recharge the mobile device, addressing both reliability and adaptability concerns.
2Loss of energy
If the vehicle activates power source only when mobile device key is detected, then the energy security is improved, but the user is left stranded without power when the key is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
Alternative authentication methods (passive key fob, NFC card, keypad code) serve as intermediaries that allow the system to verify user identity and authorize power activation without relying on the depleted mobile device. This enables the system to safely provide power for recharging while maintaining energy security protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates power sources partially - only enough to recharge the mobile device rather than full vehicle operation. This partial action provides just sufficient energy to resolve the user's problem (recharging the key) while minimizing energy consumption and protecting the vehicle battery from excessive discharge.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the vehicle provides extended power activation time, then the user can recharge the mobile device, but the vehicle battery energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides partial power activation - sufficient duration to recharge the mobile device but limited to prevent excessive energy consumption. The power source remains active long enough to restore the mobile device's charging capability, then shuts off to conserve vehicle battery energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the recharging status of the mobile device and adjusts power activation duration accordingly. Once the mobile device is sufficiently recharged to function as a key again, the system receives feedback and terminates power activation, thus optimizing the balance between user needs and energy conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes an input device configured to send an activation signal responsive to an input to start the vehicle. The system further includes a vehicle body controller, programmed to, responsive to the input and a lack of presence of a phone operating as a key, send an activation signal to activate a power source within a cabin of the vehicle for up to a predefined time period since a last vehicle start.