Vehicle Switch Interface for Mobile Device Access Without IVI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Many vehicles lack in-vehicle infotainment systems, preventing users from accessing mobile device features like navigation and entertainment within the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle switch system with a switch housing, switch component, and switch indicator, allowing connection to vehicle power and electronics systems, enabling mobile device features to be accessed through the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a full IVI system is installed to access mobile device features, then feature accessibility is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature accessibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential connectivity and control functions from a full IVI system. The switch system isolates the core functionality needed to access mobile device features (connection establishment, basic control) while leaving out expensive components like large touchscreens, complex processors, and comprehensive entertainment systems. This allows feature accessibility without the full complexity and cost of a complete IVI system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch system is designed to work with various mobile devices and vehicle types without requiring a custom IVI system for each configuration. The universal switch interface can control navigation, entertainment, and other features across different mobile devices, eliminating the need for device-specific or vehicle-specific complex systems while maintaining broad feature accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a full IVI system is installed to access mobile device features, then feature accessibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature accessibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The switch system uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Rather than investing in expensive, complex IVI system hardware, the patent employs basic switches, indicators, and connection circuits that are cost-effective to produce at scale. This approach provides feature accessibility while keeping manufacturing costs low, making it suitable for vehicles where a full IVI system would be prohibitively expensive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple switch system is used without IVI, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ease of operation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiduser interface capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switch system uses color-coded indicators (different colors for different connection states and features) to provide intuitive visual feedback to users. This simple visual language enhances ease of operation without requiring complex displays or interfaces, maintaining manufacturability while improving user interaction. Users can quickly understand system status and control features through color cues rather than complex menus or text displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The switch system divides controls into distinct, dedicated switches for different functions (navigation, entertainment, phone connections). This segmentation makes each function easily accessible and operable without requiring users to navigate complex menus. Each switch is clearly labeled and performs a specific function, enhancing ease of operation while keeping the system simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 easy and cost-effective access to mobile device features in vehicles without IVI systems, enhancing the driving experience by facilitating connectivity and feature utilization.

Implementation Method 1

the switch indicator is a visual indicating device and includes an illuminated piece, the illuminated piece is configured to indicate the connectivity status of the mobile device and/or the vehicle electronics system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from illuminated piece: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12434560B2Vehicle switch system for connecting mobile device to vehicle and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A vehicle switch system for a mobile device that helps connect the mobile device to a vehicle so that certain features of the mobile device, like those pertaining to navigation and entertainment, can be easily accessed through the vehicle. The vehicle switch system is particularly well suited for use with vehicles that lack in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, as users of such vehicles oftentimes cannot access the features of their mobile devices through their vehicle. The vehicle switch system may include a vehicle switch with a switch component and a switch indicator and a docking station, where a “short press” of the switch component enables the docking station to charge the mobile device and a “long press” of the switch component initiates a process to wirelessly connect the mobile device to the vehicle electronics system. The switch indicator displays a connection status of the mobile device.