Vehicle Theft Prevention Device Ignition Circuit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Older vehicles are susceptible to theft due to the lack of modern anti-theft technology, allowing thieves to easily bypass the ignition and hot-wire the vehicle, leaving owners at a higher risk of theft without effective prevention measures.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle theft prevention device that includes a switch assembly and an ignition disabler assembly, which completes a circuit between the ignition switch and the vehicle's electronics system only when the switch is depressed, preventing the vehicle from starting unless the circuit is complete, and emits a transponder signal to prevent hot-wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera system is used to record theft, then theft documentation is improved, but theft prevention capability remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the anti-theft function into two independent parts: a camera system for documentation and a circuit completion system for actual prevention. The switch assembly with movable contact surface and wire contact surface operates separately from the camera, allowing each component to perform its specialized function effectively without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly acts as an intermediary between the ignition switch and the vehicle's electronics system. By requiring physical depression to complete the circuit, it mediates the ignition process and prevents unauthorized starting, while the camera system independently documents any attempted theft without interfering with the primary prevention mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If older vehicles lack modern anti-theft technology, then ease of operation is maintained, but susceptibility to theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device leverages the vehicle's existing ignition system and electronics to provide anti-theft protection. By integrating with the current circuitry rather than requiring a complete system overhaul, the device maintains ease of operation for legitimate users while automatically providing security against theft attempts through the circuit completion requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a normal switch for legitimate ignition, a security barrier preventing hot-wiring, and a trigger mechanism for the camera system. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both operational convenience and theft prevention needs in older vehicles.
3Reliability
If a circuit completion mechanism is added to prevent hot-wiring, then theft prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the security function from complex electronic systems and implements it through a simple mechanical-circuit hybrid: a movable contact surface that physically connects to a wire contact surface when depressed. This extracted approach maintains strong theft prevention while minimizing added complexity compared to sophisticated electronic immobilizers.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly uses simple, inexpensive components: a movable contact surface, a wire contact surface, and basic wiring. Rather than investing in expensive, complex electronic security systems, this approach uses affordable elements that provide effective hot-wire protection through straightforward circuit completion requirements.
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
Effectively prevents the vehicle from being stolen by ensuring the ignition can only be turned on with a valid key and the circuit is complete, providing a secure solution for older vehicles without modern security systems.
Implementation Method 1
a disable unit disposed within at least a portion of the switch body to emit a transponder signal to the vehicle that a circuit is completed
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle theft prevention device detachably connected to a vehicle, the vehicle theft prevention device including a switch assembly, and an ignition disabler assembly connected to the switch assembly and the vehicle to complete a circuit between an ignition switch and an electronics system of the vehicle in response to depressing the switch assembly, and prevent start of the vehicle using a vehicle key while the circuit between the ignition switch and the electronics system is incomplete.