Vehicle Vibration Unit for Electronic Key Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electronic key system is inconvenient for drivers when they take a nap in a vehicle, as the key must be manually shaken to establish wireless communication with the vehicle, leading to unnecessary vibration and inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

An electronic key system with a vibration unit in the vehicle that can be operated by the driver to establish communication with the electronic key, allowing the key to switch from a standby to a drive mode without physical movement, enabling wireless communication and engine starting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic key requires vibration detection to establish wireless communication, then security against relay attacks is improved, but convenience for drivers who nap in the vehicle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidconvenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the key to detect vibration to initiate communication, the system inverts the approach: the vehicle sends a communication request signal first, then uses vibration as a verification mechanism. The onboard controller transmits a request signal, and if the key responds with correct vibration pattern matching, wireless communication is established. This reverses the traditional vibration-first approach while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the onboard controller send a communication request signal before requiring vibration verification. The controller prepares the communication channel and waits for the key's vibration response. This preliminary signal transmission allows the system to initiate the authentication process without requiring the driver to manually vibrate the key first, thus improving convenience while maintaining security through the subsequent vibration verification step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the electronic key remains still in the vehicle, then security is maintained by preventing unauthorized communication, but the driver cannot start the engine without manually shaking the key

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtime to start engine
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The onboard controller performs preliminary action by automatically transmitting a communication request signal when the driver approaches or enters the vehicle, even before the driver intends to start the engine. This preliminary signal initiation eliminates the need for the driver to manually shake the key to wake it up, reducing the time to start the engine while maintaining security through the subsequent vibration verification process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the electronic key to automatically respond to communication requests with its unique identification information when vibrated, without requiring driver intervention. The key autonomously performs the authentication response when it detects the vibration pattern matching from the onboard controller, reducing the time loss associated with manual key handling while maintaining security protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution simplifies the process for drivers by allowing them to start the engine without manually shaking the key, reducing inconvenience and improving usability.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic key includes a vibration sensor that detects vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The onboard controller is configured to vibrate at least part of the vehicle with the vibration unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration transmission: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3305608B1Electronic key system
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 KK TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
  • EP3305608B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3305608B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3305608B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This electronic key system 1 comprises: an electronic key 10 which is enabled to engage in radio communication with a vehicle 20 on condition that a vibration is detected by a vibration detection part 14; and the vehicle 20 which has an on-board control part 21 for starting an engine 25a on condition that the radio communication with the electronic key 10 is established, and a push switch 24 installed in the vehicle is operated. The on-board control part 21 causes the vehicle to be vibrated by the engine 25a on condition that the push switch 24 is operated.