Vehicle Wireless Node Signal Strength Testing for Passive Entry Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with wireless communication nodes for passive entry and start systems face challenges in detecting impaired communication nodes, leading to potential failure in unlocking doors or starting engines when key fobs or phone-as-a-keys are nearby or within the vehicle, without providing clear feedback to the user.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that periodically tests the functionality of communication nodes by sending and receiving test signals, determining signal strengths, and disabling passive entry or start functions if nodes are impaired, while providing alternative entry or start methods to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication nodes are used for passive entry and start systems, then user convenience is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to undetected impaired nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic tests by sending test signals between communication nodes before normal operation. This preliminary action detects impaired nodes in advance, preventing system failures during actual passive entry or start operations, thus maintaining both user convenience and system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where test signal results are analyzed to determine node health status. When impaired nodes are detected, the system provides feedback by disabling affected functions and notifying users, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining convenience through automatic fault management
2Reliability
If communication node functionality is tested continuously, then system reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous testing, the system performs diagnostic tests periodically or under specific conditions (e.g., when passive entry/start functions are activated). This periodic action maintains system reliability through regular monitoring while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The communication nodes perform self-diagnosis by exchanging test signals autonomously without requiring external intervention or continuous power from the main system. This self-service capability enables reliable monitoring with minimal energy overhead
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed for status tests of wireless communication nodes of vehicles. An example vehicle includes communication nodes including a first node and a second node. The first node is to send a first of test signals to and receive a second of the test signals from the second node. The example vehicle also includes a controller to determine signal strengths of the test signals and at least partially disable passive entry passive start responsive to determining one or more of the communication nodes is impaired based upon the signal strengths.