Wireless Authentication for Construction Machine Engine Start

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing construction machines, such as hydraulic excavators, require cumbersome key operations to start the engine, which complicates quick startup processes for operators.

Innovation Solution

A construction machine equipped with a wireless authentication device that performs authentication with a portable key device, allowing the engine to be started by switching a power switch to the lock position and completing wireless authentication, thereby simplifying the start operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a key switch with key insertion and rotation is used for engine start, then engine starting control can be achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine start operationVSAvoidtime for engine startup
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key switch system with a wireless authentication system. The wireless authentication device communicates with a portable key device via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical key insertion and rotation. The vehicle body controller receives authentication results wirelessly and controls engine starting accordingly, thus substituting mechanical operations with electronic/wireless communication to reduce operational complexity and time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless authentication device as an intermediary between the operator and the engine starting system. This device mediates the authentication process by receiving wireless signals from the portable key device, verifying authentication, and communicating the result to the vehicle body controller, thereby eliminating direct mechanical interaction while maintaining secure control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless authentication is implemented for engine start, then operation is simplified and time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine start operationVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless authentication device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it contains a receiver for wireless signals, an authentication unit for verifying the portable key device, and a controller for managing the authentication process and communicating with the vehicle body controller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while achieving wireless authentication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the receiver, authentication unit, and control logic into an integrated wireless authentication device that works seamlessly with the existing vehicle body controller. The authentication device is combined with the engine starting control system, allowing the vehicle body controller to receive authentication results and control engine starting through a unified electronic interface, thereby managing complexity through integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3231968B1Construction machine with authentication device
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY TIERRA CO LTD
  • EP3231968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3231968B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3231968B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hydraulic excavator (1) includes a wireless authentication device (42) performing wireless authentication with a portable key device (41) and a vehicle body controller (39) allowing or prohibiting start of the engine (15) on the basis of authentication by the wireless authentication device (42) and an operation of a power switch (12). The wireless authentication device (42) transmits a request signal within an authenticable range and performs authentication when it receives an ID code for authentication replied from the portable key device (41) on the basis of the transmitted request signal. The vehicle body controller (39) allows start of the engine (15) by the power switch (12) when a gate lock lever (13) is switched to a lock position and the wireless authentication device (42) performs authentication by the portable key device (41).