Wireless Vehicle Control Module Using CAN Bus and Auto-Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Rental/CarShare (RCS) vehicle management systems face high labor and costs due to frequent hardware removal and re-installation every 12-24 months, along with expensive and power-intensive hardware requirements, making the installation and transfer process inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A control module utilizing a CAN bus interface, QR/Bar code, RFID/NFC auto detect read/writer, GPS, and a mobile app with a wireless network, enabling remote monitoring, configuration, and digital control of vehicle functions, reducing installation time and costs by direct OBD2 plug connection and eliminating the need for hardwiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional hardware modules are used for vehicle management, then vehicle monitoring and control functions are achieved, but installation and reinstallation costs are high ($85 removal + $285 reinstallation every 18-24 months)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle monitoring functionVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/hardwired vehicle management hardware with a software-based solution that runs on the vehicle's existing onboard computer through a wireless connection. This eliminates the need for physical installation and reinstallation of hardware modules, thereby eliminating the $85 removal and $285 reinstallation costs while maintaining all vehicle monitoring and control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses RFID readers and QR code scanners to digitally identify and track vehicles, replacing physical hardware tags and manual tracking methods. This digital copying approach enables remote vehicle identification and management without requiring physical hardware attachment, reducing installation costs and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If sophisticated hardware modules are used, then vehicle control capabilities are enhanced, but hardware cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle control capabilityVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the vehicle's existing onboard computer and communication systems to perform multiple vehicle management functions including monitoring, control, tracking, and diagnostics. By making the software solution universal and compatible with various vehicle platforms, it eliminates the need for expensive dedicated hardware modules while maintaining full vehicle control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the vehicle's own existing hardware resources (onboard computer, wireless communication capabilities, sensors) to perform management functions, rather than adding external hardware. This self-service approach reduces hardware costs while maintaining adaptability across different vehicle models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If physical hardware is installed in each vehicle, then vehicle management is achieved, but installation time and labor are significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle management functionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical installation processes with wireless software deployment. The vehicle management system is installed remotely via wireless communication, eliminating the time-consuming physical installation and reinstallation processes entirely. This reduces installation time from hours to minutes while maintaining full management functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic vehicle identification and configuration upon first connection, pre-configuring all necessary parameters and settings. This preliminary automatic configuration eliminates the need for manual setup time during each installation or reinstallation event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If RFID readers and sophisticated hardware are used, then vehicle identification and control are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle identification accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the vehicle's existing onboard computer and power management system to handle identification and control tasks, rather than adding power-hungry external hardware. The RFID and QR code scanning functions utilize minimal power compared to continuous hardware monitoring, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining identification precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic RFID scanning and QR code checking rather than continuous hardware monitoring, reducing power consumption while maintaining accurate vehicle identification. The wireless communication operates in periodic bursts rather than continuously, further reducing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3979216B1Wireless control module for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.08.16 ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS INC

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AI summary

Control module (101, 104) to enable a remote computing system (970) to wirelessly communicate instructions to a vehicle (303), wherein the control module comprises a vehicle interface (910) with a plurality of CAN bus transceivers (577, 578, 579).