Wireless Latching Relay Battery Cutoff for Fleet Vehicle Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle anti-theft systems are complex, expensive, and ineffective in preventing thefts in car-sharing and fleet management applications, as they do not prevent relay attacks or key theft, and are difficult to install and manage in large fleets.
Innovation Solution
A wireless latching relay system connected to a vehicle's battery, allowing remote control of power supply to electronic components, which can be easily installed and managed using a manager system accessible via various interfaces, effectively immobilizing the vehicle by disconnecting the battery's ground, thus preventing theft and preserving battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interrupting circuits are used to immobilize vehicles, then vehicle theft prevention is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anti-theft function from complex interrupting circuits and implements it through a simple wireless relay device that controls power supply to the vehicle. The relay device with battery and control unit provides immobilization functionality without requiring complex circuit integration into the vehicle's existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical interrupting circuits with a wireless control system. The control unit communicates wirelessly with the relay device, eliminating the need for physical wire connections and complex electrical circuit integration while achieving the same immobilization effect.
2Reliability
If diagnostic port wiring is interrupted to prevent theft, then connection-based theft is prevented, but relay attacks and key theft remain vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by cutting the power supply to the vehicle's electronic systems before any theft attempt can occur. By controlling the relay device to disconnect power, the system prevents all electronic theft methods including relay attacks and key theft, as the vehicle's electronics become non-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device acts as an intermediary between the power source and the vehicle's electronic systems. By positioning the relay device in the power supply circuit and controlling it through wireless communication, the system mediates all power flow to prevent various theft methods while maintaining vehicle functionality when authorized.
3Reliability
If complex anti-theft systems are installed, then theft prevention capability is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anti-theft system into a standalone portable device containing the battery, relay, and control unit. This segmentation allows the device to be manufactured independently and installed quickly in vehicles without requiring complex assembly or integration with the vehicle's existing systems, reducing both manufacturing complexity and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable/replaceable device approach where the entire anti-theft unit can be easily installed and removed. The simple design with standard electrical components keeps manufacturing costs low, and the plug-and-play nature reduces installation time and labor costs, making it economically viable for fleet deployment.
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
The system provides a simple, efficient, and cost-effective solution for preventing vehicle theft by remotely controlling the vehicle's power supply, allowing easy installation and management, and is suitable for large fleets, reducing battery consumption and preventing multiple theft techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver configured for receiving the vehicle control signals from the transmitter, and a latching relay
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for system for controlling power supplied to electronic components (12) powered by a battery (11) of a vehicle (10), the system comprising: a vehicle control unit (14) including a controller (16) and a transmitter (18) for transmitting wirelessly vehicle control signals (20); a wireless latching relay (22) including a receiver (24) configured for receiving the vehicle control signals (20) from the transmitter (18), and a latching relay (26); wherein the relay (26) is connected in series with the negative terminal (25) or positive terminal (29) of the battery (11).