Working Machine Management System with Dual Authentication Key

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-theft devices for working machines, such as those with internal combustion engines, can be compromised if the electronic key is stolen along with the device, allowing unauthorized use since the device can still be started with the stolen key, necessitating improved deterrence against theft.

Innovation Solution

A working machine management system that includes a prime mover and a control unit, along with a detachable key device that stores authentication information, where the control unit confirms the key's validity and compares external input information with stored authentication data to determine if the prime mover can operate, incorporating features like idle operation permission and time-based authentication to enhance security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple electronic key authentication system is used, then the device can be easily operated, but the anti-theft security is insufficient because a stolen key can still start the engine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft securityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is divided into two distinct parts: first authentication information stored in the key device for initial identification, and second authentication information stored in the control unit for continuous operation verification. This segmentation ensures that possessing a stolen key is insufficient for theft, as the thief would also need to obtain both authentication types, thereby improving anti-theft security without creating a single complex authentication mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication by comparing the first authentication information from the key device with stored data before allowing engine operation. This preliminary check establishes a first layer of security that prevents unauthorized starting, while the subsequent requirement for second authentication information during operation creates additional barriers against theft

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the engine is stopped immediately when authentication fails, then theft prevention is effective, but the user experience is poor due to inability to perform warm-up or idle operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidle operation capabilityVSAvoidtheft prevention effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication requirement dynamically changes during operation: initially requiring first authentication information for engine start, then requiring second authentication information for continued operation. This dynamic approach allows the engine to be started and perform idle operations or warm-up with a valid key, while simultaneously maintaining strong theft prevention by requiring continuous verification of second authentication information during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If only first authentication information is used for engine start, then the system is simple to operate, but the anti-theft deterrence is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft deterrenceVSAvoidauthentication verification process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is divided into two distinct parts: first authentication information stored in the key device for initial identification, and second authentication information stored in the control unit for continuous operation verification. This segmentation ensures that possessing a stolen key is insufficient for theft, as the thief would also need to obtain both authentication types, thereby improving anti-theft security without creating a single complex authentication mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication by comparing the first authentication information from the key device with stored data before allowing engine operation. This preliminary check establishes a first layer of security that prevents unauthorized starting, while the subsequent requirement for second authentication information during operation creates additional barriers against theft

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11526592B2Working machine management system and working machine

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A working machine management system includes a working machine having a prime mover and a control unit and a key device which is detachable from the working machine and is used for operating the working machine. The key device stores first authentication information for identifying a drivable working machine and second authentication information necessary for the prime mover to continuously operate. When the key device is attached to the working machine, the control unit confirms validity of the key device based on the first authentication information, compares input information from the outside with the second authentication information to determine whether the prime mover can be operated if the key device is valid, and controls operation of the prime mover according to the determination result.