Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Switching systems – Condition responsive
Patent
1998-08-17
2000-11-14
Paladini, Albert W.
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Switching systems
Condition responsive
307 101, 340657, 340658, H01H 3500
Patent
active
061474207
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a system for providing remote wireless switches.
Current vehicles are including an increasing number of electrical features which require user-activated switches. These switches are mounted in various locations inside the vehicle, including in the doors and on the steering wheel. The wiring required by these numerous switches increases the time for assembly and the cost of the vehicle. Each connection between wires provides a potential failure point in the system. In addition, the wiring for these numerous switches increases the total weight of the vehicle.
RF transmitters, such as are used for remote entry systems can be used as a wireless switch; however, the RF transmitter requires a power supply, such as a battery, which must be replaced periodically.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a wireless switching system. The wireless switching system includes a central transmitter unit which generates a plurality of electromagnetic frequencies. A plurality of user-activated switches each selectively open and close a resonant circuit within the electromagnetic field generated by the central transmitter unit. Each of the resonant circuits has a unique resonant frequency which is included in the plurality of frequencies generated by the central transmitter unit.
The central transmitter unit continuously generates the electromagnetic field. When one of the switches is closed, the associated resonant circuit consumes energy at its resonant frequency from the electromagnetic field generated by the central transmitter unit. The central transmitter unit continuously monitors its energy consumption and the frequencies at which energy is consumed. When the central transmitter unit detects energy consumption at one of the resonant frequencies, it activates the vehicle function associated with the switch that closed the resonant circuit.
The wireless switching can also be used as a passive anti-theft device. The driver carries a card having a resonant circuit having a resonant frequency. When the driver carrying the card approaches or enters the car, the central transmitter unit detects the presence of the resonant circuit and releases the use of the car.
A plurality of resonant circuits can be multiplexed in order to accommodate a higher number of vehicle functions. For example, each of a plurality of user switches in a door of a vehicle could be assigned to a unique combination of two or three of the resonant circuits.
The resonant circuit is inexpensive and simple and can be made by metal stamping, printing or by vacuum evaporation and can be contained inside the switches. The wireless switching system eliminates the need to wire each switch to a controller. Reduction of wiring in a vehicle decreases the vehicle assembly time, cost and weight. Further, the resonant circuits require no power supply to be recharged or replaced periodically.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic of the present invention as installed in a vehicle.
FIG. 2 is a schematic of one possible resonant circuit that can be used in the wireless switching system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic of an alternate resonant circuit which can be used in the wireless switching system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention provides a wireless switching system 20 generally comprising a central transmitter unit 22 generating an electromagnetic field having a plurality of frequencies in a vehicle 23. A plurality of resonant circuits 24 are selectively opened and closed by user-activated switches 26. When its associated switch 26 is closed, each resonant circuit 24 has a unique resonant frequency which is included in the plurality of frequencies generat
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Lear Automotive Dearborn Inc.
Paladini Albert W.
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