El keyless entry and start system It is an equipment that most brands already offer, even if it is as an option. But how does it work? From the key of all life we pass to the remote control with central locking and from there to cars with opening keyless that detect the key without us having to take it out of our pocket.
In order to do this, the system uses some receivers located in the driveways to the car y inside the passenger compartment. When they detect the short range key transmitter, the car's control unit allows the doors to be opened if we pull the handle. Something similar happens when it detects that the key is inside, since it will allow us to start the engine by simply pressing the button while keeping the clutch or brake depressed if it is automatic.
Elements of the keyless entry and start system
In order to save ourselves having to take the key out of our pocket or bag, the keyless system needs several devices. In addition to the receivers in the car and the identification transmitter for the ignition key, it requires buttons (tactile or not) on the door handles, an electric steering lock, the start button and, of course, the control unit or a car control unit programmed for these purposes.
The buttons on the handles
All these elements are necessary for the correct functioning of the system. For example, the buttons on the handles are used to let the owner decide when to open. If they didn't exist, the car would have to unlock itself when the key is detected nearby, which may not be what the owner wants. These buttons can be placed both on the outside surface of the handle and on the inside.
electric steering lock
The electric steering lock is also important in order to have a keyless start. If the ignition of the car is done with a conventional key, steering column lock can be mechanical, since it is the turn of a key that can couple or uncouple it. When it's a button that starts, it takes a electrical system that supplies this movement to unlock or lock the steering wheel.
An adapted switchboard
The person in charge of managing all these elements is a control unit. Usually it's your own car control unit or computer which fulfills this function thanks to the installation of a with and more complex electronics. Thanks to this element, all the devices are coordinated and the system knows, for example, when the key is detected, the button is pressed and the pedal is pressed at the same time.
The ultimate in keyless entry and start
As with many technologies we use today, the evolution of this equipment goes through the industry smartphones. Beyond the applications from which you can see the status of the vehicle and control various functions, there are already systems that are also able to open the car through the mobile.
Bosch was the first to present her own call Perfectly Keyless, that use the Bluetooth What do cell phones have? to replace the short-range transmitters that are in the car key. Volvo also announced a similar system for its models, although for the moment only with the aim of being a complement to the key, not a substitute.
But the efforts to turn the mobile into the new car key do not stop there. The last move you made in this direction has been thanks to a consortium made up of brands such as BMW, Honda, Toyota, General Motors, Hyundai, Mercedes, the PSA Group and the Volkswagen Group. Which represents 70% of the global automotive industry.
His system is based on technology that is already being used for paid contactless that have the latest generations of mobiles. A much safer system than opening the car with the emission of radio or infrared waves, due to the difficulties it presents to be hacked.
The future of keyless entry and start
If the technology currently seeks to eliminate the key, the next step will be to eliminate any device, including the mobile. For this the company Shelf have presented a biometric system that allows the access to the car by fingerprint or facial recognition. This method would also allow the car to be blocked in case it is stolen, since it could only be started if the owner places his finger on the detector.
Technology facial recognition is already being used for example in the Fifth generation Subaru Forester. Although in your case it is only used for a more advanced version of the fatigue detector. At the moment we have to look at prototypes like the Byton Concept SUV or kia niro electric, to see this kind of keyless start via facial recognition and we may see it on the street for years to come.
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These elements that we can find in cars are becoming more complicated, but their basic operation remains the same as always.