Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Lawrence Banasky

Mark Wisnewski

Thomas Joseph Hermann

John Frederick Locke

Tye Arthur Winkel

Hua Zeng

Morris Donald

Mark Viergutz

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for characterizing the radio frequency (RF) functionality of a vehicle remote keyless system (RKS) by separating and precisely characterizing the individual bits of the overall RKS system in an enclosed controlled environment. More specifically, this RKS characterization system includes an enclosed testing chamber for isolating the key fob from the vehicle, and a simulation control system that manipulates RF signals between the key fob and the vehicle for controlled RF signal analysis between the components. In certain embodiments, the RKS characterization system includes an automated process for actuating the key fob. Through this process, the RKS characterization system is able to separately identify the Key Fob Factor, the Vehicle Factor, and the Person Factor, of the vehicle RKS system.

System and method for remote keyless system characterization

A fob includes a case, an antenna, at least one input device, and a positioning element. The case has an interface portion and a handle portion. The antenna is disposed at the interface portion of the case. The input device is disposed on the interface portion of the case. The finger positioner orients a user's hand on the handle portion of the case away from the antenna.

Fob case for reduced transmission interference

A method for adjusting a power setting of a key fob includes receiving an input signal from a sensor by a processor. The processor determines, based at least in part on the input from the sensor, that a person is holding the key fob. Based on the determination that the person is holding the key fob, the processor adjusts an initial power setting of the key fob by a predetermined amount.

Key fob transmission compensation

A key fob includes a power amplifier including an output having an output impedance. A radio frequency antenna connected to the power amplifier output represents a first load impedance to the power amplifier output in a space substantially free of interference for radio frequency transmissions, and a second load impedance to the power amplifier output when a hand of a user is capacitively coupled to the antenna. The difference between the second load impedance and the output impedance of the power amplifier is less than the difference between the first load impedance and the output impedance.

Fob with increased power level from hand-antenna coupling

A foldable bicycle includes a frame, a front wheel assembly, and a rear wheel assembly. The frame defines a pivot axis. The front wheel assembly is disposed on the frame and configured to rotate about the pivot axis. The rear wheel assembly is disposed on the frame and defines an opening for receiving the front wheel assembly when the bicycle is folded.

Foldable electric bicycle

A method comprising for adjusting a power level in a key fob includes transmitting a first output signal at a first power setting. A feedback signal is received via a feedback mechanism that indicates a first power level of the first output signal. The first output level is compared to a threshold level. A second output signal at a second power setting greater than the first power setting is transmitted if the first output power level is below the threshold.

A system includes a control unit and multiple transceivers connected by a communication bus. The transceivers are respectively connected to antennas. The control unit tests the operation of the transceivers by transmitting a test signal from a first transceiver to a second transceiver, receiving a return signal based on the test signal from the second transceiver, and determining if the strength of the return signal is within a predetermined range.

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Livonia, MI, United States of America

Lawrence Banasky