DE102023000850A1 - Device to protect rims and other components from theft - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for theft protection (1) of rims (2) and/or other components of a motor vehicle. The invention is characterized in that a LoRaWAN with GPS module (3) and/or a Bluetooth module (4) is arranged on or in the rim (2) and/or another usable component of the motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising at least one such device.

Description

The invention relates to a device for protecting rims and/or other components of a motor vehicle from theft. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising at least one device for protecting rims and/or other components from theft.

If vehicle rims are not appropriately secured, they can be stolen relatively easily and quickly. This is a big nuisance, especially with high-priced rims. Other components of the motor vehicle that can be affected by theft include, for example, displays or steering wheels.

Standard screws and wheel bolt locks with an adapter can be used to secure the rims. However, appropriate adapters can be obtained relatively easily, so theft of the rims cannot be adequately prevented.

Alternative methods include, for example, the use of sensors that detect whether the vehicle experiences movement when it is parked. However, if the rims are stolen, the vehicle is raised relatively slowly so that the Z level is hardly changed, such sensors or alarm systems usually do not switch on. Such systems can therefore hardly prevent theft. Taking out additional insurance can provide financial relief, but stolen rims and the associated time and organizational effort are a major nuisance.

Additional devices and methods are therefore known from the prior art which are intended to prevent the rims from being stolen.

The DE 10 2017 122 178 A1 describes a vehicle where each wheel includes a wireless transceiver. Tire pressure and the removal of one of the wheels can be detected via a central transceiver and a processor. This is done based on signal strength information from the wireless transceivers to the central transceiver.

From the DE 10 2016 225 982 B4 a system is known which has a database server for managing vehicle wheel identification data identifying vehicle wheels and a control device. The control device is in communication connection with the database server via a communication network. The vehicle wheels are each equipped with an electronic wheel unit. The control device is arranged in the vehicle, in another vehicle that is different from the vehicle or in a roadside infrastructure device.

Known systems or devices are usually very complex, require a large number of sensors and are difficult to retrofit.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device for theft protection of rims and other components of a motor vehicle, which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device for theft protection of rims and/or other components with the features in claim 1, and here in particular in the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous refinements and further developments result from the dependent claims. A vehicle with such a device for protecting rims and/or other components from theft is also described.

The core of the device according to the invention is a LoRaWAN with GPS module and/or a Bluetooth module, which is arranged on or in the rim and/or another usable component of the motor vehicle. By using at least one LoRaWAN module that has a GPS module and/or a Bluetooth module, a position of each individual rim can be tracked and detected at any time. This allows the rims, i.e. H. in particular the wheels with the rims, are found and returned to the vehicle or to a customer. This means that individual rims can be tracked at any time.

The term LoRaWAN denotes a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN or low energy wide area network), which is designed for wireless battery-operated systems in a regional, national or even global network. LoRaWAN is particularly aimed at the most important requirements of the LoT - Internet of Things, also known as the “Internet of Things”. In particular, secure bidirectional communication, localization and mobility of services, end-to-end encryption and mobility of services should be achieved.

By using a LoRaWAN module, different systems and technologies can work together under Smart Things without the need for rigid, locally complex installations. A network architecture can be in one Star topology can be arranged, in which gateways establish connections between the end devices and a central network server. For example, the gateways can be connected to a corresponding network server via a standard IP connection, while end devices use a single-hop connection to one or more gateways. Communication between gateways and end devices is particularly distributed over different data rates. The selection of the data rate can be a compromise between a message transmission duration and a reception range. To maximize end device battery life and overall network capacity, a LoRaWAN network server can manage a data rate for each end device individually using an adaptive data rate algorithm (ADR).

By using LoRaWAN technology, a so-called helium network is used. This means that the follow-up costs in particular are low, since, for example, only a very small amount is incurred depending on the frequency of transmission. For example, if the transmission frequency is every 5 minutes, with a location transmission to the Helium network every 5 minutes, this only costs around $1 per year and per transmitter.

If at least one LoRaWAN module is used, which in particular uses the Helium network, it can exchange information with existing networks through which unauthorized people or thieves move. This information is in particular an ID of the transmitter as well as location data of the corresponding rim via the GPS module. All of this data can be transmitted to the vehicle owner.

If there is no sufficient LoRaWAN network, such as in underground car parks, a Bluetooth module can be used in combination. If suitable mobile phones or Bluetooth-enabled vehicles approach the Bluetooth module, location data and the transmitter ID can be transmitted from the mobile phone, in particular via a mobile network.

The LoRaWAN with GPS module and/or the Bluetooth module can preferably be arranged on the rim independently of a tire pressure monitoring sensor. This can, for example, serve as a deterrent for potential thieves. Furthermore, insurance premiums can be reduced if overall theft of rims can be reduced because they are equipped with functioning security systems such as the proposed device. In addition, an anti-theft device that is visible to unauthorized persons can give a vehicle owner a satisfactory feeling of security.

The device is used in particular to steal rims. However, not only tires or rims can be equipped with such a device. The device can also be attached to other components of the motor vehicle, such as a display or a steering wheel. These other components can also be protected from theft.

According to a very advantageous development of the idea, it can be provided that the LoRaWAN with GPS module and/or the Bluetooth module is optically designed as a balancing weight. In particular, a housing that surrounds the module can be designed in the form of a balancing weight and, for example, can be combined with the already existing “real” balancing weights. For example, it can be glued directly next to the existing balancing weights or applied in some other way. This can prevent an unauthorized person from mechanically removing the module as they will not recognize this as a security module.

Likewise, according to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the LoRaWAN with GPS module and/or the Bluetooth module is integrated in a tire pressure monitoring sensor on the rim (TPM sensor). An RdK sensor is preferably designed as battery-powered wheel electronics, which is arranged inside the tire. This measures pressure and temperature in the tire at short intervals. Each TPMS sensor usually has an individual identification number, a so-called ID code. The stored or measured data as well as the ID, and possibly information about the remaining life of the battery, can be sent to a high-frequency receiving unit using radio transmission in the high-frequency range.

A carrier frequency of 433 MHz is currently approved for the high frequency range (HF range) in most countries. In some countries a different carrier frequency may also be permitted, such as in the USA, with a carrier frequency of 315 MHz. The transmitted information, as mentioned above, can be packed in a 12-byte long data telegram. Data transmission can be frequency-modulated, for example with a transmission time of 10 ms. The vehicle peripherals can exchange information via a comfort CAN bus. From there, the information can be forwarded to a central electronic control unit for evaluation. As well The TPMS sensor can send the information directly to the control unit. In any case, the control unit can evaluate the data telegrams, recognize the sender and decide whether a driver should be informed. Each wheel of the vehicle can be monitored separately.

For example, the LoRaWAN with GPS module and/or the Bluetooth module can only be activated when communication between the module and the control unit, in particular the control unit of the vehicle, or a chip attached to the vehicle, breaks down. This can, for example, save electricity and prevent the TPMS sensor battery from being put under unnecessary strain.

According to a very advantageous development of the idea, it can be provided that a transmitting antenna can be integrated into a valve of a tire. In other words, the valve can be used to install the transmitting antenna there. In particular, shielding that can arise, for example, from the rim can be prevented or bypassed. Advantageously, the module can be self-sufficient, i.e. H. act independently of other vehicle components.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a battery already present in the motor vehicle is used to supply voltage. This allows the module to be designed to be compact and inconspicuous.

The Bluetooth module can preferably be designed as a Bluetooth beacon module. For example, a Bluetooth low-energy tag or transmitter that continuously sends out data can be used. If another device with active Bluetooth approaches such a transmitter, a connection can take place via a beacon protocol. The device can receive and process the data from the transmitter. Specifically, beacons use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is a version of the more common Bluetooth protocol. Beacons therefore send less data and therefore use less power, in particular using only 1% to 20% of standard Bluetooth power with in particular 15% to 50% of the speed. Batteries are advantageously used to operate the module. Advantageously, all modern mobile phones can also implement or support BLE. All beacons advantageously transmit data in the same format so that they can be easily exchanged, while an app can still recognize or identify the corresponding beacons.

According to a very advantageous development of the idea, it can be provided that the device is designed as a retrofit kit for a rim of a motor vehicle. For example, the modules can be glued to the rims, in particular disguised as a bulge weight.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a LoRaWAN with GPS module and/or a Bluetooth module is arranged on each rim. This means that each rim or tire can be monitored and tracked individually.

Further advantageous refinements of the device according to the invention also result from the exemplary embodiment, which is shown in more detail below with reference to the figures.

• 1 eine Felge mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung der Funktionsweise einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.

Show:

• 1 a rim with a device according to the invention;
• 2 a schematic representation of the functionality of a device according to the invention.

In the representation of the 1 A possible embodiment of the device 1, attached to a rim 2 or to a tire 7, is shown. A TPMS sensor 5 is attached to the rim 2. A LoRaWAN with GPS module 3 and/or a Bluetooth module 4 can be integrated into this RDK sensor 5. The module 3, 4 can be integrated into the existing control electronics of the TPMS sensor 5. Power can be supplied via the existing battery. A valve 6 can be used to integrate a transmitting antenna. This can prevent shielding, for example caused by the rim. The functioning of the device 1 can thereby be ensured. The modules 3, 4 integrated in this way can act autonomously, ie independently of other vehicle components.

In an embodiment not shown, the device 1 can be detached, i.e. H. be arranged on the rim 2 independently of the TPMS sensor 5. For example, this can be “camouflaged” as a bulge weight and glued next to the already existing bulge weights.

In a further embodiment, not shown, the device 2 can be attached to another usable component of the motor vehicle in order to protect it from theft. With such a component, for example, a display on or in the vehicle, as well as a steering wheel. For such a device 1, attached for example to a display or a steering wheel, the same advantages and design options apply as already described with regard to the rim 2.

Another embodiment variant of the device 1 is in 2 to recognize. The same components are provided with the same reference numbers, so there is no need to go into this in further detail. In contrast to 1 In the illustration, the rim 2 is shown detached from a motor vehicle. If a Bluetooth beacon module is used, a private key and a public key can first be set up between the owner of the motor vehicle and the module on the rim 2. If the device 1 is activated, the public key can be transmitted to a cloud. This public key can be compared at a later date with keys arriving in the cloud. The communication between the rim 2 or the tire 7 and the vehicle or the vehicle owner can take place via a smartphone using an app.

The public key can encrypt information so that it can only be read with the private key. In one embodiment, the public key can be changed periodically, in particular via mathematical models, while maintaining the encryption function throughout the duration. The public key is preferably sent out at regular intervals using Bluetooth low energy.

To track down stolen tires 7 or rims 2, the public key sent by the rim 2 or tire 7 can be received by a third-party vehicle or another device. A driver of this vehicle, i.e. H. a third party cannot notice anything about it. Consequently, a background function can be used to determine the current location of the rim using a GPS signal, as well as a distance to the beacon, encrypt it and send it to the cloud with the public key. The public keys stored in the cloud, i.e. H. the public keys of the searched rims 2 are compared with the newly uploaded key. In particular, it contains a data record that cannot be opened and contains the standard information. If the keys match, the data records can be sent or received to the owner of the vehicle or the rim 2, in particular via an app on a smartphone, whereby the data packet can be decrypted with the private key. In this way, the location of the stolen rim 2 or several stolen rims can be determined by an owner.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102017122178 A1 [0006]
• DE 102016225982 B4 [0007]

Claims (9)

Device for theft protection (1) of rims (2) and/or other components of a motor vehicle, characterized in that a LoRaWAN with GPS module (3) and/or a Bluetooth module (4) on or in the rim (2 ) and / or another usable component of the motor vehicle is arranged. Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the LoRaWAN with GPS module (3) and / or the Bluetooth module (4) is arranged on the rim (2) independently of a tire pressure control sensor (5). Device (1) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the LoRaWAN with GPS module (3) and / or the Bluetooth module (4) is optically designed as a balancing weight. Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the LoRaWAN with GPS module (3) and / or the Bluetooth module (4) is integrated in a tire pressure control sensor (5) of the rim. Device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 or 4 , characterized in that a transmitting antenna can be integrated into a valve (6) of a tire (7). Device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that a battery already present in the motor vehicle is used to supply voltage. Device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the Bluetooth module (4) is designed as a Bluetooth beacon module. Device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that it is designed as a retrofit kit for a rim (2) of a motor vehicle. Vehicle comprising at least one device according to one of Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that a LoRaWAN with GPS module (3) and / or a Bluetooth module (4) is arranged on each rim (2).

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