ZA201001168B - Vehicle anti-theft device - Google Patents

Description

, i DU . LT . BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION . SB. ) ~ [0001] This invention relates to an anti-theft device for a vehicle.

[0002] Engine control modules are in widespread use in modern vehicles. A typical engine control module includes a processor and allied equipment and is connected to various control elements and engine components by means of electrical conductors or, in certain cases, by means of fibre optic cables which are held together in the form of a harness by means of a shroud or similar device. The conductors are terminated in a connector or plug which has a plurality of pins or sockets.

The plug is engageable in a releasable manner with a corresponding socket on a housing of the engine control module thereby to effect appropriate connections to the various components of the module.

[0003] An engine control module significantly improves the operation of a motor vehicle. The module is, in effect, a nerve centre which controls all vital functions of a particular vehicle. The module enables a vehicle engine to be started and the vehicle can then be driven. An engine control module may, itself, include mechanisms or safeguards to deter theft or unauthorized access to or operation of a vehicle.

[0004] Unfortunately some engine control modules lend themselves to a type of reverse-engineering process which, if implemented by a skilled . person, enables a so-called universal module or “magic box” to be built.

The universal module can be used a direct substitute for any of a series of engine control modules which the universal module is designed to replace.

Lo 12010701168 . What this means in practice is that a thief can gain access to an engine control module in a vehicle and can simply unplug each harness which is connected to the engine control module and directly connect the harness to the universal module. If the ignition key of the vehicle is bypassed or damaged then it is possible, without further ado, to start and then drive the vehicle. Using this approach it is possible for a thief to bypass immobilizer : and other security systems which are controlled by the module and to steal a vehicle within 30 seconds.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a device which, at least to a substantial extent, addresses the aforementioned situation.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The invention provides an anti-theft device for a vehicle which includes an engine control module from which extends at least one harness, the device including a lockable enclosure within which the module is located and an aperture in the wall of the enclosure through which the harness passes.

[0007] The harness may be connected to the engine control module by means of a connector and, in this case, the aperture is sized to accommodate the harness with a tight fit but to prevent passage of the connector through the aperture. In this way the connector is retained inside the lockable enclosure.

: 1.9/0 . [0008] The enclosure may include a base with an upstanding wall at a periphery of the base and the aperture may be formed in the wall. The aperture may be of any appropriate shape and size and typically is in the form of a slot which extends from a rim of the wall’ and which has a rounded base and a smooth profile so that the likelihood of the harness : being damaged by material of the wall, around the aperture, is reduced.

[0009] A lid may be attached to the base. Preferably the lid is attached by means of suitable hinges to the base.

[0010] One or more formations may be secured to the base to facilitate fixing the base to structure inside a vehicle, for example to a fire wall between a passenger compartment and an engine compartment of the vehicle.

[0011] The anti-theft device may include at least one sensor which, in response to an attack on the enclosure, initiates an audible or other alarm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention is further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an anti-theft device according to the invention in an open mode; and

Figure 2 shows the anti-theft device of Figure 1 closed and with an engine control module within the device.

] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates an anti-theft device 10 according to the invention in an open configuration.

[0014] The device includes a base 12 with an upstanding wall 14 at a periphery 16 of the base. A number of lugs 18 are fixed to the base and ' project outwardly therefrom. Each lug includes a corresponding hole 20.

[0015] An aperture 22 is formed in the wall 14. The aperture is in the form of a slot which extends from a rim 26 of the wall to a required depth in the wall. An end section 28 of the slot is rounded. Also, inner edges of the material of the wall surrounding of the slot are smooth so that the likelihood of damage to a wire or conductor which is located in the slot, is substantially eliminated.

[0016] The device 10 further includes a lid 30 which is attached by means of secure hinges 32 to the rim 26 of the wall. The lid carries a lock 34 which can be operated by means of a key, not shown. When the lid is in place over the base, operation of the key locks the lid securely to the base and a secure enclosure is thereby formed.

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a vehicle's engine control module 40 of the type which has been described in the preamble hereof. The module, in this instance, has two harnesses 42 and 44 respectively which are terminated in connector plugs 46 and 48 respectively. These plugs are releasably

- engaged with corresponding sockets in a side of the engine control module housing.

[0018] The aperture 22 is configured so that the harnesses 42 and 44 can be brought together and passed through the aperture with a tight fit. } Thereafter the lid 30 is locked to the base. In this way the engine control oo module is rendered inaccessible. The connector plugs cannot be passed through the aperture 22 because of a size limitation. If a person pulls on either harness then in all likelihood the harness will become detached from the connector plug. It will not be possible for a thief, in a limited period, particularly working in haste or possibly under poorly lit conditions, to make appropriate connections, to a similar connector plug for coupling thereof to a universal module. :

[0019] The lugs 18 are used to secure the device in position inside an engine compartment, if required.

[0020] Optionally, a sensor 50 can be mounted inside the device 10.

The sensor is connected to an alarm device, not shown. If the lid is opened the sensor immediately triggers an alarm signal. Thus if an the device 10 is attacked in an attempt to force the lid free from base, an alarm signal will be generated.

Claims (1)

1. : c.

   ) 1. An anti-theft device for a vehicle which includes an engine control module from which extends at least one harness, the device including a . lockable enclosure within which the module is located and an aperture in the wall of the enclosure through which the harness passes.

   ' 2. An anti-theft device according to claim 1 wherein the harness is connected to the engine control module by means of a connector and the aperture is sized to accommodate the harness with a tight fit but to prevent passage of the connector through the aperture.

   3. An anti-theft device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the enclosure includes a base with an upstanding wall at a periphery of the base and the aperture is formed in the wall.

   4. An anti-theft device according to according to claim 3 wherein a lid is attached to the base by means of suitable hinges.

   5. An anti-theft device according to claim 3 wherein one or more formations are secured to the base to facilitate fixing the base to structure inside a vehicle.

   6. An anti-theft device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 which includes at least one sensor which, in response to an attack on the enclosure, initiates an audible or other alarm.

   DATED this ('¢ day of February 2010 McCALLUM RADEMEYER & FREIMOND Patent Agents for the Applicant