Vehicle key with integrated electrical components
First Claim
1. A key system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a key including a first pair of traces embedded in a body of the key and a transmitter embedded in a head of the key; and
an antenna embedded into an interior component of the vehicle, the antenna including a pair of contact leads,wherein the pair of contact leads of the antenna align with the first pair of traces of the key when the key is inserted into an ignition of the vehicle, thereby electrically connecting the transmitter with the antenna.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved key system incorporates a number of electrical components. In one main aspect, the key is provided with electrical communication to components on the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The key connects to an antenna associated with the vehicle, such that the combined antenna size is greater than would otherwise be possible. In this application, the antenna is utilized for garage door opener purposes, and a switch is mounted on the key for actuation of the garage door opener. In another aspect, the key is recharged when inserted into the ignition. Further, the key may be provided with various other functions such as memo, vehicle deactivation, two-way communication, and other security applications. In embodiments of the key, the switches are positioned relative to a thumb area such that inadvertent actuation of the switches is made less likely.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A key system for a vehicle, comprising:
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a key including a first pair of traces embedded in a body of the key and a transmitter embedded in a head of the key; and an antenna embedded into an interior component of the vehicle, the antenna including a pair of contact leads, wherein the pair of contact leads of the antenna align with the first pair of traces of the key when the key is inserted into an ignition of the vehicle, thereby electrically connecting the transmitter with the antenna. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A key system for a vehicle, comprising:
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a key including a first pair of traces embedded in a body of the key and a transceiver, a control, a memory, and a rechargeable battery embedded in a head of the key; and an antenna embedded into an interior trim component of the vehicle, the antenna including a pair of contact leads electrically connected to a battery of the vehicle, wherein the pair of contact leads of the antenna align with the first pair of traces of the key when the key is inserted into an ignition of the vehicle, thereby enabling the battery of the vehicle to recharge the rechargeable battery of the key. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification