Vehicle anti-theft device having back-up means should the ECU fail, but preventing theft if the ECU was intentionally damaged
US5561332A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R25/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to an anti-theft device for an engine-driven vehicle having a control unit for controlling either of the supply of fuel to an engine and the ignition timing of this fuel, and a back-up mechanism acting for the control unit when the control unit is damaged. It is determined whether or not the control unit has functioned appropriately when the engine is started up, and if it is determined that it has not, the function of the back-up mechanism is prohibited. Hence, the engine will not start and theft of the vehicle is prevented even if, for example, the control unit is deliberately damaged and an attempt is made to start the engine. However, the back-up mechanism does function if the control unit develops a fault while the vehicle is running, and the vehicle therefore continues to run.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.