Component replacement warning system

#This application claims the priority of German Application No. 102 09 766.6, filed Mar. 5, 2002, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

#The invention relates to a component replacement warning system for a transportation device, which monitors the unauthorized removal or installation of a component the transportation device, wherein the component replacement warning system includes a first communication device that is firmly connected to the transportation device, a second communication device that is connected to the component, and an electronic authorization verification device that checks whether a component which is connected to the second communication means is installed in the means of transportation provided therefor in an authorized fashion.

#Safety functions and comfort functions in transportation device are implemented increasingly with electrical or electronic control devices and the appropriate sensors and actuators. For example, in motor vehicles, control devices for airbag functions and an airbag as corresponding actuator are provided. With regard to the comfort functions as well, motor vehicles are equipped with complex electronic systems, which are fixedly installed in the motor vehicles during manufacturing, but can be replaced as complete modules in a repair shop if they fail. Due to the costs for such complicated comfort and safety systems, there is an increase in the number of incidents where entire electronic components are removed from the means of transportation by unauthorized persons, for example in the event of a theft, and are installed in other vehicles involved in accidents or in stolen vehicles. In contrast to conventional theft warming systems and alarm systems, which prevent the theft of the entire vehicle, the component replacement warning system protects additionally only individual components that are fixedly installed in the vehicle. This prevents the replacement of components that are critical for safety reasons and whose incorrect installation leads to subsequent damage.

#The drawing depicts an embodiment of the component replacement warning system for simulation purposes. In schematic representation are shown:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic design of a first embodiment of a component replacement warning system installed in a means of transportation and including a coil mounted directly to the transponder, and

#FIG. 2 is a schematic of another embodiment of a component replacement warning system with a coil provided on the component and the transponder of the means of transportation arranged at a distance thereto.

#The component replacement warning system 1 is installed in a motor vehicle, detects the unauthorized removal or installation of a component 2 from or into a means of transportation that is not provided therefor and shuts the component 2 down electronically or generates a warning signal, for example, an alarm signal or an electronic message for a central monitoring station. The component warning system 1 comprises a first communication means 3, which is fixedly connected to the vehicle body. It has been installed in such a way that a removal of the communication means 3 is possible only by destroying the body 4 in the surroundings of the communication means 3. The communication means 3 is a so-called transponder which, on the one hand, emits signals in the form of electromagnetic waves 5 and, on the other hand, receives response signals 6. The second communication means 7, which is fixedly connected to the component 2, generates the response signal 6 based on the electromagnetic waves 5 of the transponder 3 and simultaneously by means of an oscillating circuit 8 obtains the energy that is required for returning the response 6 from the electromagnetic waves 5.

#In the first embodiment pursuant to FIG. 1, a microchip 9 is provided on the component 2, wherein the coil 10 of the oscillating circuit 8 is arranged adjacent to the transponder 3 on the vehicle body 4. Electrical lines 11 connect the coil 10 to the microchip 9, so that an installed component 2 is detected when the electrical lines 11 between the coil 10 and the microchip 9 are connected in an electrically conductive manner. When the transponder 3 emits its electromagnetic waves 5 in the direction of the coil 10 of the microchip 9, the electronic authorization verification device generates a response signal 6 on the microchip 9, which allows verification in the transponder 3 that the component 2 can be installed in the respective motor vehicle. On the other hand, the electronic authorization verification device on the microchip 9 of the component 2 also allows verification that the component 2 in the respective motor vehicle can be cleared.

#The component replacement warning system 1 functions based on a method where the transponder 3 transmits a test signal to the communication means 7 on the component 2, wherein the communication means 7 on the component 2 obtains the necessary energy from the electromagnetic waves 5 with the test signal of the transponder 3 for generating a test response signal 6 for the transponder 3. The test response signal 6 is then transmitted back to the transponder 3 so that the installation of a new component 2 in the means of transportation, the installation authorization, and the component type can be verified. The electronic authorization verification device detects the authorized removal of the component 2 from the vehicle or its installation into another unauthorized motor vehicle, and the component 2 installed in the means of transportation can self-lock in the event of an erroneous installation, or the transponder 3 generates a warning signal for a diagnostic or monitoring system.