Re-engineering the brick (keyfob)

[Gordon M.]

Like many of us, I am not a fan of the Gladiator keyfob. On top of it's size and the overactive switchblade key, my jeep logo is already coming loose, after a few months of use.

I have investigated the AJT fob and I am not a fan of that either. I made the decision to design a new fob.

I am designing the fob so the key is integral and slides out if needed. This is similar to many of the current fobs on the market.

I am posting this here because I am contemplating producing the fob once the design is complete. I have access to some of the most advanced additive manufacturing equipment available and can produce full-color, textured, customized fob housings. I figure if I am going to the trouble to make my own, I'd see if there are certain features or design considerations other people would like to see.

I will have alpha prototypes this week for fitment/function testing and then we'll dive deeper into the ergonomics, shape, and key action. At this point, I am planning to reuse the factory button cover.

If this interests you, please let me know what you'd like to see with a redesigned fob.

Cheers,

Carl

Could you integrate a center console /glove box lock to work with the fob, that's what I would want.
with doors off I hate pulling out my key at all.

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[BreakFixRepeat]

Subbed to this. Cant wait to see what you come up with

 

[SwampNut]

30 pages of Key Fob Follies posts indicate you're going to be wealthy if you can come up with a better mousetrap.

As someone else said, online whining is cheap, you'd be surprised how many people would rather whine than solve a problem. Source: Have created several startup companies solving problems.

 

[jurfie]

As someone else said, online whining is cheap, you'd be surprised how many people would rather whine than solve a problem. Source: Have created several startup companies solving problems.

I liked that comment with a "HaHa" but it also deserves a sadface.

 

[DBravo]

Like many of us, I am not a fan of the Gladiator keyfob. On top of it's size and the overactive switchblade key, my jeep logo is already coming loose, after a few months of use.

I have investigated the AJT fob and I am not a fan of that either. I made the decision to design a new fob.

I am designing the fob so the key is integral and slides out if needed. This is similar to many of the current fobs on the market.

I am posting this here because I am contemplating producing the fob once the design is complete. I have access to some of the most advanced additive manufacturing equipment available and can produce full-color, textured, customized fob housings. I figure if I am going to the trouble to make my own, I'd see if there are certain features or design considerations other people would like to see.

I will have alpha prototypes this week for fitment/function testing and then we'll dive deeper into the ergonomics, shape, and key action. At this point, I am planning to reuse the factory button cover.

If this interests you, please let me know what you'd like to see with a redesigned fob.

Cheers,

Carl

Interested
I have aftermarket “JEEP” silicone covers on mine cause black was plain boring compared to the color of my Gladiator.That ends up making it even bulkier Would be great if it could fit in the change pocket of jeans. I currently clip it to a belt loop with a small carabiner - found if I keep it in my pocket I end up setting off the panic alarm. If colors were an option - even better.

Like many of us, I am not a fan of the Gladiator keyfob. On top of it's size and the overactive switchblade key, my jeep logo is already coming loose, after a few months of use.

I have investigated the AJT fob and I am not a fan of that either. I made the decision to design a new fob.

I am designing the fob so the key is integral and slides out if needed. This is similar to many of the current fobs on the market.

I am posting this here because I am contemplating producing the fob once the design is complete. I have access to some of the most advanced additive manufacturing equipment available and can produce full-color, textured, customized fob housings. I figure if I am going to the trouble to make my own, I'd see if there are certain features or design considerations other people would like to see.

I will have alpha prototypes this week for fitment/function testing and then we'll dive deeper into the ergonomics, shape, and key action. At this point, I am planning to reuse the factory button cover.

If this interests you, please let me know what you'd like to see with a redesigned fob.

Cheers,

Carl

Interested
I have aftermarket “JEEP” silicone covers on mine cause black was plain boring compared to the color of my Gladiator.That ends up making it even bulkier. Would be great if it could fit in the change pocket of jeans. I currently clip it to a belt loop with a small carabiner - found if I keep it in my pocket I end up setting off the panic alarm. If colors were an option - even better.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Good rule of thumb when gauging interest on internet boards is to basically slash any number in half when it comes time to pony up the cash.

That being said, I like what I see so far. I have the AJT fob case also and agree it is not perfect and a better mousetrap could be had here.

The guys talking about duplicating the SX4 and Spirit rear louvers, and other such stuff sure know about that. 100 can say "me, too! Me, too!" and then when the part is a reality - well, maybe not (or no word at all)
I've seen that over and over. It's too bad.
People that do this stuff have a great investment in TIME if not materials and such. One guy paid out of his savings to have valve covers duplicated - luckily, he had more than enough interest and sold out fast. But that was an exception.

 

[SwampNut]

 

[Spartan1]

Thank God I live in New England and I just leave my key in the jeep!

 

[SwampNut]

Thank God I live in New England and I just leave my key in the jeep!

That's really dumb, my man. With the weight of this ginormous fob, people have had the springs sag and it may not be covered by warranty. Chrysler recommends removing the key regularly to let the suspension recover while the truck is not in use. This is noted under TSB 001-BS-MAX.

 

[Spartan1]

That’s funny! .... Just saying, New Hampshire is God’s country!

 

[BreakFixRepeat]

That's really dumb, my man. With the weight of this ginormous fob, people have had the springs sag and it may not be covered by warranty. Chrysler recommends removing the key regularly to let the suspension recover while the truck is not in use. This is noted under TSB 001-BS-MAX.

Need to find a way to offroad without the fob since you lose like an inch of clearance carrying that thing!

 

[BreakFixRepeat]

That’s funny! .... Just saying, New Hampshire is God’s country!

Would love to agree but its the big WV thats gods country! West By God Almost Heaven for the win!!!!

 

[SwampNut]

That’s funny! .... Just saying, New Hampshire is God’s country!

There are things that even she can't lift.

 

[SwampNut]

Belt clip idea...

https://smile.amazon.com/GP-Clip-Stainless-Steel-Money-Chain/dp/B07BPVLVRG/?sa-no-redirect=1

 

[WhatExit?]

There are things that even she can't lift.

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