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Re-engineering the brick (keyfob)

CarajoCoño

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A fob that is only as big as it has to be to work.. so just slightly bigger than the chip and battery inside. Nice and thin, so when it's in your pocket it doesn't feel like you're carrying a rock. I thought my ram key was big, but in reality, I'd take that any day... And it definitely had more buttons. Anything might be an improvement. Only benefit of a huge fob is if you drop it while camping. You could spot it a mile away
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CarajoCoño

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If there was a way to make one thin enough to fit in a phone case, that would be cool too.. like those battery pack cases but also the key fob.. most people carry their phone anyway.. do it for the most popular phones. Iphone, samsung, Google, lg
 

cecaa850

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I am not getting too excited about the fringe features but they're on the list. We're focusing on making the fob smaller while not losing the key. Being in the product innovation industry we'll push it a little further but only because we have the capabilities and only to the extent that it makes sense. The complex and cost adding features will get ruled out, naturally.

Our team has fun with this stuff. So adding the feature of a smartwatch or cell phone capability is great! :CWL:

Smaller with the key is what I believe everyone wants. Waterproof would be great and not add to the size. Another must is slightly recessed buttons so that you don't unlock your vehicle every time you squat or sit down. I had a Chevy Cruze at one time and the trunk was always popping open on it from the buttons being accidentally pushed while it was in your pocket. It was so bad that Chevy came out with a fix that involved having to push the trunk release twice to open it. That made it better but it would still occasionally happen.
 

jurfie

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If there was a way to make one thin enough to fit in a phone case, that would be cool too.. like those battery pack cases but also the key fob.. most people carry their phone anyway.. do it for the most popular phones. Iphone, samsung, Google, lg
That's actually a cool idea...3D printing phone cases is cheap, I believe; if someone came up with a case that included a way to insert the internals of a fob, I bet they'd sell like hotcakes. :idea:
 

CarajoCoño

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That's actually a cool idea...3D printing phone cases is cheap, I believe; if someone came up with a case that included a way to insert the internals of a fob, I bet they'd sell like hotcakes. :idea:
Unfortunately I'm not smart enough nor do I have the resources to create one... One day...
 

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jurfie

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Unfortunately I'm not smart enough nor do I have the resources to create one... One day...
That's okay: neither am I. But someone who is smart enough is reading this and will become a bajillionaire. Hopefully they remember you and I while they are swimming in their money pool.

Jeep Gladiator Re-engineering the brick (keyfob) cc24564416b7adca2abe1ac3ee33425e
 

CarajoCoño

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That's okay: neither am I. But someone who is smart enough is reading this and will become a bajillionaire. Hopefully they remember you and I while they are swimming in their money pool.

cc24564416b7adca2abe1ac3ee33425e.gif
I'd gladly test products ... As compensation.. lol.. I have a million ideas for the wranglers and gladiators.. just no way of making them come to light... yet
 

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MrFahrenheit

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I think the problem here is the internals. The AJT keyfob is still quite large to me and that seems to be dictated by the relatively large size of the internal circuit board.

Size comparison between AJT and Stock from AJT's website. It's a little less wide but not by much in my opinion.

Jeep Gladiator Re-engineering the brick (keyfob) 1603387608191


Forgive the below screen capture as it's from Quadratec's YouTube video on AJT's product but you can see how large the internals are. There really isn't much room to make the key less wide, you could however make it a little less tall perhaps. I would be interested in how much size reduction is actually possible.

Jeep Gladiator Re-engineering the brick (keyfob) 1603388111059
 

CarajoCoño

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I think the problem here is the internals. The AJT keyfob is still quite large to me and that seems to be dictated by the relatively large size of the internal circuit board.

Size comparison between AJT and Stock from AJT's website. It's a little less wide but not by much in my opinion.

1603387608191.png


Forgive the below screen capture as it's from Quadratec's YouTube video on AJT's product but you can see how large the internals are. There really isn't much room to make the key less wide, you could however make it a little less tall perhaps. I would be interested in how much size reduction is actually possible.

1603388111059.png
I think making it slimmer so it doesn't bulge your pocket would be acceptable.. only as big as it absolutely NEEDS to be..
 

Terry

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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

Glad Fob 2.1JPG.JPG
I agree and have contacted an automotive locksmith who will produce for me a new non-jeep FOB and an unattached regular laser cut key.
 

cgflyer

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So far, I have the prioritization as such:

1. FOB As compact as possible
2. Incorporate factory key for easy use (slide-out)
3. Accommodate each of the JT/JL FOB designs (no button, 3 button, 4 button remote start)
3. Low price
4. Watertight
5. coordinate shape with interior pockets (i.e. center console, dash, etc)
6. Include flashlight
7. Kitchen sink :CWL:

Customization Considerations:
1. Color-keyed to the jeep
2. Custom texture
3. Custom image
4. Custom embossing (name, logo, etc)


I ordered a buttonless remote for reverse engineering, the 3 button version should be easy. As I get closer to a Beta prototype, I'll share and will post a poll to gauge interest in options and understand the demand for each feature set.

The engineering and testing rigor for the watertight and/or integral light increases substantially, these will be pursued based on demand and they will likely be incorporated in a second version.

Without the feedback of the community, I would have designed mine for the first two options and printed it with a color texture like denim. The photos below are an example of the color mapped prints. Obviously, this isn't for everyone but I'll do it for myself and figure a few others might appreciate a little customization.

2020-10-21 09.46.53.jpg
2020-10-21 09.46.17.jpg
I like the flag print
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