// PROJECT SUMMARY
CarLock provides a connected vehicle monitoring and security system based around an OBD device and mobile application. The system can be extended with wireless accessories that add functionality or automate everyday use.
JPM Systems helped CarLock evolve its existing battery-powered accessories into a rechargeable USB-C platform, while developing a flexible electronics architecture that could be reused for multiple sensor-based products.
// THE PROBLEM
CarLock already offered a Bluetooth key tag that automatically recognizes when an authorized user is near the vehicle. This allows the security system to arm when the user leaves and disarm when they return, eliminating the need to manually control the system every time the vehicle is used.
The existing accessory worked, but relied on a replaceable battery.
CarLock wanted a more sustainable and user-friendly solution with a rechargeable battery and USB-C charging.
Rather than redesigning the electronics for only one accessory, there was also an opportunity to create a more flexible platform that could serve as the foundation for additional CarLock sensors.
// THE SOLUTION
We developed a new rechargeable Bluetooth Low Energy accessory platform with integrated battery management and USB-C charging.
The electronics were designed around low-power operation to maximize battery life while supporting the wireless functionality required by CarLock.
We also designed the platform with future products in mind. In addition to the rechargeable key tag, the electronics could support different sensors and interfaces, allowing CarLock to create multiple accessories around a common hardware architecture.
As part of the project, a second accessory was developed using an integrated light sensor, demonstrating how the same underlying platform could be adapted to different applications.
// OUR WORK
JPM Systems was responsible for:
- – Product architecture
- – Custom electronics development
- – PCB design
- – Bluetooth Low Energy integration
- – Rechargeable battery integration
- – Battery management
- – USB-C charging
- – Low-power electronics design
- – Sensor integration
- – Light sensor integration
- – Accelerometer / vibration sensor integration
- – Firmware development
- – BLE beacon functionality
- – Over-the-air firmware updates
- – Low-power firmware optimization
- – Mechanical and enclosure development
- – Prototype development
- – Testing and validation
- – Design for manufacturing
- – Production preparation
// KEY CHALLENGES
Moving from Replaceable to Rechargeable Batteries
Adding a rechargeable battery affects much more than the power source itself.
The electronics had to incorporate safe battery charging, USB-C connectivity and power management while remaining compact enough for a small accessory that can be carried together with a user's keys.
Battery capacity, physical dimensions and power consumption therefore had to be considered as one complete system.
Maximizing Battery Life
A wireless accessory is expected to operate continuously without requiring frequent charging.
Both the electronics and firmware were therefore designed around low-power operation, carefully managing Bluetooth communication, sensor activity and sleep states to minimize energy consumption.
Building a Platform Instead of a Single Product
Instead of developing completely different electronics for every future CarLock accessory, we designed the system to support multiple sensor configurations.
Additional interfaces, including I²C, SPI and UART, provide possibilities for future expansion, while the enclosure can be adapted depending on the sensor and intended use.
This creates a reusable technology platform rather than a collection of unrelated products.
Different Products, Shared Technology
Different accessories introduce different mechanical requirements.
A key tag needs an attachment point for a key ring, while a light-sensing accessory requires an optical opening or transparent section positioned correctly toward the light source.
The electronics and mechanical design therefore had to remain flexible enough to support different product configurations while maximizing reuse of the underlying technology.
// THE RESULT
The project transformed CarLock's existing accessory concept into a modern rechargeable product platform with USB-C charging and reusable electronics.
The first implementation provides the functionality required for a rechargeable Bluetooth key accessory, while the same architecture was extended into another rechargeable sensor product using light detection.
By developing a common hardware and firmware foundation, CarLock can expand its accessory portfolio while reducing duplicated development effort across future products.
The project demonstrates how custom product development can go beyond redesigning an individual device: an existing product can become the foundation for a scalable family of connected products.