Adjustable Bicycle Folding Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding bicycle structures face issues with the locking device deforming over time, leading to hooks that cannot tightly engage, compromising the secure locking of the first and second bodies.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a position and angle adjustable restraining member and a movably connected locking actuator, which ensures the first body is securely locked to the second body by maintaining tight frictional contact through adjustable components and cam surfaces, preventing deformation and ensuring consistent engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a locking device with hooks is used to lock the first body to the second body, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the locking device deforms after repeated locking operations and the hooks become unable to tightly engage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking actuator is designed as a movable component that can transition between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the locking device to dynamically adapt to repeated operations without permanent deformation. The movable actuator can be repositioned after each locking cycle, preventing the accumulation of deformation that occurs in fixed hook structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking actuator changes its positional parameter between locked and unlocked states, allowing the system to reset after each operation. This parameter change enables the locking device to maintain reliable engagement by returning to its original configuration, avoiding the progressive deformation seen in static hook-based systems.
2Reliability
If a locking device with movable locking actuator is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: the restraining member with cam surface and the movable locking actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity. The cam surface handles the locking geometry, while the actuator handles the movement, dividing complexity into manageable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the hooks actively engage and lock, the design inverts the mechanism by using a restraining member with a cam surface that passively guides the locking actuator into the locked position. This inversion simplifies the actuator design while maintaining reliability, as the cam surface does the work of ensuring proper engagement geometry.
3Reliability
If the restraining member is made position adjustable and angle adjustable, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining member is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities for both position and angle, allowing it to adapt to variations in assembly and wear. This dynamic adjustability ensures reliable engagement by compensating for dimensional variations, while the adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the existing structure to minimize added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining member serves multiple functions: it provides the locking geometry through its cam surface, allows position adjustment for alignment, and permits angle adjustment for proper engagement orientation. This multi-functionality consolidates several potential components into one, reducing overall device complexity while improving engagement reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures the first body remains securely locked to the second body, preventing pivotal movement and maintaining engagement without deformation, thus addressing the reliability issues of prior art folding structures.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining tight frictional contact through adjustable components and cam surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
A first body (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) is pivotally connected to a second body (30, 30a, 30b, 30c). A locking device (40, 40a, 40b, 40c) includes a restraining member (41, 41b) connected to the first body and position adjustable and angle adjustable with respect to the first body, and includes a locking actuator (43, 43a, 43b, 43c) connected to the second body. The first and second bodies have a first relative position in which the restraining member and the locking actuator are disposed in contact with one another. The locking device is adapted to lock the first body to the second body when the first and second bodies are disposed in the first relative position. The locking actuator is operable to a first position selectively locking first body to the second body and a second position unlocking the first and second bodies.