Articulated Chain Lock Structure for Compact Bicycle Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chain locks for two-wheelers, such as hoop locks, cable locks, and jointed bar locks, face challenges in providing a balance of flexibility, security, compactness, and weight, especially when securing lightweight bicycles, as they either require close proximity to the immovable object, have limited length, or are cumbersome to transport.

Innovation Solution

A chain lock with a serial arrangement of links coupled via articulated joints, allowing for a compact storage configuration by pivoting links relative to each other about parallel joint axes, enabling easy folding and secure, flexible use, while maintaining a low weight through rigid, hardened metal construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid U-shaped closing hoop is used, then security against breaking is improved, but the length is limited and positioning flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against breakingVSAvoidpositioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid closing hoop is divided into multiple individual chain links that can move relative to each other through articulated joints. This segmentation allows the latch element to maintain the strength of rigid components while gaining the flexibility of a modular, articulating structure that can adapt to various positioning requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible rope or cable is used, then positioning flexibility is improved, but security against breaking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidsecurity against breaking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The material parameter of the latch element is changed from flexible soft material (rope/cable) to rigid metal chain links. This parameter change transforms the properties to achieve both flexibility through articulation and strength through rigid hardened metal construction, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If a link chain with round or oval links is used, then security is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against breakingVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-sectional parameter of the chain links is changed from round or oval to flat-elongate shape. This parameter change reduces the material volume and weight of each link while maintaining the security properties through hardened metal construction and articulated joint design that prevents breaking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If jointed bar locks with long bars are used, then positioning flexibility is improved, but compactness for transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidtransport compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The long latch element is segmented into multiple shorter chain links that can be articulated and folded relative to each other. This segmentation enables the lock to achieve long extended length for flexible positioning while allowing compact folding for transport, resolving the contradiction between positioning flexibility and transport compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Adaptability or versatility

If the number of jointed bars is increased, then positioning flexibility is improved, but ease of folding deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidease of folding

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The chain lock utilizes a flexible chain structure where individual links can pivot independently through articulated joints. This flexible link mechanism allows easy folding with minimal hand movements compared to rigid jointed bars, while still achieving the necessary positioning flexibility through the articulating chain configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12359471B2Chain lock and chain for a chain lock

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SOEHNE KG

AI summary

A chain lock comprises a lock body and a chain lockable to the lock body. This chain comprises a serial arrangement of consecutive links coupled to one another via a respective articulated joint and pivotable relative to one another about a joint axis, which is parallel to a normal direction, of the respective articulated joint. The arrangement is foldable into a compact storage configuration in which, at each of the articulated joints, the links coupled to one another via the respective articulated joint are pivoted relative to one another about the joint axis of the respective articulated joint such that they enclose the smallest possible angle of their relative pivotability. A pulling device extends along said arrangement, by way of which a first end of the arrangement and a second end of the arrangement opposite thereto are pullable toward one another to bring the arrangement into the compact storage configuration.