Bicycle Battery Locking Assembly With Interlocking Anti-Theft Latch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle battery systems lack an effective anti-theft mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of the battery without a key, as current locks can be opened using tools like screwdrivers.

Innovation Solution

A battery assembly with interlocking members, including hooks and recesses between the lock and the interfacing surface, which engage upon battery insertion, preventing movement in the longitudinal direction and blocking access to the latch without a key, using a blocking strip that mounts onto existing locks for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lock with latch is used to prevent battery removal, then theft prevention is improved, but the lock can still be opened using tools like screwdrivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft securityVSAvoidtool-based lock picking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces interlocking members with hooks and recesses that engage in a longitudinal dimension, preventing tool insertion from the side. The blocking strip extends across the receiving opening to create a new dimensional barrier that blocks tool access to the latch mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking members act as intermediary elements between the lock and the battery, creating a mechanical engagement system that prevents direct tool access. The blocking strip serves as an intermediary barrier that must be overcome before the latch can be accessed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the battery can be removed without tools for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but unauthorized removal becomes possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery removal convenienceVSAvoidanti-theft security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking members are pre-configured to engage automatically upon battery insertion, creating a secure connection before any removal attempt. The blocking strip is positioned in advance to prevent tool access, ensuring security is established prior to any operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lock system serves itself by automatically engaging the interlocking members when the battery is inserted, without requiring additional locking actions. The system self-secures through the mechanical engagement of hooks and recesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240417018A1Bicycle battery assembly

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 KONINK GAZELLE BV

AI summary

A bicycle battery assembly (10) comprising a battery (2) and a casing, such as a frame tube (5) of a bicycle frame, with a receiving opening (7) for receiving the battery. An interfacing surface (14) at one end of the battery comprises a stop (20). The battery assembly comprises a lock (12) in the casing (5), the lock having a latch (17) which can be moved between a retracted position and a locking position engaging the stop (20) of the interfacing surface. The lock and the interfacing surface comprise interlocking members (29, 32) engaging each other upon insertion of the battery (2) in the receiving opening (7).