Bicycle Dock Locking Mechanism Without Aperture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking mechanisms in cycle rental systems are not sufficiently strong, theft-proof, reliable, and energy-efficient, often requiring precise alignment and relying on aperture-based designs that are prone to malfunction, misalignment, and increased complexity, leading to potential theft and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism that uses a movable member to capture and secure a connecting member through displacement, eliminating the need for aperture-based alignment and reducing reliance on ball plungers, allowing for improved strength, simplicity, and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If aperture-based locking mechanisms are used, then the locking mechanism can be simple in design, but it requires precise alignment and is prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the aperture component entirely from the locking mechanism, replacing it with a direct engagement system where the connecting member interfaces directly with the locking member through edges and surfaces. This extraction of the aperture eliminates the alignment precision requirement while maintaining design simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a movable member pass through an aperture (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having the connecting member's edges directly engage with the locking member's surfaces. The locking action is achieved through edge-to-surface contact rather than through-hole passage, reversing the traditional engagement methodology.
2Reliability
If ball plunger mechanisms are used, then the locking mechanism can provide secure locking, but it increases device complexity and potential points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes ball plungers from the locking mechanism design. The securing function previously performed by ball plungers is replaced by a direct edge-to-surface engagement system where the connecting member's edges interact with the locking member's contact surfaces, eliminating the need for intermediate ball plunger components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces contact surfaces as intermediaries between the connecting member and locking member. These surfaces mediate the locking interaction, providing secure engagement without requiring ball plungers. The contact surfaces translate the edge engagement into reliable locking action, serving as a simpler intermediary compared to ball plunger mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If aperture-based alignment is required, then the locking mechanism can be straightforward, but it increases manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the aperture from the design, thereby removing the manufacturing precision requirement for aperture alignment. The locking mechanism operates based on edge-to-surface contact geometry rather than through-hole alignment, significantly reducing manufacturing tolerances needed while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental geometric parameters of the locking interaction from cylindrical aperture-to-shaft alignment to planar edge-to-surface contact. This parameter change from three-dimensional circular alignment to two-dimensional surface contact reduces the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while preserving operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An object management system and locking mechanism and method, such as may be used in a bicycle rental station. The system comprises a plurality of docking stations and a terminal connected to the docking stations by a network. At least one of the docking stations includes the locking mechanism for locking a connecting member secured to a bicycle or other object. The locking mechanism comprises a locking receptacle configured to receive the connecting member; a movable member positioned in the locking receptacle, the movable member having a lockable position and an unlockable position; and a locking member having a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member is configured to secure the movable member, the movable member is configured to secure the connecting member, and the locking member is configured to rotate to switch between the locked position and unlocked position.