Bicycle Locking Device with Central Perpendicular Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-theft devices for bicycles and vehicles are cumbersome, difficult to mount, and require excessive time and effort to lock and unlock, often causing discomfort and interference with vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact lock system with a central hinge link attached perpendicularly to the bicycle or object, allowing for easy folding and storage, reducing the number of steps and time to transition between locked and unlocked modes, and preventing improper use by restricting movement and orientation of the lock elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anti-theft devices such as U-Locks, cable locks and chains are used, then security function is provided, but the locking process becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into multiple segments or arms that can be independently positioned and folded. Each segment can be quickly deployed or retracted, allowing the locking mechanism to be engaged or disengaged in a single swift motion rather than requiring manual manipulation of a rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic, movable components that can transition between locked and unlocked states through folding motions. The arms and segments are designed to move smoothly along predetermined paths, enabling rapid deployment and retraction while maintaining security when locked.
2Ease of operation
If conventional folding locks are used, then portability is improved, but the device causes discomfort, excessive rattling or shaking while riding
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with nested components where arms and segments can be folded into each other when not in use. This nesting capability allows the device to be compacted to a minimal size, reducing interference with the rider while maintaining structural integrity to minimize rattling and shaking during transport.
3Ease of operation
If the lock system allows flexible movement of elements, then ease of locking is improved, but the device may be used improperly and fail to secure properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates guide structures, alignment features, or intermediary components that direct the movement of flexible elements into the correct locking position. These intermediaries ensure that even though the arms can move freely during deployment, they are guided into precise engagement positions that guarantee proper securing, preventing improper use while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A link arm for securing bicycles and other vehicles and their components to each other and to fixed objects such as bike racks and street poles. The link arm is composed of a plurality of elements flexibly joined to each other by cylindrical joints, joined to the bicycle or vehicle by a perpendicularly oriented central hinge, allowing for restricted movement and rotation of other elements in the link arm. The link arm is designed to, when fastened, form a closed loop around the bicycle or vehicle frame, wheel and bike rack. When not in use, the device can be folded into a neat, compact configuration for convenient storage. The central perpendicular hinge enables fast and simple transition between the two states of fastened and in storage.