Bicycle Locking Mechanism with Dynamo Power and Segmented Dock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle sharing systems face inefficiencies in capital equipment deployment and operational complexities due to the high number of docking stations required for locking hardware, leading to increased costs and a higher rate of lost or stolen bicycles when docks are not used.
Innovation Solution
A lock system designed for mounting on bicycles, which includes a low-power design with a battery recharged by a dynamo and minimal mechanically driven parts, allowing for wireless communication with a control station, and a simple dock design with complementary locking members that can securely engage with the lock, reducing the need for extensive electronics and power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If docking stations are deployed extensively to provide locking hardware, then bicycle security is improved, but capital costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent parts: a lock unit mounted on the bicycle and a docking station. The lock unit contains the latch, locking member, and actuator, while the docking station only provides complementary locking members. This segmentation allows the complex electronic control and actuation mechanisms to be distributed to individual bicycles rather than centralized in docking stations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The active locking mechanism including the actuator, locking member, and control electronics is extracted from the docking station and placed on the bicycle itself. The docking station is reduced to a passive structure with complementary locking members. This extraction eliminates the need for complex power sources and control systems at each docking station, reducing capital costs and operational complexity while the bicycle-mounted lock unit maintains security functionality.
2Reliability
If docking stations are deployed extensively to provide locking hardware, then bicycle security is improved, but capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The active locking mechanism including the actuator, locking member, and control electronics is extracted from the docking station and placed on the bicycle itself. The docking station is reduced to a passive structure with complementary locking members. This extraction eliminates the need for complex power sources and control systems at each docking station, reducing capital costs and operational complexity while the bicycle-mounted lock unit maintains security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock unit mounted on each bicycle serves multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism, houses the actuator for engagement/disengagement, contains control electronics for communication with the docking station, and integrates the battery and dynamo power system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components at each docking station, reducing overall capital equipment requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional locking systems are used without docks, then deployment flexibility is improved, but the rate of lost or stolen bicycles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent parts: a lock unit mounted on the bicycle and a docking station. The lock unit contains the latch, locking member, and actuator, while the docking station only provides complementary locking members. This segmentation allows the complex electronic control and actuation mechanisms to be distributed to individual bicycles rather than centralized in docking stations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
4Reliability
If extensive docking stations are deployed, then locking functionality is improved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent parts: a lock unit mounted on the bicycle and a docking station. The lock unit contains the latch, locking member, and actuator, while the docking station only provides complementary locking members. This segmentation allows the complex electronic control and actuation mechanisms to be distributed to individual bicycles rather than centralized in docking stations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
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
This solution reduces capital costs, improves the availability of bicycles for users, and simplifies maintenance by allowing flexible deployment of docks while maintaining security and tracking functionality, thus addressing the inefficiencies and operational challenges of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a battery recharged by a dynamo
Implementation Method 2
A spring biases the locking member towards the locked position
Implementation Method 3
A camming surface on the latching member presses against a camming surface of the structure, generating a force to rotate the latch
Data Source
AI summary
A lock for securing a bicycle to a dock. The lock consumes little power in operation, with transitions between states in which a bicycle is locked to a dock and released from the dock being driven predominately by force applied to the bicycle by a user. Force applied to the bicycle may drive a latch within the lock to move between a latched and unlatched position. A locking member may be driven in one direction by an actuator and retained by an arm that blocks movement of the locking member. The locking member may be driven in the other direction by spring force, when the locking member is released by movement of the arm, which is coupled to the latch and therefore driven by a user applying force to a bicycle. As a result, a small battery may supply power to the actuator and to communication and control circuitry.