Concealed Bicycle Lock System Non-Destructive Fork Tube Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hidden bicycle locks require destructive modifications to the bicycle, such as brazing and perforation, making setup complex and costly, and affecting the bicycle's structural resistance and second-hand market value.
Innovation Solution
A concealed bicycle lock system that allows locking and unlocking by controlling the linkage between the stem and fork tube without destructive modification, using a connector with a fastener to secure the lock's lower shaft into the fork tube and expanding mechanism to abut against the inner side wall, enabling simple setup without altering the bicycle's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch penetrating both the fork tube and head tube is used to prevent rotation, then the locking function is improved, but the bicycle requires destructive modification (brazing and perforation) which increases setup complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into separate components: a lock body that threads onto the fork tube externally, and a separate latch mechanism that engages with the head tube. This segmentation eliminates the need for destructive modification while maintaining the locking function, as each component can be installed independently without altering the bicycle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the fork tube assembly and the head tube. This positioning ring provides the necessary engagement features for the latch without requiring direct penetration or modification of the fork tube or head tube, thereby simplifying the setup process while ensuring reliable locking.
2Reliability
If destructive modification (brazing and perforation) is performed on the bicycle, then the locking function is improved, but the bicycle's structural resistance and second-hand market value deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is designed to be installed on the bicycle before any riding occurs, with the lock body threading onto the externally accessible fork tube. This preliminary installation approach avoids the need for destructive modification entirely, preserving the bicycle's structural integrity and value while establishing the locking function from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the original bicycle structure with permanent changes, the invention creates a separate, copyable locking system that attaches to existing external features. The lock body can be unscrewed and reinstalled, and the positioning ring can be removed and reattached, allowing the locking function to be replicated without altering the bicycle's original structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple toothed slots are cut on the head tube end surface for the positioning ring, then the positioning stability is improved, but the setup complexity and destructive modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting slots into the head tube to accommodate the positioning ring, the design is inverted: the positioning ring is designed with protrusions that engage with corresponding features on the fork tube assembly. This inversion eliminates the need for destructive modification of the head tube while achieving the same positioning stability through a simpler setup process.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a concealed bicycle lock system and a setup method thereof. The lock system of the disclosure includes a lock with an upper shaft and a lower shaft. The upper shaft is configured to link and move with a handlebar via a stem; the lower shaft is configured to link and move with a front wheel by embedding the lower shaft into a fork tube. When the lock is in a locked mode, the upper shaft and the lower shaft are not linked to move together. In contrast, the upper shaft and the lower shaft are linked to move together in an unlocked mode. A user may set up the lock without performing destructive modification to the bicycle.