Bicycle Lock Composite Shackle Resists Angle Grinder Abrasion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle locking devices, such as D-locks, are vulnerable to attacks by angle grinders and other cutting tools, and previous solutions that use sacrificial softer materials to hinder cutting tools often become significantly damaged during such attacks.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle locking device with a shackle and crossbar design featuring an inner core made of hardened steel surrounded by high-performance material plates on the outside, which are secured to sandwich the core, allowing the use of less expensive materials to achieve high resistance against angle grinders and other attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sacrificial softer material layer is used to clog grinder cutting grit, then angle grinder attack resistance is improved, but the lock becomes significantly damaged and compromised after attack
Solution Approach 1:
The lock employs a composite structure combining a harder inner core material with a softer outer material layer. The inner core provides structural integrity and resistance to damage, while the outer layer clogs grinder cutting grit. This composite approach allows the lock to resist angle grinder attacks without becoming compromised, as the harder core maintains its integrity even when the softer outer layer is worn or damaged.
2Strength
If harder material is used throughout the lock structure, then overall strength and impact resistance are improved, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock applies different material hardness to different regions: the inner core uses harder material for impact resistance and structural strength, while the outer layer uses softer material for grinder resistance and cost efficiency. This localized material selection optimizes performance for specific attack vectors without unnecessarily increasing the cost or complexity of manufacturing the entire lock structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If expensive high-performance material is used extensively, then resistance to angle grinder attacks is improved, but the cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies expensive high-performance material only where it is most needed - in the inner core structure - while using more cost-effective materials for the outer layer. This localized application of expensive material ensures maximum grinder attack resistance at critical points without unnecessarily inflating the overall cost of the lock, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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 design effectively resists angle grinder attacks while minimizing the use of expensive, hard materials, making the locks more cost-effective and easier to manufacture for various applications, from children's bikes to motorcycles, while also providing protection against compression and impact attacks.
Implementation Method 1
The high performance material is designed to withstand angle grinders/abrasive cutting by wearing away grinding disks when under attack
Implementation Method 2
the inner core material is designed to withstand attacks against compression/crushing or heavy impacts such as bolt croppers or hammer attacks
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle locking device including a shackle with first and second arms, a lockable crossbar releasably engaging the first and second arms to form a closed loop with the shackle. The shackle and crossbar including an inner core, with an outer topside and an outer underside. At least one plate of high performance material is secured to the topside and underside of the shackle and crossbar to sandwich the inner core therebetween. The high performance material is harder and more brittle than the inner core.