Multi-Point Bicycle Locking Station With Adjustable Wheel Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle locking solutions, especially in public areas, lack security and monitoring features, making them vulnerable to theft and unreliable for users and administrative systems.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle locking station with adjustable height and distance wheel locks, integrated sensors, actuators, and telecommunications hardware for secure locking and remote monitoring, along with power supply for e-bikes, enabling automated locking and unlocking processes and real-time status updates through a mobile app.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a personal lock system is used to secure the bike frame to the wheel or stand, then the bike can be locked in public areas, but it remains vulnerable to thieves cutting through the lock or removing parts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into multiple independent locking points: a frame lock for the bicycle frame and two wheel locks for the wheels. This segmentation ensures that even if one lock is compromised, the others remain secure, significantly increasing overall security against theft
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple locking functions (frame locking and dual wheel locking) into a single integrated station with coordinated actuators. The station merges mechanical locking, sensor monitoring, and automated control into one unified system, providing comprehensive security through combined protection mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If simple mounting brackets are provided in public areas, then bike parking is available, but no feedback or monitoring is provided to users
Solution Approach 1:
The locking station incorporates sensors at each locking point that provide real-time feedback to users through a mobile application. The system monitors and communicates the locked/unlocked status of the frame lock and wheel locks, giving users complete information about their bike's security status without requiring them to physically check each lock
Solution Approach 2:
The station provides multiple functions beyond simple mechanical locking: it includes automated locking/unlocking via actuators, real-time status monitoring through sensors, wireless communication with mobile devices, and comprehensive security coverage for frame and wheels. This multi-functional approach transforms a basic parking bracket into an intelligent security system
3Adaptability or versatility
If communal bikes are used with parking stations, then temporary bike access is provided, but proper locking and monitoring by administrative systems is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The station's sensor system provides continuous feedback to the administrative system about the presence, locking status, and position of communal bikes. This enables the administrative system to reliably track bike locations, verify proper locking, and manage bike distribution without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual locking and monitoring mechanisms with automated electromechanical actuators and electronic sensors. The automated system eliminates the need for users to manually secure bikes, ensuring consistent and reliable locking while providing digital monitoring data to administrative systems for fleet management
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable locking mechanisms are added to accommodate different bike sizes, then versatility increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame lock is mounted on a vertically extending structure that allows vertical adjustment to accommodate different bike frame heights. The wheel locks are positioned on a base with adjustable horizontal spacing to fit different wheel configurations. This dynamic adjustability enables the station to adapt to various bike sizes and types
Solution Approach 2:
The station incorporates universal locking capabilities that can secure multiple bike types through adjustment: the vertically adjustable frame lock accommodates different frame heights, while the horizontally adjustable wheel locks fit various wheel positions. This universal design allows a single station to serve diverse bicycle types without requiring multiple specialized locking mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for locking a bicycle to a station at several points on the bicycle. The station's locks are adjustable to accommodate different sizes of bicycles. The locking process may be automated to ensure a proper lock sequence at the command of the user. The station may monitor the state of the lock and communicate with the user via a mobile app.