Bicycle Locking Arrangement with Offset Housing and Transverse Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle locking arrangements are either insecure against theft, difficult to operate, or compromise riding safety due to weak connections between the handlebars and steering stem, making them vulnerable to theft by unauthorized access or tampering.
Innovation Solution
A locking arrangement featuring a longitudinally extending channel in the lock housing with a pivotable pawl and tongue mechanism, where the lock rod engages multiple transverse openings in the steering stem and sleeve, providing a strong and secure connection that can only be disengaged with a key, ensuring the bicycle cannot be ridden without authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lock is used to protect the bicycle against theft by forming an integral part of the bicycle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability against theft is worsened because the lock connection can be easily forced or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate functional components: a lock body mounted on the frame, a movable connection element (sleeve or handlebar) that can be independently positioned, and a locking mechanism that engages these segments. This segmentation allows the lock to be operated easily while maintaining security through the interlocking of distinct parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the lock and the movable element (sleeve or handlebar) is designed to be dynamically changeable between locked and unlocked states. The locking mechanism allows for easy transition between these states through simple user actions, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability when locked.
2Ease of manufacture
If a lock is designed with a simple and inexpensive construction, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability against theft is worsened due to vulnerability to forcing or breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to utilize the existing structural elements of the bicycle (frame, handlebars, steering stem) as integral parts of the locking system. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex additional components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliability through the inherent strength of the bicycle's own structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arrangement serves multiple functions: it secures the bicycle against theft, maintains the structural integrity of the steering mechanism, and provides a mounting point for the lock without requiring separate complex assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity and manufacturing costs while ensuring reliability.
3Reliability
If the connection between handlebars and steering stem is made rigid for safe riding, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened because the connection cannot be easily released for theft protection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the handlebars and steering stem is designed to be dynamically changeable between a rigid locked state for safe riding and a released state for theft protection. The locking mechanism enables easy transition between these states through simple user actions, maintaining reliability when locked while improving ease of operation for security purposes.
4Ease of operation
If the lock housing is placed offset from the recess to allow operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened because a blow on the lock housing can create a moment that unlocks the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The lock housing is positioned offset from the recess in an asymmetric arrangement that optimizes both operation and security. This asymmetric placement allows the lock to be operated easily while the offset position itself becomes part of the security mechanism, requiring specific operational sequences that prevent accidental or forceful unlocking.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A locking arrangement for a bicycle with a frame head tube (3) and a steering stem (4) which defines a steering axis (4') and is rotatably mounted in the frame head tube (3), said locking arrangement comprising a transverse opening (23) formed in the steering stem (4), a lock housing (9) which defines an axis (9') and is rigidly attached to a sleeve (7), a lock rod (27) arranged for being displaced in the lock housing (9) between an advanced position where the lock rod (27) can extend into said transverse opening (23,24) and a retracted position where that is not possible, a lock (12) which is mounted in the lock housing (9) and is adapted to lock the lock rod (27) in both the advanced and retracted position, and a pair of handlebars (10) connected to the sleeve (7). The axis (9') of the lock housing (9) intersects the steering axis (4'), a longitudinally extending channel (26) is formed in the housing, and the lock (12) is axially movable in the channel (26). The bicycle can by means of this construction effectively be secured against theft when left in a park mode in e.g. an open space and is safe to ride when rearranged from the park mode to a ride mode.