Bicycle Locking Ring with Electronic Actuator and Tamper Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bicycle locks do not effectively prevent unauthorized use or theft, as they can be broken and ridden away, and using multiple locks is cumbersome and inefficient for security.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle locking device with a housing coupled to the frame, featuring a locking ring that rotates between unlocked and locked positions, actuated by an electronic component, and equipped with a communications module, accelerometer, sound-emitting device, GPS, and remote control functionality to detect tampering and provide visual and remote alerts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple conventional bicycle locks are used to improve security, then the security level is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidnumber of locks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple security functions (locking mechanism, alarm system, GPS tracking, wireless communication) into a single integrated device. The housing contains an actuator that controls a locking ring, while electronic components including accelerometer, sound-emitting device, and communication module work together as a unified security system, eliminating the need for multiple separate locks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single locking device performs multiple security functions: mechanical locking through the locking ring, tamper detection via accelerometer, audible alarm through sound-emitting device, and remote monitoring via GPS and wireless communication. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive security equivalent to multiple locks while reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple conventional bicycle locks are used to improve security, then the security level is improved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidweight of locks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple security functions into a single housing, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate lock devices. The actuator, locking ring, accelerometer, sound-emitting device, and communication module are all contained within one unit, significantly reducing the total weight compared to carrying multiple conventional locks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple conventional bicycle locks are used to improve security, then the security level is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidlocking and unlocking process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with an electronic actuator controlled by wireless communication. The actuator receives wireless signals to automatically engage or disengage the locking ring, eliminating the need for manual key insertion, turning, and memory of lock combinations, thereby greatly simplifying the operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device can automatically detect tampering through the accelerometer and trigger the alarm system without human intervention. The wireless communication module can also automatically lock or unlock the device based on received signals, reducing the need for manual operation while maintaining high security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If current bicycle locks are used, then the locking function is provided, but the ability to detect and alert tampering is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetamper detection capabilityVSAvoidelectronic components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates electronic sensors (accelerometer) and communication modules (GPS, wireless transceiver) into the locking device, replacing purely mechanical locking systems. These electronic components enable automatic tamper detection, real-time location tracking, and remote alerting capabilities that significantly enhance security monitoring while integrating seamlessly with the mechanical locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3189198B1Bicycle security device
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 LINKA GRP LTD
  • EP3189198B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3189198B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3189198B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A bicycle locking device coupled to a bicycle and configured to prevent a wheel from turning. The device is configured with transceiver to communicated with a remote device to receive locking and unlocking indications and to transmit tampering indications to a remote device. The device can include an audible sound when tampering is detected.