Integrated Bicycle Rack with Payment and Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle locking systems at public locations lack efficient payment processing, visibility enhancement, and monitoring features, making them insecure and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle rack with integrated parking elements, movable bicycle locks, a card reader for payment processing, a camera for monitoring, a light emitter for enhanced visibility, and a transceiver for wireless unlocking, along with a control circuit and power supply, including a solar panel for energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bicycle locking systems are used, then the structure is simple, but they lack payment processing, monitoring, and visibility features making them inconvenient and insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate functions (locking mechanism, payment processing, monitoring camera, light emitter, and wireless communication) into a single integrated bicycle rack system. The control circuit coordinates all these components through a unified system, allowing users to access and lock bicycles through a centralized interface while maintaining individual functionality of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The bicycle rack is designed as a multi-functional system that simultaneously provides mechanical locking, payment processing, security monitoring, visibility enhancement, and wireless communication capabilities. Each component serves its primary function while contributing to the overall security and convenience ecosystem, making the system universally applicable to various public bicycle parking needs.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional bicycle locks are used, then the device is simple, but they lack visibility enhancement features for night use
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter is integrated into the bicycle rack structure and controlled by the central control circuit, combining illumination functionality with the existing locking and monitoring systems. This allows the light to be activated in coordination with other security features without requiring a separate control mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If automated locking systems with payment processing are implemented, then convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The card reader enables users to independently process payments and lock bicycles without requiring manual intervention from rack operators. The system automatically processes transactions, activates the locking mechanism, and provides confirmation through the display, allowing users to complete the entire locking process autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with an automated electromechanical system. The control circuit electronically manages the locking mechanism activation based on payment verification, substituting the need for manual key-based or mechanical locking procedures with an automated electronic control system.
4Reliability
If monitoring features are added to bicycle racks, then security is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is integrated into the bicycle rack and connected to the control circuit, merging the monitoring function with the existing system architecture. The camera works in coordination with the locking mechanism and other components, sharing the same power supply and control infrastructure rather than operating as a completely separate system.
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
Facilitates secure, convenient, and monitored bicycle locking with payment processing, enhanced visibility at night, and wireless unlocking, improving user experience and security.
Implementation Method 1
A solar panel is integrated into the bicycle rack for energy harvesting
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle locking assembly includes a bicycle rack is secured to a support surface and a plurality of parking elements each is integrated into the bicycle rack to have a respective bicycle parked in the parking elements. A plurality of bicycle locks is each movably integrated into the bicycle rack for locking a respective bicycle to a respective parking element. A card reader is coupled to the bicycle rack for processing a payment to facilitate a user to lock their bicycle to the bicycle rack. A camera is integrated into the bicycle rack to record footage of the bicycle rack thereby monitoring bicycles that are locked to the bicycle rack. A light emitter is coupled to the bicycle rack to emit light outwardly from the bicycle rack for enhancing visibility of the bicycle rack at night.