Bicycle Skewer Rod Lock Assembly with Security Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release mechanisms for bicycle tires are vulnerable to theft due to their complexity and cost, and current lock devices are either expensive or can be easily bypassed using tools like pliers.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle skewer rod locking assembly featuring a security nut sub-assembly with peripheral and sidewall keyways, a rotatable sleeve, and a key tool with inwardly depending keys, which prevents grasping with pliers and requires a specific tool for removal, ensuring secure attachment to the bicycle frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick release mechanism is used for bicycle tires, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to theft vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a skewer rod for insertion, a nut with keyways for securing, a sleeve with keyways for additional security, and a specialized key tool. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing both quick release capability and theft resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the nut and the external environment. It provides an additional layer of security by requiring a specialized key tool to access the nut's keyways, thereby mediating between the quick release function and theft prevention requirements.
2Reliability
If a specialized lock device is used to prevent theft, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The skewer rod assembly serves multiple functions: it secures the tire to the frame, provides a quick release mechanism, and incorporates theft prevention features. The nut and sleeve combination provides both structural securing and anti-theft protection, eliminating the need for separate locking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are nested within each other: the nut is inserted onto the skewer rod, the sleeve is placed over the nut, and the keyways are positioned concentrically. This nesting arrangement provides security functionality while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If a hex head or keyway structure is added to the nut, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Both the nut and sleeve feature keyways with similar geometries and spacing patterns. This homogeneity in design allows for standardized manufacturing processes and tooling, reducing the impact on manufacturing ease despite the added security features.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle skewer rod and lock assembly includes a skewer rod with a cap. A security nut sub-assembly is coupled to the other end of the skewer rod. The security nut sub-assembly includes a nut securable to the skewer rod and having a plurality of peripheral keyways, and a sleeve cupped around the periphery of the nut and rotatable with respect to the nut. A key includes a plurality of inwardly depending keys each received through a sleeve sidewall keyway and into a nut peripheral keyway to turn the nut with respect to the skewer rod when the sleeve sidewall keyways are aligned with the nut peripheral keyways.