Bicycle Smart Lock with Nested Key and Gear Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle locks are vulnerable to theft and misuse since they can be easily lifted and moved even when locked, and the key can be removed or damaged, lacking a secure locking mechanism for both docked and undocked bicycles.
Innovation Solution
A smart lock system incorporating a gear, locking member, driving module, ratchet mechanism, and spring system that engages and disengages the locking tooth portion with the gear upon key activation, providing a secure locking and unlocking mechanism with a simple structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bicycle lock with a cable and key is used, then the bicycle can be locked, but the locked bicycle can still be easily lifted and moved, and the key can be removed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the lock body and can be inserted into or withdrawn from the lock body. When inserted, it forms an integrated locking structure with the key and cable, preventing the key from being separately removed. This nesting mechanism ensures that the key and locking member work together as a unified system, eliminating the vulnerability of key removal while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be dynamically positionable - it can be inserted into the lock body to engage the locking mechanism or withdrawn to unlock it. This dynamic positioning allows the system to transition between locked and unlocked states while preventing unauthorized removal of the key, as the key must remain inserted to maintain the locked state.
2Reliability
If a conventional bicycle lock is used, then the structure remains simple, but the locking effect is insufficient and the bicycle can be moved even when locked
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional components: the lock body, the locking member with locking tooth, the key with engaging portion, and the cable. Each component has a specific function, and their coordinated interaction creates a robust locking mechanism. The locking member can be inserted or withdrawn from the lock body, providing a simple yet effective way to enhance locking reliability without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the key and the lock body. When the key is inserted, it drives the locking member into the lock body, where the locking tooth engages with the gear or docking structure. This intermediary mechanism translates the simple action of key insertion into a secure locked state, enhancing locking effectiveness while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the key is allowed to be removed from the lock, then the user can unlock the bicycle, but the key might be removed or damaged by purpose, compromising security
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the lock body and must remain inserted to maintain the locked state. This nesting design prevents the key from being separately removed or damaged, as the key and locking member function as an integrated unit. The key can still be used to unlock the bicycle by withdrawing the locking member, but the nested structure eliminates the risk of intentional key removal or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pre-configured to prevent unauthorized removal or damage of the key. When inserted into the lock body, it creates a mechanical interlock that protects the key from being pulled out or damaged. This preliminary protective action is built into the structure, proactively preventing harmful actions before they can occur.
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
The smart lock system effectively secures bicycles to docks and allows for secure rental and return processes, offering a strong locking effect and preventing unauthorized movement or key removal, enhancing the security and usability of bicycle rental systems.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet member and a spring urging the ratchet toward the gear
Data Source
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AI summary
A smart lock (20) of a bicycle includes a bicycle locking apparatus (30) and a dock locking apparatus (50). The bicycle locking apparatus (30) works with a key (22) to lock the bicycle without dock, and the dock locking apparatus (50) works with a dock to lock the bicycle to the dock. The bicycle locking apparatus (30) includes a gear (32), a locking member (34), and a driving module (36). The locking member (34) has a locking tooth portion (35), the driving module (36) moves the locking member (34) to engage and disengage the locking tooth portion (35) of the locking member (34) with an engaging portion (24) of the key (22). The dock locking apparatus (50) has a locking latch (52) and a stop member (54). The driving module (36) moves the locking member (34) to let the stop member (54) against or away from the locking latch (52) to lock or unlock the bicycle to the dock.