Configurable Cable Lock With Adjustable Anchorage Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for securing objects, such as bicycles or displays, lack versatility in configuring anchorage points and allowing multiple branches to be securely locked or unlocked with a single lock, often being prone to weaknesses and limited configurations.
Innovation Solution
A configurable safety device featuring an articulated tubular body with a steering lock, a cable, and anchorage clamps, allowing adjustable cable extension and relocation of anchorage points, enabling the device to be customized for various configurations with a single lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chains with padlocks are used for security, then versatility in anchoring is improved, but structural strength and resistance to breaking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the anchoring system into modular components: an articulated tubular body made of linked segments, multiple independent anchorage clamps that can be positioned separately, and a single lock mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated tubular body combines metallic cables with metallic shields in a composite structure, leveraging the tensile strength of the cable and the resistance provided by the shield to create a unified element that is both strong and versatile.
2Reliability
If multiple locks are used for multiple branches, then security for each branch is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking functions into a single lock mechanism. This single lock controls all anchorage clamps across all branches simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate locks while maintaining security across the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it can lock and unlock any number of anchorage clamps on any branch, providing universal control across the entire device regardless of configuration complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If predetermined length devices are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static predetermined length to a dynamic adjustable length system. The cable can be extended or retracted within the tubular body, and anchorage clamps can be repositioned along the cable, allowing the device to adapt to various configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is nested within the tubular body, allowing the cable to extend and retract as needed. This nesting arrangement enables variable effective length without requiring multiple devices of different fixed lengths, simplifying manufacturing while maximizing adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Configurable safety device comprising a main branch which, in turn, comprises a cable delimited by a flashing and a steering lock, with a series of rings and anchorage clamps of complementary geometries arranged on the cable in such a way that, in the locked position, all these elements are closely joined and the anchorage clamps are blocked without the possibility of opening, while in the unlocked position, spaces are generated between the elements, anchorage clamps and rings, allowing the opening of these anchorage clamps. The passage from the closed to the unlocked position is obtained by increasing the available cable extension, and the passage from the unlocked to the locked position by decreasing it. For this purpose, the steering lock has the means to increase or decrease this extension of available cable as well as a latch to fix it.